Policies, Plans, By-Laws

The freedom to read, along with the freedom to hear and to view, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The Kinderhook Memorial Library supports intellectual freedom and has adopted the following statements as policy: American Library Association’s (ALA) Library Bill of Rights, ALA Freedom to Read Statement, ALA Statement on Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors, the American Film and Video Association’s Freedom to View Statement, and the New York Library Association’s Position Statement on the Defense of Intellectual Freedom.Access to the Library’s internet, as with all materials, programs, and services … Read more

The Kinderhook Memorial Library is committed to taking steps to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Library and of the community we serve. To this end, the Library will incorporate the interrelated principles of environmental stewardship, social equity and financial feasibility throughout our policiesand practices. This includes: Adopted December 20, 2022 Download a PDF of this policy.

The Kinderhook Memorial Library recognizes and strives to follow the practices of the ALA Code of Ethics, Article III, “We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted,” to the fullest extent of our abilities. Kinderhook Memorial Library will also support the rights and privacy of our patrons with the Civil Practice Laws and Rules Section 4509, Library Records. In the event that the Kinderhook Memorial Library is served with a formal and legitimate request by federal and/or state authorities under the Uniting and Strengthening … Read more

The public relations goals of the Kinderhook Memorial Library are: The Board of Trustees urges its members and every staff member and volunteer to realize that they represent the Library in every public contact. Good service supports good public relations. The Board will establish and maintain a budget to cover costs related to printing, publication, postage, and supplies in order to promote effective outreach to the community. All public relations materials must be reviewed and approved by the Library Director or the Board President. Social Media Social media is defined as any web-based tool such as blog, online forum, content-sharing … Read more

Any Kinderhook Memorial Library staff member or volunteer who reports any inappropriate conduct or wrongdoing at the Library, including waste, fraud, or abuse, will not be fired or otherwise retaliated against for making the report. To report suspected wrongdoing, a written report should be filed with the Library Director who will then report it to the Executive Committee of the Board (President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer). If it would be inappropriate to make the report to the Library Director, a report may be filed with any member of the Executive Committee. An appropriate investigation will be undertaken by the … Read more

Statement of Commitment It is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees of the Kinderhook Memorial Library and the individual trustees to ensure that the Kinderhook Memorial Library provides quality library service to the residents of the communities we serve. The Code of Ethics, which follows, represents our commitment to theethical standards for our library. Failure to adhere to this Code of Ethics by any individual trustee may result in removal from the Board. Ethical Guidelines Trustees in the capacity of trust upon them, shall observe ethical standards with absolute truth, integrity, and honor. Trustees must distinguish clearly between their … Read more

Effective (March 1, 2022), the Kinderhook Memorial Library requires that all employees complete a full COVID-19 vaccination protocol. Consistent with its duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of recognized hazards, the Library has adopted this policy to safeguard the health and well-being of employees and their families, other individuals who spend time in our facilities, and the community from infectious conditions that may be mitigated through an effective vaccination program. This policy is intended to comply with all state and local laws. It is based upon guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention … Read more

Library Vision Statement: Kinderhook Memorial Library envisions a future where all individuals and families in our service area are eager and engaged life-long learners. Library Mission Statement: The Kinderhook Memorial Library serves to enrich the quality of life for a diverse and growing constituency of all ages by providing resources and services which contribute to individual literacy, education and entertainment. The Library is dedicated to providing an environment for ongoing learning, and opportunities for creativity, self-fulfillment, and community engagement. Resources andservices are provided free or at a nominal cost. Background: In late 2018, the Kinderhook Memorial Library completed a building … Read more