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Library

Library Policies

In support of the College's educational mission, the Library is committed to maintaining an environment that is conducive to learning and study.

  • Overview

    Patrons are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of other Library users, staff, materials, and facilities. The Library reserves the right to revoke the privileges of any patron who violates Library policy. In addition, verbal harassment, including threats, or abuse of Library staff members will not be tolerated and will result in the permanent loss of privileges.

    Please Note:

    1. The Library is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen or damaged on Library premises.
    2. All books, bags, briefcases and other containers belonging to persons entering or leaving the Library may be subject to inspection by Library personnel.
    3. Parents or guardians may not leave children under ten unattended in the Library. Students enrolled in the School for Children in the 11/12's, 12/13's and 13/14's are permitted to work independently in the Library with an Upper School pass until 4:30. Please Refer to the Library Use by Children Policy for further details.

    Questions about Library policies should be directed to Director of Library Services Kristin Freda 212-875-4458.

  • Tutors and Tutoring
    1. Library space for tutoring is available from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday. All
      tutoring must be concluded by 3:30 pm.
    2. Tutors must sign in at the Circulation Desk.
    3. Tutors may work one-on-one with children, at tables on the North Side of the Library only.
    4. Tutors may not tutor students in the Library Lobby, the Quiet Room, or in the lounge areas.
    5. Space for tutoring is on a first come, first served basis.
    6. Tutors do not have free printing.
    7. Tutors may not leave their materials in the Library.
    8. Tutors may only tutor Bank Street SFC students in the Library.
  • Behavior

    The following behaviors are NOT permitted:

    1. Behavior that is unsafe, verbally or physically abusive, harassing or threatening to Library users or staff.
    2. Behavior that damages or misuses the property of the Library or of other users.
    3. Mutilating, damaging or defacing any Library materials, including tampering with or changing configurations or software on Library computers or displacing, disabling or unplugging Library equipment is prohibited.
    4. Behavior that is prohibited by other rules or policies of the College or by other applicable laws.
  • Circulation
    1. Books, videos, and DVDS in the Children's Collection may be borrowed for four weeks
    2. Books and theses in the Adult Collection may be borrowed for two weeks
    3. Reference books, periodicals, and books on reserve may be used in the Library only
    4. Renewals: materials may be renewed five times, unless someone else has requested the item
    5. Overdue fines: are charged at the rate of 25 cents per day per item. There are also charges for lost or damaged materials.
    6. You may renew books online at the Library website.
    7. If books are already overdue, you may renew by calling the Library Circulation desk at: 212-875-4455 or stop by the Library.
    8. The fine for lost books, videos, or other materials from the adult collection is $75.00 or the replacement cost for the item, whichever is higher.
    9. The fine for books, videos, or other materials from the children's collection is $40.00.
    10. Please remember that everyone is responsible for lost books.
    11. The Library offers patrons with significant outstanding fines the alternative of working in the Library to pay down the fines. Ten dollars will be credited against the fine balance for each hour worked.
    12. Children who have lost books should speak with the children's librarian.
    13. When fines or number of books overdue reach a certain level, the patron is blocked. This means you will not be able to renew books, place holds, or use the databases from home until the block is resolved. Please contact the Circulation Desk at 212-875-4455 to resolve any blocks as soon as possible. We appreciate your cooperation. 
  • Food and Beverage

    No food or drink is permitted in the Library, with the exception of bottled water. Patrons are welcome to bring lunches, coffee, snacks, etc. to the Library Lobby (the area between the Circulation Desk and elevators). Library staff will ask that any food or drinks other than bottled water be left at the Circulation Desk during Library use.

  • Library Use by Children

    Children are welcome and encouraged to use the Library both for research and to have a quiet place to work.

    This policy has been developed both to help reinforce the rules of behavior and for the safety of the children. After 4:30 p.m., there is no Library staff member available to adequately monitor children, and no one in the School for Children office to whom children could be referred for assistance.

    1. Parents or guardians may not leave children under ten unattended in the Library.
    2. Children in the 10/11's and younger are welcome to use the Library after school, provided they are accompanied by and under the supervision of an adult, either a parent or guardian.
    3. For 10/11's there is a "homework helpers" group that meets from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and that may come to the Library. Please contact After School Coordinator Linda Lake 212-875-4430  for more information.
    4. Students enrolled in the School for Children in the 11/12's, 12/13's and 13/14's are permitted to work independently in the Library until 4:30 with a pass from the Upper School Coordinator's office. They must sign in at the Library Circulation desk.
    5. No child may be in the Library after 4:30 p.m. unless accompanied by and under the supervision of an adult, either a parent or guardian.
    6. When parents and caregivers are in the library with children, they may only use the computers to do catalog searches for books and materials. They may not use the computers for the purpose of email, web surfing, research, or any other activity.
    7. Parents and caregivers are reminded that, in addition to the Library Use by Children Policy, all of the Library's other policies apply to children as well as to adults -- for example, the prohibition against eating in the Library.

    A reminder to parents: as members of the Bank Street community, you are welcome to use the Library and to take advantage of the Library's many resources. Please do not hesitate to contact Children's Librarian Lisa Von Drasek 212-875-4452, or Director of Library Services Kristin Freda 212-875-4458, if you have any questions.

  • Noise
    1. Cell Phones may NOT be used in the Library. Please turn off cell phones while in the Library. Cell phones may be used in the Library Lobby only.
    2. Patrons engaging in loud conversations that are disruptive to other patrons will be asked to lower their voices or to move to the Library lobby.
    3. The Quiet Reading Room is for individuals only. Group work is not permitted.
    4. Quiet conversations, tutoring, and small group work may be conducted at the tables on the north side of the Library.
    5. Patrons who do not comply may be asked to leave the Library.