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Tuesday: 10am - 8pm Wednesday: 10am - 5pm Thursday: 10am - 8pm Friday: 10am - 5pm Saturday: 10am - 1pm Holiday Closings:
The History of the RathbunThe Rathbun Free Memorial Library was opened in 1935 through the generosity of Norris W. Rathbun, and his wife Frances Lovina Rathbun, who deeded their property and the funds to build the Library upon their decease. Although originally funded solely through the Trust, over the years the increasing costs of maintaining the property and the library resources have outpaced the Trust's ability to be its' sole support. In recent years, the Town of East Haddam has assisted financially on a yearly basis, as well as the Friends of the Rathbun and the Library Council's Annual Drive. Today, the Rathbun offers substantial resources, both print and non-print/electronic, for its patrons and the community: a dynamic Fiction collection (bestsellers, mysteries, romance, science fiction, paperbacks and large-print), as well as a Factual/Non-Fiction collection; a growing Video/DVD and Book-on-Tape/CD collection (over 800 titles) as well as a quarterly rotating Foreign Film collection; Magazines; a substantial Children's and Young Adult department; a public Meeting Room; and a Genealogy and Local History Room. CirculationCirculation policies are instituted to ensure that library materials are available to all patrons on an equal basis. To guarantee the availability of these materials, the Library sets limits of length of borrowing, renewals, reserves, and fees. The Library determines who is eligible to borrow materials and who will provide for the return or replacement of such materials. The Library will issue a borrower's card, without charge, to all members of the East Haddam community with proof of residence. Young people under the age of 18 must have the accompanying signature of a parent or guardian before a card will be issued, and both the child and the parent/guardian must reside in East Haddam. A borrowing card may be issued to "temporary" residents, such as the members of the Goodspeed Opera House, but this decision rests with the Library Director. The borrowing period will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Temporary residents will be charged a $10 non-refundable deposit at the time the card is issued. A patron is responsible for all materials checked out under their card, and parents/guardians are responsible for all materials checked out under a child's card even if they are not present at the time of check-out. The patron is also liable for any damages which may occur to library materials while in their possession. A borrower's card will not be issued or renewed for a patron who has outstanding fees. To replace a missing or lost library card wil cost $2.00 card. Selection PoliciesSelection of collection materials is based upon the recommendations of respected reviewing sources and takes into consideration the wide range of maturity and interests of the community. The Library does not exclude a work because of objectionable language or vivid descriptions of sex or violence if the material otherwise meets the general selection criteria. The Library supports the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, and theFree Access to Libraries for Minors. Therefore, selections for the collections should not be inhibited by the possibility that items may come into the possession of a minor. The Library strives to maintain a healthy, dynamic collection of materials in
a variety of formats, both print and non-print, which serve the needs of its patrons. Materials are selected by
the Library Director. The materials selected for purchase should serve a broad spectrum of needs: informational,
educational, and recreational. In general the selection criteria include:
The Library's commitment to public service extends beyond the traditional collections
and resources of a public library. In its mission to provide opportunities for lifelong learning, the Library is
continually responsive to the changing needs of the community. The Internet offers global access to information.
However, the Library is unable to monitor or control the content of material available through this electronic
resource. Parents and guardians of young people under the age of 18 are responsible for their children's use of
the Internet, and it is expected that the parent or guardian will educate their child to the proper use of the Internet. If any patron abuses the privilege of Internet use by downloading software applications or by tampering with the
Library's system, the patron will be denied Internet access. Access to these collections for research is limited because of the delicate nature of many of
these items. Therefore, we urge patrons and visitors to call ahead for access and to adhere to certain guidelines, such as the use of pencils, not pens; of
registering before accessing these collections and more. Guidelines are clearly posted in the Historical Room. The Library welcomes the use of the meeting room for activities of a civic, cultural, or educational
nature. The room is not available for purely social, religious or commercial purposes or where, in the judgement of the Library Director, disorder may be likely
to occur. The meeting room can accommodate 12-15 people, and limited kitchen use for coffee, tea and light refreshments
is available to groups, with the understanding that theyare responsible for clean up afterwards. If you are interested in reserving the Meeting Room, please
call the Library to make your reservations. The Meeting Room is also available for nights when the Library closes early, but arrangements must be made
beforehand with the Director. |
LION Online Catalog
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Updated 9/19/07 |