Ashland Public Library
Mission
“The mission of the Ashland Public Library is to provide quality resources, which are beneficial to the Greater Ashland Area
Vision
To be the welcoming heart of our community where all come to learn, discover, create and connect.
Core Values
Community Enrichment
The Library endeavors to facilitate personal enrichment by offering unique and creative opportunities.
Equal and Inclusive Access
We are free and open to all. We provide programs, services, and resources that represent diverse viewpoints and ensure equitable access to everyone.
Service Excellence
We provide positive and welcoming experiences to everyone, both virtually and in person.
Innovation
We continually seek new and better ways to serve our community. We anticipate change and respond quickly.
Adopted 7/17/2019
Alcohol, Tobacco, & Drug Policy Alcohol consumption is prohibited on library grounds Smoking is prohibited on library grounds. Illegal drug use is prohibited. The police will be notified. Adopted 2/8/2012 Updated 10/15/2025
Behavior Policy Please also see the Unattended Children Policy The goal of the Ashland Public Library is to create a welcoming, safe environment for both staff and patrons. Individuals are expected to treat the library property, other customers, and staff with courtesy and respect. The following actions and forms of conduct are not permitted in the Ashland Public Library or on library property: Any action or behavior which is disruptive, disturbing, disorderly or potentially harmful to others. Any loud, unreasonable and/or disturbing noises created by persons, electronic devices or cell phones. Extended cell phone usage should be limited to the lobby area. Intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing any library property or a patron’s or staff property. Loitering, sleeping or putting legs or feet on the table. Not wearing shoes or shirt, or wearing clothes unbuttoned or unzipped. Possession of open food or drink at or around any computer. Use of tobacco or electronic cigarettes in the building or within 100 feet of any entrance. Possession or consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs or being under the influence of same. Soliciting, surveying, selling of any kind, political campaigning, and distribution or posting of materials not specifically authorized by the Library Director. Leaving a child under seven years of age unattended by a responsible person for any amount of time; leaving a child of any age an excessive period of time or beyond closing. Adult supervision is recommended for all elementary-school aged children while in the library. Animals in the building, except assistance animals. Carrying weapons of any type. Any illegal acts or conduct in violation of Federal, State, or local law, ordinance or regulation. In most cases, patrons who are behaving inappropriately in the library will be given one warning by the library staff and asked to behave in an appropriate manner. Patrons who refuse to behave more appropriately after one warning will be asked to leave the library. Serious violations, which include behaviors that are absolutely unacceptable, do not require a warning, but can result in the loss of library privileges for as long as the director deems necessary. In the cases in which a patron poses a clear danger to her/himself or others, deliberately violates the law, or refuses to leave the library after being asked to leave by the staff, the police will be called to handle the situation.
Bulletin Board and Flyer Posting Policy The bulletin board by the main entry is available for public use. Staff will maintain the board based on currency or condition of the flyers and space. Individuals posting may not remove or cover other flyers. If there is a lack of space please leave flyer with staff. Staff must grant permission for flyers to be posted elsewhere in the library. Adopted 4/15/2015
Credit Card Policy As part of the City of Ashland, the Ashland Public Library is able to accept credit/debit cards for library fees and services only, as listed in other library policies. We are unable to provide cash back services. The City of Ashland has entered into an agreement with Square to provide this service. Square will charge a “Convenience Fee” of 2.9%, with a minimum payment of $ 0.30, for credit/debit cards processed using this service. The “Convenience Fee” is not part of your library charges or fees, and the Ashland Public Library, or the City of Ashland, will not receive any portion of the fee associated with this service. Any donations to the library must be made to the foundation by check, cash, or the foundation website. Approved 10/24/2018 revised 3/20/24, 10/15/2025
Circulation Policy Please see the Library Card Policy for acceptable identification. Please see the Overdue and Lost or Damaged policy regarding overdues. Up to 15 items may be checked out, with proper identification, for 3 weeks and two renewal with the following exceptions: New Adult Section books 4 items2 weeks Holds may be placed on any item checked out. Library staff will call, text, or email when the item is available, which will be held for 5 days. All items may be renewed twice, provided there are no holds. Adopted 2/8/2012, Revised 4/15/2015, 5/18/2016, 10/24/2018, 1/28/2026
Passes Checkout and Use Policy The library is pleased to offer area passes for our patrons to check out and explore local attractions. To ensure fair access to these resources, the following policy will apply for all passes: •Passes are only available to adults with an active in area library card in good standing. •The library is not responsible for any issues that may arise when using the passes, such as scheduling conflicts, inclement weather, or attraction closures. •Passes are subject to availability and may not always be available. For Omaha Zoo passes: •A limited number of passes are available for each session. Sessions start in October, December, February and April. •Passes are only valid for the dates listed on the pass. •Passes will be available for pickup at the library on the first day of each session unless that day falls on a Sunday or a holiday. In these cases, passes will be available the next day the library is open. •Passes cannot be reserved or held. •Patrons may receive one pass per session year (October to May). •Eligible patrons must present a library card or photo ID to pick up the pass. •Each pass admits 2 adults and up to 6 children under the age of 12. Adopted 5/17/23
Unattended Child Policy Please also refer to the Behavior Policy. The Ashland Public Library welcomes library use by children. Staff members are available to assist children with library materials or services. The Library desires to provide a safe and appropriate environment for visitors of all ages. The Library, however, is a public building with staff trained to provide public library services. The Library is not equipped -and it is not the Library’s role- to provide long- or short-term child care. For the safety and comfort of children, a responsible adult or caregiver should accompany children while they are using the Library. While in the Library, parents and caregivers are responsible for monitoring and regulating the behavior of their children. Unattended children are children of any age who are apparently unaccompanied by a parent, guardian, and/or responsible caregiver. Children who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves may not be left alone in the Library and must have adequate supervision while in the Library. The Library is not responsible if children leave Library property unattended. All ACRC visitors are expected to follow the Ashland Public Library Behavior Policy. Children who exhibit inappropriate behavior may be asked to leave the Library. If the child is not allowed to leave the Library without an adult, he/she should not be in the Library without an adult. All children should have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency. If a child is found to be unattended, Library staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver in the Library and inform him/her of the Unattended Child Policy. If the parent/caregiver cannot be located, Library staff will contact the Ashland Police Department to assist the child. Teenagers are considered adult users. However, they are the legal responsibility of their parent/legal guardian and should have an emergency contact available. Library staff members will be guided by this policy in situations, such as An unattended child is found frightened or crying in the Library An unattended child is perceived to be endangering him or herself, or that another person in the library poses a perceived threat to the unattended child An unattended child exhibits specific inappropriate behavior An unattended child has not been met by a responsible caregiver at closing time After evaluating the situation, Library staff members will attempt to contact the parent or guardian of an unattended child. In the event that the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the child will be placed in the care of the Ashland Police Department. Violations of this policy are grounds for suspension of library privileges *Note: ACRC and Library are used interchangeably, and are used to represent the entire building. Approved 3/18/2015
Meet Our Team
Our dedicated team is here to ensure that your library experience is nothing short of exceptional. Get to know the friendly faces that make Ashland Public Library a wonderful place to be.
Staff
Tanya McVay
Library Director
Caitlin Henry
Assistant Library Director
Heather Logston
Children's Library Assistant
Jodi Messerole
Library Assistant
Zachary Brown
Library Page
Board
Robert Fricke Jr.
President/Chair
Kayleigh Emanuel
Board Member
Renee Kucera
Board Member
Emily Nimsakont
Board Member
Andrew Newcomb
Board Member