Policy created on March 13, 2018. 

Policy

Patrons may use a library phone for a local call for five minutes or less once per day.

Rationale

Some of our patrons have few options to access a phone, a needed service that most of us take for granted. The availability of pay phones has declined significantly with increased usage of cell phones by the general population. Even with access to personal cell phones, there are times that our patrons might need to make a quick call. This policy allows us to think yes and to help our patrons in their moment of need, with clearly defined limits in an effort to avoid potential misuse of this privilege.

Guidelines

All library staff can offer and allow patrons to use the phone at a public staff desk, at their discretion.  At Central, these requests are routed through the PIC.

When a patron asks you to use the phone, please say "The library can let patrons use the phone for a local (503 or 971 area code) call for five minutes or less once per day."

Conditions

•     We cannot accept incoming calls for patrons.
•    The patron will follow all library rules.
•    Staff will remain near the patron making the call.
•    Location leader will decide if staff will dial the call for the patron.