Board Policies

Use of Library Premises

Library Membership

The Library Services Agreement governs the issuance of a Valid Library Membership and use of library services.

Approval: Evan Legate, 2024. Statutory: No

Use of Library Materials

All circulating Library Materials may be borrowed by a Library Member as set out in the Library Services Agreement. Terms and conditions, including Loan limits and periods, are established, and administered by the Chief Executive Officer.

Schedule A sets out the current Loan limits and periods.

Reference materials in specialized collections, such as Calgary’s Story, or easily damaged or rare materials, may be used only under the supervision of a staff member.

Approval: Evan Legate, 2024. Statutory: Yes

Use of Library Premises

Hours of Opening
The Board authorizes the Chief Executive Officer to establish Hours of Opening for all Library Premises.

Access
Every member of the public shall have access during the Hours of Opening to those public areas normally used for Library purposes or designated for Library purposes. The Library may also grant after-hours access for public and private bookings under the conditions set out in the Calgary Public Library Terms and Conditions of Room Use.

Conduct
All persons using Library Premises shall conduct themselves so as not to disturb other patrons or cause damage to Library property as per the Library’s Code of Conduct, Terms and Conditions of Room Use, and Political Use of Library Space Policy.

Intellectual Freedom
The Library is guided in this work by the Intellectual Freedom Policy and endorses the Canadian Federation of Library Associations’ Position Statement on Intellectual Freedom, the City’s resolution on Freedom to Read Week, and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ Statement on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom. Libraries have a core responsibility to safeguard and foster free expression and the right to safe and welcoming places and conditions. To this end, libraries make available their public spaces and services to individuals and groups without discrimination.

Food and Beverages
Consumption of food and non-alcoholic beverages only will be permitted in designated areas of Library Premises, provided such activity does not interfere with the use and enjoyment of Library Premises by other patrons or result in any damage to Library Materials, furnishings, or equipment.

Patrons who consume food and beverages on Library Premises may be held liable and accountable for any damage, repair, or additional expense that may be incurred because of this activity.

Program Rooms, Event Spaces, and Other Library Spaces
Program rooms and any areas of Library Premises not used for Library purposes may be reserved for use by groups under the conditions set out in the Terms and Conditions of Room Use. The use of program rooms and event spaces must also adhere to the Library’s Code of Conduct, Public Access Network Terms of Use, and Political Use of Library Space Policy.

Approval: Evan Legate, 2025. Statutory: Yes.