Policies

Appropriate Behavior Policy

Bulletin Board Usage Policy

The Paul Pratt Memorial Library views our public Bulletin Boards as a place for non-profit organizations within our community to advertise their functions or for anyone promoting a free event or service.

Circulation Policy

Learn more about the Library Circulation Policy including library cards, rules of loan, loan periods and late fees, and more.

Collection Development Policy

The goal of the library’s collection development process is to develop and maintain a balanced collection that meets the literary, educational, cultural and informational needs of library patrons and is representative of diverse points of view.

Confidentiality of Library Records

Gift Policy

The Paul Pratt Memorial Library welcomes gifts of money, books, and other property from businesses, organizations and individuals.

Historical Room Archives Policy & Use Procedures

The mission of the Paul Pratt Memorial Library Archives is to collect, organize, preserve and make accessible books, documents and maps pertaining to the social, economic, cultural and natural history of Cohasset, including state and regional studies which cover Cohasset.

Interlibrary Loan Policy

In order to expand access to library resources, Interlibrary Loan service (ILL) is available to library patrons.

Internet Policy

The Paul Pratt Memorial Library provides public access to the Internet in keeping with its mission as a vibrant community hub that serves as an incubator of discovery and a catalyst for creative imagination and life-long learning for library users of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Lending to Residents With Decertified Libraries

The Board of Library Trustees adopts the policy on reciprocal borrowing established by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Residents of communities whose libraries do not meet the State’s Minimum Standard for Public Library Service (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 78, Section 19B 1 and 6) are not granted borrowing privileges at the Paul Pratt Memorial Library.

Meeting Room and Study Room Use Policy

The Paul Pratt Memorial Library has five meeting rooms. Learn more about meeting room capacities and room use rules.

Reconsideration Policy

Request for Reconsideration

This form can be used in the event that a Cohasset resident has a concern about any material in the Paul Pratt Memorial Library’s collection.

Safe Child Policy

The library attempts to provide a safe environment for children of all ages. Yet, because the library is a public building, parents and caregivers should use discretion in determining when their children are mature enough to use the library unsupervised.

Service for People with Disabilities

Service for People with Disabilities Providing equitable access for persons with disabilities to library facilities and services is required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, applicable state and local statutes and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) civil rights legislation. The trustees and staff of the Paul Pratt Memorial Library are committed to providing equal library access for all. To every extent possible, the library’s resources and services are accessible to individuals with hearing loss, vision loss, physical limitations and intellectual challenges. Please visit our Equal Access for All webpage to see a complete list of services provided.

Tech Help Policy

Wireless Internet Policy

The Paul Pratt Memorial Library provides unfiltered wireless Internet access to patrons equipped with their own portable computing devices. Compliance with the Library’s Internet Policy, which prohibits abusive or illegal activity while using the Library’s Internet service, is required.