Hancock County
Public Library

Library Policies

This page contains a summary of the policies adopted by the Hancock County Public Library board. The complete policy handbook is available for reference at the library's front desk.

Borrowing Procedures

Every Hancock County resident is eligible to borrow materials from the Hancock County Public Library. Residents of other counties in the Nolichucky Region (Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson, Hamblen, Hawkins, and Sevier) may be issued a Hancock County Public Library card at no charge with proper identification and a library card from their local library. All customers must fill out an official application card. Adults must provide 2valid identifications with legal address. Customers below the age of 16 should complete a juvenile application, which must be signed by a parent or guardian. The age 16 and above patrons must show driver's license to prove age & provide proof of address. They may apply without a parent/guardian signature. 

Loan Periods and Fines

Borrowers are limited to five print items (only two of these five items may be new books) plus two videos. All materials, with the exception of videos, and CD's are loaned for a period of two weeks. Videos are loaned for a period of three days.  CD's are loaned for a period of 5 days. Materials may be renewed once, if they are not on reserve. Renewal requests can be made in person or by phone.

The fine for overdue materials (i.e. books, magazines, audio books, etc.) is $.25 per day and $1.00 per day for videos.

General Policies

Food and drink  are not allowed in the library.

Shirt and shoes are required inside the library.

No firearms or weapons are allowed inside the library.

Children 10 years old and younger must be supervised by a parent or an adult caregiver.

No violence or the threat of violence is permitted.

No  public intoxication, illegal drugs or disorderly behavior is permitted.

No pets (except animals trained to assist people with disabilities)

This is a tobacco-free building. The use of tobacco products is prohibited.

No running is allowed inside the library.

When School is in session, no children are allowed in the library except for home schooled.

Internet / Computer Usage

The Hancock County Public Library is committed to its role in serving the information and learning needs of all its citizens. We provide the public with eight computers with internet access and Microsoft Office programs.

The Library cannot be held responsible for the content of the Internet, or for any damage or liability that may occur from use of the Library's computers.

Parents/guardians, not the library or its staff are responsible for the Internet information accessed by their children under the age of 18. Parents/guardians should be aware that the only way to monitor their children's Internet use is for the adult to be present at the computer. Parents are reminded that filtering software is not foolproof.  At all times, while using the library or its Internet access, children 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or an adult caregiver.

Library Internet users, especially children, should use caution in their use of electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications, as these forms of communication can expose them to dangerous situations.   

All users of the computer and the internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided, and to follow the rules and regulations of the Hancock County Public Library. Not abusing or misusing library computers or any other equipment: changes are not allowed to the setup or configuration of the software or hardware. Not deliberately creating or spreading computer worms or viruses. Only library supplied hardware and software can be used on library computers. Users may not load their own software or connect their equipment to library computers. Since software and information downloaded from any sources, including the Internet, may contain computer viruses, uses are advised to utilize virus checking software on their home computers. The library is not responsible for damage to users' disks or computers or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from use of the library's computers.

Minors should never disclose personal information, such as name, address, school, and telephone number to strangers on the Internet, and they should not agree to meet people they have communicated with on the Internet without the permission of a parent or guardian.

The filtering software the library uses on all Library computers with Internet access is in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000.  Filters are required to prevent minors from accessing visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors.  Filters may block sites that users would consider both inoffensive and useful. The Library makes no claim that its filtering software is foolproof. Filtering software diminishes the likelihood that users will inadvertently retrieve text or images that they may find offensive, but does not eliminate that possibility. People aged 18 and older may ask a library staff member to disable the filters for bona fide research or other lawful purpose.

All customers must ask for a pin number at the front desk before using the computer, and will receive a  ticket to use the computer. There is a time limit of 45  minutes per session if others are waiting, with the exception of customers who are taking online tests or completing job application.

Violation of Internet/Computer usage

Send us e-mail: hcpl@discoveret.org