Group Visits Policy

The Grafton Public Library is a fun, free, and educational place to visit. The Grafton Public Library welcomes school classes, daycares, clubs, scout troops, service organizations and other groups to schedule a time for a staff member to present a tour of the Library's resources and services. Tours and presentations may also include a special program designed for your group, such as a story time or book talk, library instructions, or special assistance with using the Library in a desired area of study.

Although the Library is open to all, in order to ensure that group visits are productive, groups wishing to visit the Library are subject to the following provisions:

  1. Group visits must be scheduled at a minimum of two weeks in advance.
  2. Groups wishing to have a tour, library instruction, or other special service, must request such service at the time of scheduling.
  3. Groups wishing to use meeting space in addition to their tour, instruction, etc. must comply with the Meeting Room Policy.
  4. Group size and length of visit may be limited by library staff, based on:
    1. other library programs scheduled;
    2. number of staff available to serve the group;
    3. purpose of the group's visit.
  5. Group leaders are solely responsible for supervision of, and behavior of, individuals in the group while they are in the Library. Any group failing to follow the Library behavior rules will be asked to leave.
  6. All visitors must comply with the Library's posted Code of Conduct.

A. Requesting a Visit or Tour

  1. Instructors and/or group leaders can request a group visit by completing the Group/Class Visit request form online at this Google Form. Alternatively, call 508-839-4649 x1830 and we can assist you with a reservation over the phone. Your request must be submitted two weeks prior to your desired visit date.
  2. Your group visit may last from 10 to 45 minutes, depending on the age(s) of your group and any additional requests. Instructions on locating and using library resources/services can take 30 to 40 minutes, a story time or book talk may take 10 to 30 minutes. Library staff will work with you to determine the length of your visit based on your needs when you schedule your visit.
  3. Requests for reoccurring tours and presentations are considered, depending on staff and scheduling availability. School classes are invited to sign up for a library tour and orientation once per semester and may schedule further group visits during the same semester to continue research.

B. Before Your Visit

  1. Before visiting the Library, let your group know the purpose of the visit. The visit is more successful and enjoyable if your group members know what to expect.
  2. Discuss appropriate behavior in the library, such as respecting other children and adults using the Library, participating in story time, and care of library materials.
  3. Please review the Library Code of Conduct before your Group Visit.

C. Group Size

  1. We can accommodate groups of large size with enough notice. Please note limits may be changed due to social distancing as required by our Epidemic/Pandemic Policy.
  2. We recommend that preschool groups through grade 4 be limited to no more than 20 children, with at least one adult for every 6 children. Optimal group size grade 5 and up, teens, and adults is no more than 30 people, with at least one adult for every 10 children. Larger groups will be split into smaller groups for an optimal experience. Chaperones, sponsors, teachers or other affiliated adults are expected to remain with children at all times.

D. Library Cards

  1. A valid library card is required to check out materials.
  2. Children under 13 must have their card grouped with a valid library card of their parent/guardian. The parent/guardian must have a card in good standing for the child to get a card.
  3. Children 13 and over may get a Library card with a valid ID and proof of address (i.e. school ID and copy of report card).
  4. If your group members need Library cards, and you want them to be able to use them at the time of the visit, please complete an online Library Card Application for each group member a minimum of two weeks prior to your desired visit date.
  5. For groups larger than 30, please allow for an additional two weeks. Please visit www.graftonlibrary.org/get-a-card for more information.
  6. It is strongly recommended parents/guardians call the Library or log on to their Library account at grafton.cwmars.org prior to the Group Visit to make sure their child has a current library card with no outstanding fines or fees. Individuals are responsible for all materials checked out on their card.
  7. Adults who check out materials for children on their personal cards are responsible for those items.

E. Computer Use

  1. The Library has public access computers with Internet access, software and games.
  2. Computers in the public areas are not reserved for groups.
  3. Computers for group use must be reserved in advance.
  4. Computers may not be available for your visit.
  5. All participants must review the Library Internet Use Policy for additional information about using the computers and Internet.

Compiled and voted by Board of Library Trustees
Adopted: April 27, 2022