Germantown Public Library
Spartan Branch Operations Policy
Name and Location
The name of the school branch library shall be Germantown Public Library Spartan Branch.
Mission and Purpose
The Spartan Branch strives to foster a joy of reading, provide books and resources that supplement the education of Valley View Local School District, and promote school readiness for the preschool classes located on site. The Library affirms the right of students to read and learn, and upholds the principles of the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights in guiding its collection and services.
Oversight, Governance, and Financial Responsibility
The Spartan Branch is administered by Germantown Public Library under policies approved by the Library Board of Trustees. Valley View Local School District retains authority over the building, including security, utilities, technology, and student supervision. Representatives of both parties will meet annually to review agreements. Any lease agreement is approved separately as its own agenda item.
Library card applications and circulation records are maintained by Germantown Public Library and are subject to the Library’s privacy policies.
Germantown Public Library is responsible for staffing, materials, leasing costs, and branch operations. Any construction or improvements must be approved by the school district before proceeding.
Access and Hours of Operation
The Spartan Branch is open by appointment during school hours. Special-case situations will be attempted to be accommodated, but impromptu visits are discouraged as library staff may be allocated elsewhere, including the main branch, deliveries, or out-of-library class visits. Holiday and emergency closures follow the Valley View Local School District calendar unless otherwise specified. The branch is not open to the general public outside approved events.
Staffing, Supervision, and Volunteers
Library staff are responsible for preparing the library space and resources, providing orientation or instruction as needed, and supporting students and teachers during scheduled visits. Teachers are responsible for student supervision during visits and act in loco parentis while classes are in the library.
All library staff must meet state and federal requirements for working with minors, including background checks. Student volunteers must comply with the Germantown Public Library Volunteer Policy, and at least two adult staff members must be on site whenever the branch hosts minor volunteers.
Collection Development and Intellectual Freedom
The Germantown Public Library maintains responsibility for selecting, cataloging, and weeding materials in alignment with its Collection Development Policy. Materials in the Spartan Branch school library are separated into appropriate areas so teachers can easily guide students to age-appropriate selections. The collection is inventoried for appropriateness to a school library setting, with a particular focus on non-fiction and literature that supports classroom learning. Audiovisual materials will not be housed at the Spartan Branch.
In addition, students have access to a wide range of genres and perspectives through the Serving Every Ohioan Consortium and digital platforms such as Libby and Hoopla. Parents, guardians, and teachers acting in place of a parent are encouraged to be involved with students’ reading selections.
The library will follow its established Request for Reconsideration of Materials procedure if any challenges arise. The school district acknowledges the library’s role in providing diverse materials and upholding principles of intellectual freedom.
Circulation and Library Cards
Students may receive library cards with parental or guardian consent. Circulation rules and limits are those adopted by Germantown Public Library. Exceptions for fines or lost items may be made at library staff discretion.
Technology and Internet Use
Computer equipment in the Spartan Branch is provided by the school district. Filtering and monitoring responsibilities are administered by the school district, and students must follow the school district’s acceptable use policy while using library computers and internet access.
Safety, Security, and Usage
Students will enter and exit the library through the main door. The cafeteria door is designated for emergency exit only and will otherwise remain closed. In emergencies such as fire, severe weather, lockdowns, or medical incidents, branch staff will follow the school district’s established procedures. Student supervision is the responsibility of teachers who bring their classes to the library.
The designated library area is under the joint stewardship of Germantown Public Library and Valley View Local School District. Non-library use of the space, including meetings, after-school programs, or public use, requires mutual agreement between both parties. Food, drink, noise levels, and use of library property such as furniture, books, and learning equipment are governed by the Germantown Public Library Patron Code of Conduct.