The Bangor Public Library strives to provide its patrons with quality collections, resources and services. As part of this effort, the Library provides its users access to information available on the Internet and through other publicly accessible information systems. It is the policy of the Bangor Public Library to afford patrons the same free and unrestricted access to the Internet as it does to print material. The Library does not select the content of materials found on the Internet. Patrons have the responsibility of evaluating the validity and the appropriateness of all online sources. All library computers are equipped with a content filter designed to follow the mandate of the federal Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Any adult (i.e. a person 18 or older) may turn off the filter while using one of the library's public-access computers. The intervention of a staff member is not necessary for a user to turn off the filter. The filter is restored by default when the user logs off. For instructions on how to disable the filter, click here.

     All computers in the Children's Department are for the exclusive use of those 17 and younger and those assisting them. Children's Department computers with Internet access are filtered in compliance with CIPA, and users cannot turn off the filters on these computers. The library cannot assure that these filters will block every item that may be a concern to every parent and the library and its staff cannot be responsible for material selected or accessed by children. Parents may obtain a "No Internet Access" library card that will allow their child to use only those library computers having no Internet access.

     Because computers are located in public areas, the privacy of viewing screens cannot be assured; furthermore, because these are public access computers, the confidentiality of files and printouts also cannot be assured.

     The Policy on Internet Access, like all Library policies will be reviewed periodically and revised as necessary. Comments are invited from the public on any policy or practice at the Bangor Public Library.

     Revised 7/01/04