Residents of Decertified Communities
In order for a public library to be certified in Massachusetts, it must meet certain minimum standards of funding and service mandated by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). A public library that does not meet the minimum standards is “decertified” by the MBLC and is not eligible to receive state aid funding, or apply for or receive Library Services Technology Act grant funds. As a participant in the state aid program, the Blackstone Public Library shares its resources with Massachusetts communities whose libraries have been certified by the MBLC.
Massachusetts General Laws (605 CMR 4.01) state that certified libraries are not required to loan materials to residents of municipalities with decertified public libraries. A Massachusetts public library that is not a participant in the state aid program cannot demonstrate that it is able to reciprocate in resource sharing arrangements with other municipalities.
In the interests of protecting the resources of Blackstone’s taxpayers and as an incentive to neighboring communities to fund their own libraries, the Blackstone Public Library will not extend borrowing privileges to Massachusetts public libraries that are not certified, or to the residents of those municipalities, including interlibrary loans.
Public libraries that receive a waiver from the MBLC are considered to be certified. Residents of municipalities in which the library has received a waiver will be permitted to borrow materials.
The Blackstone Public Library welcomes residents of all municipalities. However, residents of municipalities with a decertified library are only able to use library resources within the bounds of the library building, including the public computers, reading rooms, and library programs.
Collection Development Policy
Please click here for the PDF of the Blackstone Library's Collection Development Policy.
Charitable Collection Bins Policy & Request Form
Food & Beverage Policy & Allergen Policy
Blackstone Public Library - Food and Beverages Policy
The Blackstone Public Library strives to maintain a pleasant, welcoming and comfortable environment for our public. The Blackstone Public Library allows covered drinks in the library. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed. Drinks/liquids are not allowed near computers/photocopiers/electronic equipment.
Patrons will dispose of their drink containers and take responsibility for maintaining a sanitary and pleasant environment. Trash receptacles are provided throughout the library for patron convenience. Spills will be reported to a staff member as soon as possible.
Food is not allowed in the library proper, except during special library events/programs. Outside groups using the Meeting Room may serve refreshments, but refreshments must be kept within the Meeting Room. The library does not monitor food brought in by outside groups or persons.
Please see the Meeting Room Policy.
Food and drinks are prohibited in the Historical Room. Patrons not abiding by the above policy will be asked to remove their food/drink from the premises.
Blackstone Public Library – Allergen Policy
No peanuts or tree nuts will be served/used in relation to any children’s or young adult programs.
The Library cannot guarantee a latex-free environments, although it strives to purchase latex-free products, when possible. Latex, in some form, may be present in the Library.
The Blackstone Public Library cannot guarantee an allergen free atmosphere. Food is used in some of our programs, both as snacks and as craft supplies. Persons with food allergies are responsible for self-monitoring snacks and craft supplies served/used at the library. Responsibility for monitoring minors rests with the parent/guardian/custodial caregiver. Parents/guardians/custodial caregivers of minors with allergies shall monitor their children at all times.
A sign will be placed in the room in which an event/program/craft takes place notifying patrons that food is being served/used.
Those with severe allergies should be aware that allergens may be present in the library. Library patrons should be aware of the possible presence of allergens on library materials and furnishings. The public and staff are allowed to consume snacks and drinks in designated areas of the library.
The library does not monitor food brought in by outside groups or persons.
In the event that a person experiences an allergic reaction, a staff member will call 911 and request that the town’s emergency medical personnel respond to the situation.
(The Food/Beverage and Allergen Policies were approved and added to the Policy Handbook by the Library Board of Trustees on March 2, 2020.)
(The Allergen Policy was amended and approved by the Library Board of Trustees on September 9, 2024 and October 7, 2024)
Gift Acceptance Policy
Gift Acceptance Policy
Gifts – Non-circulating Items
Donations of non-print items may be accepted at the discretion of the library director and/or the library board of trustees. The library director and library board of trustees reserve the right to make all decisions regarding the addition or disposal of gift materials. The Library is unable to provide donors with an estimate of the value of their donated materials. The library reserves the right to decline a gift or donation.
Gifts may be refused if an expenditure of library funds and/or staff time is necessary to make the gift usable.
Gifts – Print and/or Circulating items (cited under Collection Development Policy)
Gifts may or may not be added to the collection. Gifted items, including new titles to the collection, are subject to the same selection standards as materials purchased by the Library. The Library does not provide documentation of gifts for tax deductions or other purposes.
Legacy Gifts
The Blackstone Library accepts legacy gifts. You may donate funds in memory of a loved one. Your legacy gift to the Blackstone Public Library’s Gift Account is an investment in transforming the Blackstone Public Library’s goals into results, and helping support the wider community in programming, outreach, and education.
The Library does not guarantee the purchase of specifically identified titles/items with donated funds.