It is the responsibility of the Library to maintain and provide a collection of materials to meet the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of the community. Theft, and vandalism, of Library materials is a serious offense, preventing Library customers and staff from accessing resources that should be available to all.

THEFT

Theft, or attempted theft, of Library materials is against California State Law (Penal Code Title 13, Chapter 5, Section 490.5). Library staff, as authorized by state law, may detain customers who are suspected of committing library theft. Customers who trigger the Library’s theft detection system may be required to open any bags or pocketbooks for inspection. Upon discovery of a Library item suspected of being stolen, staff will request surrender of the item and inform customer of the violation of California State Law. Any incident of attempted theft of Library materials will be recorded by Library staff on an Incident Report form.

VANDALISM

Vandalism, including willful damage or defacement of Library materials, is against California State Law (Education Code Title I, Part 11, Chapter 11, Article 2, Section 19910). Library staff, as authorized by state law, may detain customers who are suspected of unlawfully defacing library material.

Any incident of damage or defacement of Library materials, which is not clearly and completely accidental, will be recorded by Library staff on an Incident Report form. A fee for damaged items will be assessed as specified in Board Policy 125.

DISCRETION OF LIBRARY DIRECTOR IN HANDLING ATTEMPTED THEFT OR VANDALISM

The Library Director or designated representative maintains the authority to modify the application of the terms of this policy as appropriate, based on the specific circumstances of an incident, and recommendations by staff.