A new discussion group, sponsored by the Library Foundation Board, meets:
Fridays from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. at the Library

The sessions are casual with folks joining in when ever they can. It's been said that the world is run by those who show up, so please join us for some stimulating conversation and a good cup of coffee.

Story hour is held every Tuesday at 11:00 A.M. We read stories, sing, use puppets and flannel boards to instill the love of reading. We do role-playing and allow the children to participate in the fun. Children of all ages are welcome. If you have any questions, please call the library at 651-275-4416.

Various classes from Andersen Elementary have scheduled library visits to the Bayport Public Library each week. They use this time to look for books for recreational reading and do research for school projects. We enjoy the close contact we have with the school.

Croixdale is a residence for the elderly in the Bayport area. The first Tuesday of every month, a staff member delivers books to Croixdale. This gives them the opportunity to check out books or books on tape. This is a very successful and rewarding program.

The Bayport Public Library will deliver books to patrons who are not able to come to the library. If you would like more information about this program, please call the library at 651-275-4416.

Bayport Public Library provides access to a variety of resources to meet the informational and recreational needs of individuals and the community. Access to the Internet is one of these resources.

Bayport Public Library expects that individuals will use the Internet responsibly, obey local, state and federal laws and follow library policies and rules. Violators of laws or regulations may be subject to local, state or federal prosecution. Library access to the Internet may be denied for individuals who do not follow library policies and rules.

Responsibilities of Bayport Public Library are to:

• Select electronic resources such as library catalogs, databases, indexes and Internet sites that appear on the Library web pages.
• Offer guidance in the use of these selected electronic resources; offer basic classes in the use of the Internet.
• In accordance with CIPA (Childrens Internet Protection Act), use a technology protection measure on Wireless Internet Access and all workstations that provide access to the Internet to block or filter visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography or harmful to minors.

• In accordance with CIPA (Childrens Internet Protection Act), disable the blocking technology upon request of individual's age 17 and older. (Individuals must provide proof of age.) Blocking technology will not be disabled for Wireless Internet access.
• Suspend Internet access for individuals who do not follow library policies and rules.
• If demand for Internet access is high, set time limits, or restrict downloading of files.

• Violate local, state or federal laws and regulations including those relating to obscenity, child pornography and materials harmful to minors.
• Display or print material that is obscene, child pornography or harmful to minors.
• Gain unauthorized access to resources or entities or to invade the privacy of other individuals.
• Engage in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates a disruptive or hostile environment for other individuals or staff.
• Degrade or disrupt equipment or Library network performance.

Bayport Public Library follows the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 13.40 relating to the privacy of library data. In addition, privacy dividers are used to provide privacy to individuals using library computers to access the Internet in the library. Wireless Internet users are responsible for maintaining the privacy of their computer screens.

Bayport Public Library recognizes that resources on the Internet may not be accurate or reliable; may be controversial and may offend some users. Only individual users can determine what is appropriate for them. The library has selected electronic resources such as library catalogs, databases, indexes and Internet sites that appear on the Library web pages. Resources available on the Internet change quickly and frequently. Inclusion of a site on the Library web pages does not constitute an endorsement, warranty or guarantee.

Internet viruses and worms present a significant threat to the usability of computers. The Bayport Public Library strongly encourages wireless Internet users to install and maintain adequate virus detection and firewall software. Bayport Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damage, direct or indirect, that users or anyone else may suffer through accessing the Internet via Bayport Public Library. All users of Bayport Public Library Internet access assume all risk and agree to hold the Library harmless from any claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities relating to:

• Infringement of U.S. Copyright Law (Tile 17, United States Code).
• Use and/or accuracy of information obtained from the Library's catalog or web pages.
• Damage to non-library software or hardware, or loss of data resulting from use on the Library's network.

The Library provides access to a variety of resources to meet the information and recreation needs of individuals and the community.

Users may choose to bypass the guidance provided by the Bayport Public Library Internet Access Page and use resources available through the Internet, which have not been selected by library staff. We recognize that some resources available through the Internet are not accurate or reliable and may not be suitable for some users. We will not attempt to monitor or control use of Internet resources. Parents and guardians are responsible for their minor children or wards' use of library and Internet resources.

The Internet and Websites

The Internet offers access to thousands and thousands of resources or sites to visit. The sheer volume can be overwhelming. The library has selected certain resources and sites which are interesting and useful. Many of these selected sites may link to other sites. The library's guidance applies only to the sites specifically listed, not to any other sites that may be reached from the library selected sites. To view the selected sites, finish reading this page and click the Useful Sites button at the bottom of the page.

NOTICE:Before visiting any Internet site, everyone must read and agree to the Internet Disclaimer. In addition, parents are encouraged to discuss with their children the use of the Internet in relation to family values and boundaries and to monitor their children's use of the Internet.

INTERNET DISCLAIMER:
The Bayport Public Library is committed to its mission of enriching the individual and the community by assisting people in their search for information, ideas, education and recreation. Providing access to the Internet enables the Library to expand its information services beyond traditional library collections and resources.

Not all sources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, complete or current. The library is unable to monitor or control the content of the materials on the Internet which change rapidly and
unpredictably.

Parents and guardians of children under 18 are responsible for their children's use of the Internet. Parents and children are encouraged to read "My Rules for Online Safety" from the brochure,CHILD SAFETY ON THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY, jointly produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Interactive Services Association. A reference copy of the brochure is available at the Information Desk at the Bayport Public Library.

Rules for Online Safety

• I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parent's work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school without my parent's approval.
• I will tell my parents right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable.
• I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online without first checking with my parents. If my parents agree to the meeting I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring my mother or father along.
• I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents.
• I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do I will tell my parents right away so that they can contact the online service.
• I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online, and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.
• "My Rules for Online Safety" is excerpted from "Child Safety on the Information Highway", by Lawrence J. Magid. They are reprinted with permission of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Copyright NCMEC 1994. All rights reserved.