COLUSA, CA (MPG) — The Colusa County Free Library has revised its patron policies for the first time in nearly a decade, updating sections to reflect changes in technology, community use and broader library practices.
The policies, last approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2016, have carried the library through a period that included the COVID-19 pandemic, shifts in digital services and new patterns in public use. Colusa County Librarian Stacey Costello said the time was right for a thorough review.
“It’s been several years, and I thought it was time to go through our patron policy and library use,” Costello said.
One significant change is the addition of a section addressing service animals. Costello said staff have noticed an increase in patrons bringing animals into library branches, and the policy now clarifies the distinction between service animals and emotional support animals.
“Since COVID there has been an uptick in service animals and all of the different layers, and types of service animals that are coming in,” Costello said. “One of the key changes is adding a policy on what types of service animals are allowed, following the county adopted policy.”
County Administrative Officer Wendy Tyler said the update ensures consistency across county facilities.
“We are differentiating between service animals and emotional support animals,” Tyler said. “Service animals are allowed in all of our libraries, while emotional support animals are not. That is consistent with the law, and consistent with what is implemented in every other county building.”
Another policy adjustment involves overdue fines and replacement costs. Under the new rules, fines for late materials will be capped at $5. Patrons who do not return items after 21 days will be charged a replacement cost. If the item is eventually returned, the replacement fee will be waived.
“We are also entertaining to go fine free, not replacement free,” Costello said. “So if you break the book, you buy the book.”
Costello said the change was made in response to issues with minors checking out materials and parents forgetting or neglecting to return them. The new structure, she said, balances accountability with accessibility.
Supervisors also addressed library card eligibility.
Board member Randy Willison said he had heard concerns about nonresidents attempting to use Colusa County’s resources. Costello confirmed that the library has seen an increase in out-of-county applicants seeking access to digital services.
“We have a really robust digital platform thanks to the Friends of the Library, and so we have people coming from out of the county to try and apply for library cards so they can access the resources,” Costello said.
Because the digital library is supported by local funds, access will remain restricted to Colusa County residents. Costello explained that only cardholders with a county-issued PIN number can use the online collection.
The library also added a new Internet Access Permission form to the minor card application process. Parents will now be asked to confirm whether their children can use library computers.
“It will ask their parents if they want their kids to use the internet or not, because we are not monitoring them or their usage,” Costello said. “We do have filters but kids can be smarter than the filters these days.”
Once finalized, the updated applications and permission forms will be available in Spanish.
While policy updates are underway, the library continues to provide a range of programs at its Colusa, Arbuckle and Williams branches.
The After-School Steam Club runs through Nov. 21 and is open to children ages 6-12. Activities include building challenges, crafts and experiments. Sessions are held at the Williams Library on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Arbuckle Library on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., and the Colusa Library on Fridays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Literacy Coordinator Pam DaGrossa complete a Mad Lib during a Mind Break activity, designed
to give children a pause from computer sessions and allow the machines to cool after extended
use. Photo by Lloyd Green Jr.
The Raising a Reader program will return this fall. The program promotes literacy and family reading habits through weekly book bag rotations and interactive sessions with songs, plays and stories. Open to children ages 0-5, it will run Sept. 9 through Oct. 28 at the Williams Branch, Sept. 10 through Oct. 29 at the Colusa Branch, and Sept. 11 through Oct. 30 at the Arbuckle Branch. Registration forms are available at each branch or by email.
For adults, Digital Literacy support is offered every Tuesday at the Colusa Library from 10 a.m. to noon. Staff assist with navigating online services, using smartphones and operating computer applications. Walk-ins are welcome.
The Colusa Library also offers English Conversation Hour on Mondays from 9 to 10 a.m., providing a space for learners to practice speaking and listening skills in a welcoming environment. Plans are in place to expand the program to the Arbuckle Branch.
In addition to established programs, the library is introducing new resources. In partnership with the California State Library’s State Parks Pass Program, Colusa County cardholders in good standing may now check out stargazing kits for one week at a time. Each kit includes a telescope, tripod, accessory tray, foldable chair and instructions.
Patrons must be able to assemble and operate the equipment, and demand is already high enough that a waiting list has been created.
Costello said the changes, both in policy and programming, reflect the library’s commitment to balancing access, accountability and innovation.
“These updates allow us to remain consistent with the law and with best practices while continuing to provide resources for our community,” she said.
For more information about library policies or upcoming programs, visit the Colusa County Free Library or call (530) 458-7671.