YCL Policies

Libraries support democracy in the United States. We are here for all people in our country–young or old, rich or poor, urban or rural. We collect materials on every side of any issue so that our citizens can read all views and use that information to form their own opinions. We respect the individual and their right to know what is happening in their world, giving them the tools to contribute and be a productive member of their communities. We adhere to the principles explained in both The Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement, both produced by the American Library Association.

York County Libraries provides free and equal internet access in order to meet the information, cultural, education and entertainment needs of the community. The library system provides 253 public access computers across the county, as well as free Wi-Fi, electronic resources, and software access. Managing computers in a shared public environment means that the library takes measures to protect both our users and our computers from viruses and other online intrusions.

YCL complies with state and federal law, including CIPA, mandating the use of filtering software in public libraries. This software blocks content considered inappropriate for public viewing, including visual depictions of pornography, obscenity, and child pornography. Adults age 18 and older may request to use unfiltered computers to access the internet. Filtering software is not 100% accurate and may not block all materials users may find offensive. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s internet sessions.

Click below to read York County Libraries Internet Access Policy and Electronic Resources Policy in their entirety:

• Internet Access Policy
• Electronic Resources Policy

York County Libraries is committed to protecting the personal privacy of our users. Privacy and confidentiality are key components of our stand on the individual’s right to free speech and free thought. Being able to count on the library to keep each user’s borrowing record confidential allows the individual to use and borrow materials without fear of scrutiny by others. YCL follows the American Library Association Code of Ethics, including Article III that states:

“We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.”

Click below to read York County Libraries Privacy and Confidentiality Policy in its entirety.

Currently, York County Libraries holds almost 700,000 items in a variety of formats that are available to all of our users. We collect materials for all ages and all groups, on every side of any issue so that our citizens can read all views and use that information to form their own opinions. Circulation, requests, and holds help to drive our selection decisions. Ultimately, we select materials that meet the educational, information, and entertainment needs of our users. Our collections represent our desire to give our users the resources they need to transform their lives and build their communities.

Click below to read York County Libraries Collection Development Policy in its entirety.

York County Libraries is an organization made up of 13 libraries. We all use the same Integrated Library System that holds our item catalog, patron registrations, and orchestrates all circulation transactions. Your YCL Library Card can be used at all our libraries. You may use it to check out materials at any one of our libraries and may return books to their home library or to any other library in the system. For this system to work, we have adopted uniform borrowing practices that all our libraries follow.

Click below to read York County Libraries Uniform Borrowing Practices in their entirety.

It is the policy of all York County Libraries to maintain a safe and orderly library setting that is conducive to study, reading, and meeting. The Disruptive/Disorderly Acts Policy details those acts which create an inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm within the library. We request the cooperation of our patrons in abiding by this policy.

Click below to read York County Libraries Disruptive/Disorderly Acts Policy in its entirety.

The copyright law of the United States governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction.

Click below to read the Warning Concerning Copyright Restrictions in its entirety.

Click below to read frequently asked questions about The YCL store.

About the YCL Store

York County Libraries aims to foster a passion for lifelong learning. Our members can transform their lives affordably and sustainably by using library resources and programs. To support these goals, The YCL Store strives to partner with USA-based, eco-friendly creative businesses that uphold Fair Trade supply chain standards. By purchasing from our store, you are helping us to provide learning and growth opportunities in York County, PA. Thank you for your purchase!