
About the Library
MISSION STATEMENT
The Helen and Hollis Baright Public Library strives to inform, enrich and empower the Ralston community and surrounding area residents by providing current educational, informational, and recreational library services and materials in an accessible and efficient manner that promotes lifelong learning.
VISION STATEMENT
The Baright Public Library will strive to become the community center in Ralston to meet the future educational, informational, and recreational needs of the community.

OUR HISTORY
The Ralston Women’s Club opened the first Ralston Public Library in the Stewart Real Estate Office in 1922. Two years later, the library was moved to City Hall. In 1963, the library was moved to a new facility near Oak Park at 7900 Park Lane. Continued growth and increased usage led to the construction of the current library in 1999.
Library Policies
Chapter 1
Purpose and Objectives
Section 1: Board Statement; Section 2: Board Objectives; Section 3: Mission Statement; Section 4: Vision Statement; Section 5: Library Goals; Section 6: Review and Amendments
Chapter 2
Authority and Administration
Section 1: Authority; Section 2: Contracts; Section 3: Administration; Section 4: Library Organization Structure—Trustees; Section 5: Personnel and Financial Records; Section 6: Description of Community
Access to Library Services
Section 1: Hours of Operations; Section 2: Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 3: Data Privacy; Section 4: Video Security Cameras; Section 5: Public Participation in Library Decision Making; Section 6: Public Use of Computers; Section 7: Internet Access; Section 8: Library Programs; Section 9: Access to Teen Area and Children’s Area
Use of Materials
Section 1: Library Card Policy and Reciprocal Borrowers; Section 2: Confidentiality of Library User Records; Section 3: Circulation of Materials / Check-outs and Renewals; Section 4: Fees and Recovery of Overdue Materials and Damaged Materials; Section 5: Protection of Copyright
Collection Development
Section 1: Selection Responsibility and Guidelines; Section 2: Intellectual Freedom; Section 3: Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials; Section 4: Assessment and Deselection of Materials; Section 5: Gifts and Donations (Rev. February 17, 2022)
Public Services
Section 1: Reference and Reader’s Advisory Services; Section 2: Proctoring Exams; Section 3: Copy, Fax, Laminating, and Accu-Cut Services; Section 4: Interlibrary Loan; Section 5: Internet Policy
Library Facilities
Section 1: General Statement; Section 2: Room Areas; Use and Reservation; Section 3: Exhibits, Displays and Bulletin Boards; Section 4: Equipment and Usage; Section 5: Property Insurance
Personnel
Section 1: Employment; Section 2: Personnel Records; Section 3: Vacancy Announcements; Section 4: Promotions; Section 5: Performance Evaluations; Section 6: Grievance; Section 7: Attendance; Section 8: Time Keeping; Section 9: Breaks; Section 10: Telephone and Address Changes; Section 11: Training and Continuing Education; Section 12: Professional Expenses, Conventions, Meetings, Seminars, and Travel; Section 13: Return of Library Property; Section 14: E-mail Usage; Section 15: Smoking in Designated Areas; Section 16: Dress Code; Section 17: Courteous Behavior; Section 18: Soliciting Business; Section 19: Political Activities by Employees
Public Conduct
Section 1: Code of Conduct; Section 2: Unattended Children; Section 3: Social Media Policy