The Smyth-Bland Regional Library is a popular materials center that provides a variety of formats and topics to meet high demand. The library serves as an open door to formal and informal learning through its programs, services, and materials for all age groups. To satisfy the desire of residents to gain an understanding of their own cultural heritage, the library also provides materials and programming directed toward an appreciation of the community and its diversity.


Smyth-Bland Regional Library (SBRL) provides Internet access as an integral part of the library’s mission to provide popular reading materials & formats, and to promote learning and cultural awareness. The global Internet network is available free of charge and on an equitable basis to all library members in good standing. Public Internet computers are designed to deliver optimal benefits in the most cost effective manner. As a result of the unique nature of the Internet, the following policy has been developed for management and delivery.


The Internet is a non-regulated global information delivery network. Smyth Bland Regional Library endorses the right of an individual to access constitutionally protected materials, but reserves the right to establish appropriate Internet management policies. All Internet use, whether filtered or unfiltered, is subject to the legal standards established in federal, state, & local laws, and the library’s governing policies. SBRL is not responsible for the quality, subject matter, or content of accessed sites, nor can the library guarantee the reliability of Internet service, electronic components, or third party services. SBRL cannot accommodate all forms of media, hardware, software, or guarantee access to all sites, especially those that require downloads and add-ons.

Patrons are reminded that the Internet is not a secure medium and should use caution in transmitting and receiving information. The library is not responsible for any loss or compromise of information, either over the Internet or as a result of activity which occurs in the public “plain sight.”

It is the responsibility of parents or guardians to monitor their children's use of all library materials and resources, including the Internet.

SBRL does provide options to save and print, but is not responsible for any loss of data, damage to disks or external devices, or equipment failure. Patrons are cautioned to use good security measures for their data and are reminded that SBRL is not liable for any negative situation that may arise as a result of public computer use.


Access to the Internet at any of the Smyth-Bland Regional Library locations is provided free to all adults and authorized minors who are active library members, by presenting their library cards at the appropriate service desk. Authorization for minors between the ages of 8 and 18 is established with documented parental or guardian consent. Children younger than age 8 are allowed computer access under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, teacher or adult child-care provider.

Patrons may be limited to 30 minute sessions during periods of high demand and will as a general rule be regulated on a first come basis; however, patrons may request to reserve a computer in advance when more than thirty minutes of computer time is needed for research, homework, and/or special projects.

No more than two people may use a station at one time, unless otherwise permitted by staff.

Library staff will provide as much basic assistance as time permits, but cannot be relied upon for in-depth research and/or training.

Patrons who have had as many as two computer sessions on any given day may be the first asked to leave in order to accommodate someone who has not been on a computer on that date.

Chat Lines are prohibited on the Smyth-Bland Regional Library Internet connection.

Full functionality of all sites including, but not limited to email, cannot be guaranteed.


Unlawful or harmful acts, destructive actions against computers and components, compromising network security, attempts to engage in harmful or destructive Internet activity, disruptive behavior, or violating the rights of others, will result in the loss of computer privileges and, depending upon the severity, possible legal action.

Patrons are not allowed to use library Internet stations, wireless connections, or any other type of SBRL provided communication system for illegal or disruptive purposes. Engaging in unlawful or disruptive activity may result in the loss of library privileges. Evidence of illegal activities may be gathered by appropriate law enforcement or government agencies and may be subject to prosecution for any and all illegal acts as defined by federal, state, and local laws. Accessing, displaying, or printing obscene or illegal material is a violation of the Code of Virginia §18.2-374.1.

Copying, displaying, or the distribution of copyright protected materials is regulated by Federal Copyright laws (Title 17, U. S. Code). Any violation is subject to penalty.

The world-wide Internet exists as an unregulated separate entity. SBRL does utilize a filter and makes a good faith effort to hold Internet access to legal and acceptable use standards, but cannot be held responsible for either the content or quality of accessed sites. Unfiltered access may be requested by adult patrons for valid research purposes, however, all access whether filtered or unfiltered is subject to federal, state, and local laws.

Approved by Smyth-Bland Regional Library Board of Trustees 3/12/07