Continuing Education Policy

The Library Director may authorize payment up to $1,500.00 annually to aid in paying for classes that will enhance full-time employees’ ability to help the library and its patrons. Payment will be made from the Fines Fund. The employee may apply for aid twice. 

Requirements: 

1. The full-time employee applying for this educational financial aid must have worked for the library for at least 180 days since being hired. 
2. The employee must provide the Library Director with a copy of the course syllabus and course expenses.  
3. The aid must be used for classes that are directly related to furthering the employee’s skills related to their current position at the Watertown Regional Library. 
4. Exams and courses must be taken outside of the employee’s normal work schedule. 
5. Upon completion of the class, the employee will have the school or the instructor certify in writing that the employee’s grade is equal to or greater than a C+. 
6. The employee will sign an agreement to work at the Watertown Regional Library at least one year after the completion of the class. 
7. Prior to disbursement of funding for the class, the employee will sign a release authorizing the Library to withhold from his/her wages the cost of the class if the grade and attendance requirements are not met. 

If these requirements are not met, the employee will refund all the money provided by the Library within the last year. Any deviation from this is at the discretion of the Library Director. 

Role of the Library Board of Trustees: 

1. If the costs of the class for a full-time employee is greater than $1,500, the Library Director may bring the issue to the Board for consideration. 
2. The Board will then determine on a case-by-case basis if additional funds can be released for financial aid for the class.

Approved: October 29, 1996
Revised: July 7, 2009; October 14, 2021; April 4, 2023; November 18, 2025