2007 Printable Manual - Texas State Library and Archives ...

2007 Texas Reading Club Manual
degree felony, subject to a $10,000 fine and three years of jail time, to sponsor any bingo without
a license.
The Bingo Enabling Act does not permit libraries, schools, and non-profit organizations to
sponsor any type of Bingo game without a license from the Texas Lottery Commission. Licenses
are required for all types of bingo, including Mexican Bingo or lotería. Licenses are only
available to organizations that hold a 501c exemption from the IRS and have been in existence
for at least 3 years. Applying for a license may take 30 to 60 days. Application forms are
available online at www.txbingo.org. According to the Lottery Commission, a license may cost
from $100 to $2500 per year. Libraries with bingo licenses must charge participants who play
bingo and must collect taxes. They must maintain records and file quarterly reports with the
Texas Lottery Commission. Additionally, "An individual younger than 18 years of age may not
play bingo conducted under a license issued under this chapter unless the individual is
accompanied by the individual's parent or guardian.” For more information on the Bingo
Enabling Act, please visit the Texas Lottery Commission’s web site at
www.txbingo.org/export/sites/Bingo/Regulations_x_Statutes/Bingo_Enabling_Act/. Specifically,
see Subchapter L. Enforcement, Sec. 2001.551. Unlawful Bingo; Offense.
According to the State of Texas Lottery Commission, bingo “means a specific game of chance,
commonly known as Bingo or lotto, in which prizes are awarded on the basis of designated
numbers or symbols conforming to numbers or symbols selected at random." It is tempting to
think that because we don’t charge fees to play, or we are basing a game on books, library
resources, or educational topics, or that we are not offering any prizes, that the game is not really
bingo. If it looks anything like bingo and the winner is determined by chance, then don’t take the
chance that you’ll get in trouble! Play Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, or another game instead.
Copyright Issues
This section will discuss copyright primarily as it relates to public performance of music and
videos in library programs and will provide some basic information about copyright as it relates
to public libraries. The information is intended to help library staff and volunteers understand
issues related to the use of materials protected by copyright in library programs. Please consult
an attorney if you have questions about copyright and fair use. The information provided in this
section is not intended to provide legal advice.
Written works such as books, poetry, magazine articles, or jokes, music, and film, are considered
creative property and are covered by copyright law unless they are in the public domain. All
items are covered by copyright upon their creation by default, regardless of whether the creator
registers the copyright or includes a notice of copyright on the work. A creative work that is not
protected by copyright is said to be in the public domain. Everyone may freely use works that are
in the public domain. A work may be in the public domain if:
(1) the term of copyright for the work has expired;
(2) the author failed to satisfy statutory formalities to perfect the copyright, or
(3) the work was created by the U.S. Government.
In general, works created before 1923 are now in the public domain. Works created after 1923
are subject to a variety of laws that regulate copyright and renewal of copyright. The Cornell
Copyright Information Center at www.copyright.cornell.edu/training/Hirtle_Public_Domain.htm
provides an excellent chart outlining copyright terms for various types of materials.
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