Policy Governing the Use of the Library
Adopted by the Board of Trustees
December 16, 1992
In order to provide all patrons with equal access to the Library’s collections and services, and to achieve the optimum and safest use of the Library facilities, the Board of Trustees has adopted these rules governing the use of the Library.
Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a public library while in the building. Patrons not engaged in reading, studying, using library materials or participating in library programs or events, may be required to leave the building.
The following are not permitted in the Library:
- Eating or drinking.
- Smoking.
- Sleeping.
- Playing audio equipment so that others can hear it.
- Bringing animals into the Library, except when needed to assist a person with a disability.
- Misusing a restroom (e.g., as a laundry or bathing facility.)
- Leaving a child under the age of seven unattended (i.e., without adult supervision) in the Library.
- Solicitation of contributions or signatures.
- Conducting surveys without the permission of the Library administration.
- Photography on the library premises without the permission of the Library administration and all those photographed.
- Talking loudly, making noises or engaging in other disruptive conduct.
- Interfering with another person’s use of the Library or with library personnel’s performance of their duties.
- Patrons whose offensive bodily hygiene constitutes a nuisance to other library patrons of staff and thereby interferes with the rights of others to use the Library.
- Patrons without shoes or shirts.
- Threatening, harassing, staring at or physically harming library patrons or staff.
- Carrying a weapon, unless authorized by law. Any patron authorized to carry a weapon must notify library staff.
- Damaging or stealing library materials or property.
Activities in the Library are also governed by local, state and federal statutes regulating conduct in public places. These regulations prohibit:
intoxication
assault
criminal mischief
disorderly conduct
harassment
drug paraphernalia
public indecency
Any patrons violating the Library’s rules, or local, state or federal regulations may be required to leave the premises. Police assistance may be utilized if deemed advised by the Library staff.
Persistent violations of the Library’s rules may result in the suspension of library privileges, including the right to use the facilities and/or to borrow materials. Such suspension may be enacted by the Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Director.