Patron Behavior Policy

Patron Behavior Policy

 

Patrons shall engage in reading, studying, using library materials or similar activities associated with the use of a public library. Any person not so engaged may be required to leave the library premises. Patrons are prohibited from engaging in any activity which constitutes an annoyance, disruption or distraction to patrons and the orderly and peaceful utilization of the library and library premises such as:

interfering with other patrons’ reasonable expectation of privacy

interfering with Library staff’s performance of their duties

engaging in a course of conduct which alarms “or seriously annoys” another person and would serve no legitimate purpose; such prohibition to include the striking, shoving, kicking, unpermitted touching, or otherwise subjecting another person to physical contact or attempting or threatening to do so

engaging in unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, including viewing material of a pornographic nature.

staring at another person or following another person about the premises such that the other person could reasonably be considered to be annoyed or disturbed

leaving children unattended on the premises

using harassing, obscene, abusive, or insulting language or gestures

causing a disturbance by arguing, propagandizing, or preaching

engaging in loud or boisterous activities, playing audio or video equipment so that others are disturbed

eating (except for Library approved programs), congregating, soliciting, or sleeping

smoking, including E-cigarettes, in the building and on all grounds controlled and managed by the library

using or carrying skateboards on Library premises

using cell phones in other than designated areas

improperly using Library restrooms or facilities for purposes such as bathing, shaving, changing or laundering clothes

possessing, distributing, or consuming alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, narcotics, or controlled substances

possessing or using a dangerous weapon

damaging, defacing, destroying, or stealing any material, equipment, or property belonging to the library or to other patrons

rearranging library furniture or using it improperly, including sitting on or putting feet on tables

entering the building without footwear as well as both upper and lower body covering

evidencing bodily hygiene so offensive as to constitute a nuisance to other persons

bringing any pets, with the exception of trained guide dogs or pets assisting disabled persons

Library personnel and security guards will enforce these rules. Patrons not complying will be asked to leave.

Library personnel and Security guards are authorized to contact the police if necessary.

Any patron who violates the Library rules and regulations may be denied the privilege of access to the Library by the Library Board of Trustees, on recommendation of the Library Director. Any patron whose privileges have been denied may have that decision reviewed by the Board of Trustees.

Adopted January 19, 1994 by the Board of Trustees of the Middle Country Public Library.
Revised February 23, 1994,  February 10, 1999, March 24, 2004,  March 23, 2010, September 22, 2010, June 15, 2011, September 18, 2013, July 15, 2015, January 20,2016.

 

COVID-19 Addendum to Patron Behavior Policy

The rules and regulations set forth in this addendum, and in the Library’s reopening plan, supersede the rules in all other Library policies until such time as the Board of Trustees deems they are no longer necessary.

All Library patrons and visitors will wear face coverings at all times. Anyone refusing to wear a face covering will be required to leave the Library.

All Library patrons and visitors will maintain a minimum of six feet of distance between themselves and other persons. Anyone refusing to follow proper social distancing will be required to leave the Library.

No individual should enter the Library if he/she is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.

The Library’s policies and procedures for the use of public computers, meeting rooms, and specific spaces in the Library may be altered as necessary to provide for social distancing.

The ability to browse and checkout materials from certain collections may be limited.

Adopted June 23, 2020 by the Board of Trustees of the Middle Country Public Library.

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