Rules for Behavior

To provide a quiet, pleasant environment conducive to study as well as casual use, the Board of Library Trustees has adopted policies regarding patron conduct, copies of which are available for review.

All conduct that materially disrupts the use of Library facilities, collections or services or is defined as unacceptable in this Library's environment is prohibited. Patrons are urged to report disruptive behavior immediately to staff so appropriate steps can be taken to stop it.

Examples of disruptive or unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

  • Engaging in loud conversation or rowdy behavior.
  • Consuming food or drinking beverages from containers without lids, except in those areas of the Library where food or open-topped beverages are expressly allowed.
  • Smoking in the Library.
  • Loitering at entrances, in lobbies, walkways, rest rooms, the parking lot and other non-study areas. For the purposes of this policy, loitering is defined as staying in such an area for more than 15 minutes.
  • Prolonged or chronic sleeping.
  • Inflicting offensive, threatening, harassing, or abusive images, sounds, language, or gestures on other patrons or staff.
  • Following staff or patrons around the building or staring at staff or patrons such that performance of their duties or use of library services is materially disrupted.
  • Damaging, defacing or misusing Library materials, equipment or facilities.
  • Relocating Library furniture or equipment without the permission of Library staff.
  • Conducting surveys or distributing leaflets inside the Library building. Petitioning in areas other than the lower lobby or outside the building. Impeding ingress to or egress from the Library by other patrons. Posting notices without prior written Administrative approval.
  • Panhandling.
  • Shaving, bathing or laundering clothes.
  • Personal hygiene that materially disrupts others from using Library facilities, collections or services.
  • Possessing or using alcohol or controlled substances.
  • Fighting or abusing Library patrons or staff.
  • Using the parking lot for purposes unrelated to visiting the Library and using its services.
  • Parking a vehicle or being present in the Library parking lot, except for staff or patrons using the book drop, from one half hour after the official closing time until one half hour before the official opening time, except as authorized by the Executive Librarian.

* * * The Library is not responsible for damage to or loss of unattended personal belongings. * * *

September 25, 2001