North Adams Public Library
CONDUCT POLICY FOR NORTH ADAMS PUBLIC LIBRARY
The North Adams Public Library's public behavior rules are intended to (1) protect the rights and safety of library users, (2) protect the rights and safety of staff members, and (3) preserve and protect the library's materials, facilities and property.
These policies will discourage unacceptable behavior and provide procedures for handling disruptive behavior .
Library users who violate the Rules of Conduct may be subject to the suspension of their library privileges, be excluded from the Library and/or face legal action. A copy of the Rules of Conduct will be posted in the library facility.
The Following Examples of Harmful, Disruptive, or Destructive behavior include but are not limited to:
- Engaging in conduct that disrupts or interferes with the normal operation of the library, or disturbs staff and library users. Such conduct includes:
- The use of abusive or threatening language or gestures
- Creation of unreasonable noise. This includes using a cell phone in the library
- Loud or boisterous behavior or talking
- Offensive odor caused by poor hygiene
- Smoking or use of other tobacco products
Using library materials, equipment, furniture, fixtures or the building in a destructive, abusive or potentially damaging manner, in a manner likely to cause personal injury to any person or in any other manner inconsistent with the customary use thereof.
- Failure to follow library policies or disobeying the direction of library staff members.
- Soliciting, petitioning or distributing written materials or canvassing on library premises for any purpose without express permission of the Library staff. Such conduct extends to any soliciting, petitioning, distributing or canvassing outside of library premises in such a manner as to impede access to or egress from a library facility.
- Interfering with the free passage of library staff members or library users in or onto library premises including, but not limited to, placing objects such as bicycles, skateboards, scooters, strollers, shopping carts or backpacks in such a manner as to impede free passage in or onto the premises.
- Bringing bicycles and other means of transportation inside the library property, including, but not limited to, vestibules or covered doorways, or where no bicycle rack is provided.
- Parking vehicles on library premises for purposes other than official library use. Vehicles parked in violation of this rule may be towed at the owner's expense.
Other inappropriate behaviors:
- Assaulting or threatening assault.
- Stealing or maliciously damaging library property.
- Possessing controlled substances or being under the influence of alcohol.
- Committing any crime, misdemeanor or violation of a municipal ordinance on the premises of library facilities.
- Entering or remaining on library premises after having been notified by an authorized individual not to do so, and entering or remaining on the library premises during the period in which an individual has been banned from the premises.
- Loitering or sleeping.
- Improper dress – no shoes or no shirt.
- Bringing animals (exception of helping companions) inside the Library.
- Leaving a young child unattended.
- Remaining in the library after closing time.
A PERSON WHO VIOLATES THE ABOVE RULES OF CONDUCT WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE SUSPENSION OF LIBRARY PRIVILEGES FOR A PERIOD OF TIME DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF THE INFRACTION.
PERSONS ORDERED TO LEAVE THE PREMISES WHO DO NOT COMPLY ARE SUBJECT TO ARREST AND PROSECUTION FOR TRESPASSING.
Approved by the Trustees February, 2006