Lilly Library Patron Behavior on Library Property Policy

Adopted June 22, 2009

Patron Behavior On Library Property

Lilly Library is supported by the taxes of the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who expect our facilities to be clean, comfortable, and safe places for selecting materials, reading, researching, studying, writing, and attending Library or community sponsored programs and meetings. To this end, the Library is responsible for establishing rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of Library patrons, volunteers, and staff, and for preserving and protecting the Library’s materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds.

The Children’s Department is reserved for use by children, their parents or guardians, teachers, and adults interested in children’s literature.   Others should use the rest of the library.

Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Failure to comply with the Library’s established rules, regulations, and policies could result in removal from the premises and expulsion from the Library for a period of one day to one year, or in arrest or prosecution. Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including the use of Library computers and other equipment.

For the comfort and safety of patrons, volunteers, and staff, and the protection of Library property, the following actions are examples of CONDUCT NOT ALLOWED on Library property.

• Engaging in any activity in violation of Federal, State, local or other applicable law, or Library policy.
• Carrying firearms and dangerous weapons of any type (except by law enforcement officers).
• Being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs and selling, using, or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs.
• Verbally or physically threatening or harassing other patrons, volunteers, or staff, including stalking, staring, lurking, offensive touching, and obscene acts such as sex acts and indecent exposure.
• Soliciting or conducting surveys not authorized by the Library.
• Stealing, damaging, altering, or inappropriate use of Library property in Library facilities or on Library grounds, including computer hardware and software, printers, copiers, phones, and other equipment.
• As this is an open computer area for family use, any computer viewing of graphic pornography and violence is not permitted.
• Trespassing in nonpublic areas, being in the Library without permission of an authorized Library employee before or after Library operating hours, or camping on Library grounds.
• Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving, or throwing things.
• Creating disruptive noises such as loud talking, screaming, or banging on computer keyboards.
• Gambling and group activities which are disruptive to the Library environment.
• Using audible devices without headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others.
• Using cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices in a manner that disturbs others. Cell phone and pager audible ringers must be turned off.  All cell phone calls & retrieval of audible messages must be made either in the 1^stFloor outside lobby or outside of the building.
• Using restrooms for bathing or shampooing, doing laundry, or changing clothes.
• Littering.
• Smoking, chewing, and other tobacco use in Library facilities.
• Entering the Library barefooted, without a shirt, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the Library environment.
• Consuming food.

No food is permitted.  No beverages are permitted at the computer workstations.  Non-alcoholic beverages may be consumed in the library if the beverage is in a closed spill-proof container.  Exceptions: Library sponsored programs;  Authorized groups who have reserved our meeting room, and have made prior arrangement to serve food / beverage.  Trash and left-over foods must be removed from the building and library property.

Staff may eat in approved areas.   These include but are not limited to the 2^nd Floor Staff Room and the 1^st Floor Work Room.  Other areas must be approved by the Director.  Staff may have beverages in appropriate containers at their workstations.

• Bringing in garbage, articles with a foul odor, or articles which, alone or in their aggregate, impede the use of the library by other users.
• Using wheeled devices in Library property or on Library grounds, including skateboarding, roller-skating, bicycling, and shopping carts (exceptions i.e. wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and scooters for those with medical needs.  Those using these devices must use care and caution for themselves and others.  If the device is unattended, it must be parked safely and in an area that does not block pathways and exits).
• Lying down or sleeping in the restrooms or on any floor, couch, table, or seat in the Library, and by blocking aisles, exits, or entrances by sitting or lying down in them.
• Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children.   Children under 9 must be with an adult at all times.
• Bringing pets or animals, other than service animals necessary for disabilities, into the Library, except as authorized by the Director.
• All bags and other articles are subject to inspection by library personnel. The Library reserves the right to limit the size and number of items brought into the Library.
• BICYCLES: Bicycles must be parked in designated areas outside the building.
• CUDDLING: Excessive displays of affection are inappropriate behavior for the library.
• DAMAGES: Those who damage or deface library materials or property will be prosecuted (MGL, Ch. 266, Sec. 100). Parents can be liable for damage done by a child under the age of eighteen (MGL, Ch. 231, Sec. 85).
• INTERFERENCE: Interfering with another person’s right to use the library or with the library staff’s performance of their duties is not allowed.
• LIBRARY FURNITURE (MISUSE OF): In order to maintain clean and attractive library facilities and furniture, it is forbidden to sit on tables and heating units, place feet on furniture, lie on floors, or to deface walls and elevators. Patrons should sit one to a chair and should not tip back.
• PERSONAL POSSESSIONS: Personal possessions should not be left at public service points for safekeeping. The library is unable to guarantee the security of such items.
• THREATS: Threatening behavior, including, but not limited to, violence, threats of violence, and possession of weapons is not allowed.