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Patron Rules of Conduct

 

PATRON RULES OF CONDUCT

The Wyckoff Public Library seeks to provide a safe and pleasant environment for all patrons that encourages them to connect, discover, learn and create through the borrowing of materials, attending programs and utilization of resources. In order to maintain a comfortable, shared space that is conducive to study, thought and contemplation, the Board of Trustees sets standards of behavior to be followed by all patrons and visitors (collectively, “patrons”).  

Disruptive behavior on the part of any patron is unacceptable. Disruptive behavior includes any activity that: 

  • Interferes with the rights of other people to use the Library, including privacy rights
  • Disrupts the normal functioning of the Library or any aspect of Library operations 
  • May result in physical, emotional or mental injury to oneself or others
  • May result in damage to materials, equipment, building or grounds 
  • Constitutes a failure to comply with Library staff directives

The following are examples of disruptive or unacceptable behaviors, which are prohibited in and around the Library premises:

  • Smoking, vaping, spitting or otherwise using, consuming, distributing, displaying, or being under the influence of tobacco, alcohol or any illegal substance(s)
  • Bringing animals into the library except service animals needed to assist a patron with a disability 
  • Playing of audio, video, digital or other electronic equipment so that others can hear it 
  • Interfering with another person’s use of the Library or with Library personnel’s performance of their duties 
  • Stealing, mutilating, damaging or vandalizing any library materials, equipment or properties, or that of any staff member or patron.  Keep magazines and newspapers intact, i.e. do not cut out anything, such as coupons, offers, articles, pictures, etc.
  • Leaving young children or other children who are in need of supervision, or adults who require special care, unattended, even when caregivers are in other areas of the building. See the Unattended Children Policy.  
  • Leaving valuable or personal belongings unattended
  • Harassing library patrons or staff, verbally, physically or sexually
  • Engaging in disruptive conduct including loud talking, rude language, making noise, running, pushing, and fighting
  • Using fire exits except in an emergency
  • Entering non-public areas without permission
  • Using cell or smart phones loudly or in a manner or for a duration that is disruptive to others
  • Gambling
  • Solicitation of contributions or signatures without the permission of the Director
  • Selling merchandise or services without the permission of the Director
  • Conducting surveys without the permission of the Director
  • Entering the Library without wearing shoes, and clothing covering both the lower and upper parts of the body, for example, shirt, pants, skirts, dresses, shorts, etc.
  • Emitting bodily odor, hygiene or attire so offensive as to constitute a nuisance to others 
  • Sleeping
  • Bathing or changing clothes in any Library bathroom
  • Filming, photographing, interviewing or otherwise recording patrons or staff within the Library, except with the Library Director’s express prior written approval and with the approval of the individual(s) being filmed, photographed, interviewed or otherwise recorded.
  • Violating any municipal, state and/or federal law, including but not limited to laws on assault, harassment, disorderly conduct and reckless endangerment
  • Eating
  • Loitering 
  • Carrying unauthorized weapons of any sort
  • Refusing to cease behavior or to leave the building upon request of Library staff

Persons, who (a) damage or alter library property (including materials and equipment); (b) steal library materials; (c) physically harm staff or patrons or (d) threaten, harass, or verbally abuse staff or patrons in person, over the phone, or via electronic communication, shall have library privileges revoked and are subject to prosecution.

Refusal to comply with the above regulations, when brought to a patron’s attention by an employee of the library, or continued violation of these provisions shall result in the expulsions and/or temporary or permanent loss of library privileges.  

Revised 2/19/2020