PATRON BEHAVIOR POLICIES
PURPOSE:
To protect the rights of individuals who are in the library to use materials or services, to assist staff members in conducting library business efficiently, and to preserve library materials and facilities.
STATEMENT OF POLICY:
Library patrons are expected to use the library, including facilities and materials, in a responsible, appropriate, and courteous manner. Illegal acts or conduct in violation of Federal, State, local laws, ordinances, regulations, and applicable policies of Baldwin-Whitehall School District are prohibited. Behavior that disturbs or infringes on the rights of other library patrons and staff and which damages library materials and property is not permitted. This policy applies to patrons of all ages.
RULES AND REGULATIONS:
Actions prohibited include, but are not limited to:
1.Engaging in disorderly conduct, drunken, dangerous or threatening behavior, fighting or challenging to fight, running, or using offensive words which disturb the peace or good order of the library, and any other behavior that is disruptive to library use.
2.Blocking entryways, book returns, or other common areas.
3.Refusing to comply with requests of any member of the library staff to comply with library policy.
4.Using offensive or abusive language or acting or behaving disrespectfully toward a library employee, volunteer or patron.
5.Any form of harassment – physical, sexual, verbal – of library staff, volunteer, or patron. Harassment may include initiating unwanted conversations, impeding access to the library, stalking, and the like.
6.Displaying obscene or sexually explicit materials or Internet sites in violation of 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Sec. 5903.
7.Excessive noise and other disturbances, including but not limited to loud conversations, laughter, cell phone use, or music which is disturbing to others, separate from an authorized library programs.
8.Selling and/or soliciting for services, money, items, or signatures, except for library-related activities.
9.Disturbing or posting printed materials, literature, or other items that have not been approved by the Library Director or staff he/she designates.
10.Possessing or consuming alcohol or illegal drugs or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
11.Smoking or other uses of tobacco or tobacco products.
12.Vaping
13.Consuming unauthorized food or beverages.
14.Not wearing shoes or shirt.
15.Bringing animals or pets into the library (except for assistance animals or for specific library programs.)
16.Damaging, destroying, or stealing any property belonging to the library, a patron, or employee.
17.Removing library materials from the premises without authorization through established lending procedures.
18.Moving furniture without permission from library staff.
19.Leaving a child under (14) years of age unattended by a responsible person.
20.Possessing weapons of any type.
21.Indecent exposure.
22.Entering “staff only” area without permission of library staff.
23.Abuse of borrowing privileges.
The library reserves the right to:
1.Inspect all backpacks, book bags, satchels, and briefcases.
2.Confiscate and dispose of any food, beverages, or containers thereof brought into the library.
3.Limit the number of persons who may sit together at a single table or carrel or in an arrangement of casual seating.
4.Separate members or a group from one another or relocate an individual from one area of the library to another.
5.Impose time limits on the continuous use of library resources, including reference materials and computer equipment.
6.Require patrons to furnish commonly accepted forms of identification, such as a driver’s license or student ID card.
The library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended. Personal items left by patrons are subject to disposal.
NONCOMPLIANCE:
1.Failure to comply with this policy and/or established rules, regulations, and procedures of the library may result in the following consequences at the determination of Director warning(s) exclusion from the library for a specified period of time up to and including permanent expulsion, and/or in arrest.
2.Theft or damage of library materials will result in permanent exclusion from the library and/or in arrest.
3.Communication of threats, physical violence or sexual offenses will result in permanent exclusion and/or arrest.
4.Any person who is asked to leave the library as a result of the violation of these guidelines and refuses to do so shall be considered to be trespassing. The library staff will contact the Baldwin Borough Police Department in all such cases.
5.The library staff will call the Baldwin Borough Police Department at times when staff deems this to be necessary or prudent.