Prendergast Library’s Patron Behavior Guidelines

Prendergast Library has established rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of all Library visitors and staff and to preserve the Library’s materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds.  Staff will enforce these rules in a fair and reasonable manner in order to make the Library a clean, safe, comfortable place for everyone. 

Cell phones, Pagers, Walkmans

Turn cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices off or set them to vibrate.  Use headphones with Walkmans, and set the volume so others cannot hear the sound.

Check Out/Inspection

Check out all library materials before leaving the building.  The Library reserves the right to inspect any bags or backpacks.

Closing Time

Exit the building promptly when closing procedures begin.

Courtesy

Treat staff and other patrons with courtesy and dignity.  Refrain from behavior that could be construed as offensive, abusive, harassing, stalking, obscene or sexually explicit.  Converse in designated talking areas and speak quietly.  Treat library materials and equipment with respect. 

Dress

Wear shoes and shirts or blouses at all times. 

Drinks

Non-alcoholic beverages in spill-proof containers are permitted in all areas of the library except at computer workstations and around electronic equipment or microfilm machines. 

Hygiene

Practice personal hygiene and use perfumes or colognes so they do not interfere with other people’s ability to use and enjoy library facilities.

Laws

Obey all laws including those regarding firearms, weapons, alcohol, and drugs.

Littering

Dispose of trash in receptacles conveniently located around the library.

Monopolizing Staff Time and Library Materials or Equipment

Accept that library staff are unable to spend a considerable length of time assisting any one patron.  Be prepared to surrender materials or equipment for someone waiting to use them.

Outside Only, Please

Running, Jumping and Horse Play

Smoking

Two-and three-wheeled vehicles such as bicycles and scooters

Personal Belongings

Be responsible for personal belongings, including materials that have been checked out of the Library.  Check for lost items at the Circulation Desk.

Recording Equipment

Obtain approval from the Library Director to use any audio, video, photographic, or television recording equipment in the library.  For gallery inquiries, see the gallery coordinator.

Refrain from

Bringing any animals into the library unless they are service animals or part of an approved library program.

Eating except at events sponsored or approved by the library.

Loitering and blocking areas such as the entrance, stairs, elevator, and restrooms.

Sleeping

Soliciting or petitioning

Staff Areas

Remain in public areas, not behind service desks or in the other staff work zones.

Telephones

Use the public pay phone in the foyer, and keep library phones free for staff use.  If a special situation arises, ask to use the telephone in the Children’s Room.  Advise people who might call you that the library does not offer a paging/messenger service, except in emergencies.

Theft/Damage to Property
Intentional damage and/or defacement of materials, furnishings, equipment or premises, or attempts at theft may be prosecuted.  Patrons will be charged the cost of damaged items.

Trespassing

            A person who knowingly enters or remains unlawfylly on the premises is trespassing.  Staff will call police if patrons refuse to leave after being banned from the library or the public computer room.

Unattended Children

Parents or care-givers must supervise their children in the library and take responsibility for their behavior.

Wheeled Vehicles

Wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers may be used inside the library.

Failure to comply with these policies could result in removal from the library, expulsion, arrest or prosecution.  Violators may also have library privileges, including use of library computers and other equipment, restricted or terminated.  The library director will consider written appeals from users who have been expelled more than a week.

Central Library of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System.
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last updated (web page, not policy): 12.22.06