Rules of Conduct Policy

Rules of Conduct Policy

Purpose: This policy establishes a non-exhaustive list of prohibited behaviors for patrons of the James Prendergast Library, in order to maintain a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment where the public can access information resources and services without disruption. For additional specifications regarding rules, please see visual guide.

Zero-Tolerance Violations: Any action that violates the law, creates a volatile situation, and/or is dangerous to self or others, which will result in a long-term ban of patron from library property.

• Harassment: Engaging in repeated behaviors that disrespect or threaten other library users or staff.
• Violence: Committing verbal, physical, written, or digital behavior that is violent, threatening, or abusive toward library users and staff.

• Possession of deadly weapon: Per New York State Penal Law 225.01-2, the library is defined as a sensitive location and therefore, weapons are prohibited from library property (unless carried by a law enforcement officer).

• Drug or Alcohol Use: Possessing, selling, and/or distributing illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia on library property.

• Equipment Misuse: Theft, and intentional defacement or damage of library materials or property.
• Sexual Misconduct: Transmitting or displaying pornographic or obscene images.
• Hate Speech: Communication that carries no meaning other than expressing hatred for a group of people and may provoke violence. It includes any form of expression through which speakers intend to vilify, humiliate, or incite hatred against a group or a class of persons.

• Illegal Activity: Committing or attempting to violate local, state, or federal law.

Disruptive Behaviors: Any action that restricts the ability of others to use the library or interferes with the regular operation of the library, which may result in a suspension of library privileges.

• Volume: Electronic or speaking volume that significantly disturbs others.
• Smoking: Per Section 1399-o of New York’s Public Health Law, smoking or vaping is forbidden within 100 feet of library property.

• Open Flame: Using candles, matches, and lighters or other intentional generation of flame.
• Parkour: Running, jumping, pushing, climbing, riding (bikes, skateboards, roller skates, etc.) in the building or on library grounds.

• Public Safety: Per the library’s Health and Safety Policy, any activity, personal item(s), substance, or odor posing a health or hygiene hazard to patrons and employees is prohibited.

• Rearranging: Moving library furniture or equipment without permission from library staff.
• Solicitation: Soliciting, petitioning, or distributing materials on library property without staff approval.
• Repetition: Repeatedly violating library policies.

Minor Behaviors: Any action that is not permitted because it interferes with the regular operation of the library, which may result in a removal for the remainder of the day.

• Food and Drink: Per the library’s Food and Drink Policy, consuming snacks or beverages outside the designated snack area is prohibited and consumables must be stowed when not in use. Patrons must leave snack area clean upon exit. Only water is permitted outside the snack area.

• Inappropriate Attire: Entering library property barefoot or without a shirt. Wearing masks or other items with the effect of obscuring identity while in the library is not permitted.

• Loitering: Loitering or congregating in areas not intended for public use, and/or blocking entrances or access to walkways, restrooms, library collection, services, or outdoor spaces.

• Loitering in Children’s Room: Loitering for any period of time near areas or programs designated for children, unless accompanied by a child, or specifically utilizing children’s materials without permission from library staff.

• PDA: Engaging in excessive public displays of affection.
• Pets: Bringing pets into the library, except when invited by library staff.

Please Note: Service dogs are welcome in the library.

• Recreational Drugs: Visibly displaying recreational drugs on library property.
• Sleeping: Sleeping or laying down in the library or on library property.
• Unattended Possessions: Leaving personal items in area separate to the owner. Any unattended items are subject to immediate confiscation and disposal.
• Large Items: Attempting to bring bicycles, foot scooters, strollers, wagons, or carts inside the library unless approved by staff. Skateboards and small scooters can be carried in the library.
• Unsupervised Children: Per the library’s Child Safety Policy, children ages 8 years old or under and not yet in second grade must be directly supervised by a parent, guardian or caregiver while in the library.

Any patron who disregards the library’s prohibited behaviors or engages in other conduct that disrupts library operations or inhibits library use may be asked to provide identification and/or to leave library property and/or have their library privileges restricted.