Standards of Conduct

Bedford Public Library Policy

Subject: Standards of Conduct	Last Updated: 10/11/05, revised 02/08
Category: Patron Conduct Policies	Supercedes: Sections 2-10, 11, 8-1, 3

I. POLICY

Citizens using the library are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner that does not threaten the safety or disturb or interfere with the rights of any other patron or with library employees’ performance of their duties. Patrons, while in the library building, shall be engaged in activities normally associated with the use of a library such as reading, studying, using library materials or other appropriate activities. The library reserves the right to restrict a person’s use of the library, if they violate the library’s Standards of Conduct.

II. APPLICABILITY

Anyone using the libraries

III. OBJECTIVE

To provide an atmosphere conductive to the appropriate use of library services and facilities, and to preserve the safety and rights of all patrons and staff

IV. PROCEDURES

All library materials will be properly checked out and promptly returned in accordance with the terms of the loan.
No person will lend, destroy, injure or deface any library materials or property.
While on library premises, including the building and the area and grounds surrounding it, improper conduct is prohibited. The following are considered improper:

bringing or carrying a dangerous weapon into the building;
using abusive, obscene, or profane language or acts;
engaging in illegal, disruptive, disorderly, or unruly conduct or behavior;
causing noise which interferes with patron use of the library, including but not limited to the playing of radios and cassette players or engaging in loud or disruptive conversations;
using or being under the influence of any intoxicant, narcotic or similar substance while in library buildings or on library grounds;
harassing any patron or staff member through noisy or boisterous activities, or by staring at or following another person with intent to annoy that person;
smoking or chewing tobacco, or spitting;
gambling;
consuming food or drink on the library premises except in authorized areas or situations (drinks are allowed in closed containers only);
bringing animals into the library, except those for use in library programming, or service animals such as used by visually or hearing impaired, or animals used by law enforcement agencies;
conducting surveys or investigations (except as permitted by the Director), distributing printed materials, soliciting, or unnecessarily disturbing any person

Patrons shall maintain an acceptable standard of personal hygiene. Unpleasant body odor, which may offend other library patrons, is considered unacceptable.
Proper attire, including shirt and shoes, is required of all patrons entering the library facilities. Swimsuits, unless completely covered, are not considered proper attire.
All briefcases, handbags, carryalls, luggage, packages, overcoats, and shopping bags are subject to inspection by library staff or security guards.

Library staff or security guards may, for good cause, related to any apparent breach of these rules and regulations request a patron to provide proper identification.