My
Library Account
Calendar of Events |
CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY and PROCEDURES: Rules and Regulations for Public Behavior The Board of Trustees and Staff invite all our patrons to enjoy the New Rochelle Public Library and its books, special services and programs. The Library, as supported by the taxes of the citizens of the City of New Rochelle, strives to provide a clean, pleasant and safe place for all patrons. Therefore, the Board of Trustees is responsible for establishing the rules for public behavior in the library necessary to: 1. Protect the rights and safety of individuals using the library 2. Protect the rights of library employees and volunteers to conduct library business without interference
3.
Ensure the
use of materials, services and facilities by the greatest number of
individuals, and preserve materials Therefore, the
following rules and regulations have been established for all Library users
– children, teens, and adults. Library visitors must
cooperate with Library and security personnel enforcing the Code of Conduct.
Anyone whose behavior is not in compliance with the Library’s Code of
Conduct will be asked to leave the building and is subject to loss of
library privileges. If a person defies an order personally communicated by
an authorized Library employee not to enter the Library or not to remain in
the Library for failure to comply with this Code of Conduct, that person is
subject to arrest for trespass. Any person banned from the Library has a
right to challenge the suspension of their user privileges by writing to the
Library Director or his or her designee. 1. Library Users and Visitors The New Rochelle
Public Library aims to insure professional service to all its patrons. We
can do this most effectively when everyone follows the guidelines outlined
in this policy. People demonstrating disruptive behavior will be asked to
leave the library and risk losing library privileges. Disruptive behavior
includes but is not limited to: loud talking, yelling and laughing; fighting
and horseplay; running and playing; boisterous socializing; throwing things;
loud use of listening devices and cell phones; playing with library
equipment, including sound on computers; and using profane or inappropriate
language. Parents or caregivers are responsible for their children’s behavior on library premises. Children under the age of ten must not be left unattended in the library and must be accompanied and directly supervised by a responsible adult at all times, in all areas of the library. Unattended children are free to utilize the library provided their behavior is not disruptive to other patrons or staff members. Disruptive children may be asked to leave the library. Truancy is a school problem. Library staff does not have responsibility to report persons who appear to be truant; however, if when addressing other behavioral problems it becomes evident the patron involved is truant, the library may report the truant as well as address the behavioral problems according to this policy. Sleeping is not
permitted. Public health codes must be observed. Library users must be fully
clothed and wear shoes. Distribution of unauthorized materials is not permitted in the library. Materials must be submitted for review and approval for posting and/or distribution. Solicitation of any kind is prohibited. Loitering on library property is not allowed. Visual recording of the library, its users or staff is prohibited without the prior approval of the Library Director. Library furniture,
fixtures, and property are arranged for effective library operation and
security and may not be moved or rearranged. It is forbidden to sit on
tables, place feet on furniture, sit on stairs, or block aisles. Patrons
should sit one to 2. Library Employees and Volunteers Disruptive behavior
that prevents library employees or volunteers from doing their jobs is
prohibited. Abusive language and behavior toward staff, including
uncooperative attitude or actions that deliberately annoy others or prevent
the legitimate use of the library and its resources, will not be tolerated.
3. Library Materials and Services All library materials must be checked out at the Circulation Desk on the first floor. Each borrower assumes responsibility for materials checked out on his or her card unless the Library has been notified that the card has been lost or stolen. Materials must be kept
clean and in good condition. Fines are assessed for later return of materials. Library privileges will be suspended for fines and fees over $25. The Library Director is authorized to employ a collection agency to ensure the return of overdue materials. Misuse of library computer equipment or usage will not be tolerated. Misuse includes: false use of identification to sign on, disregard of Internet Policy and/or rules for computer use, damaging/defacing/altering equipment or software, downloading or installing programs or files on hard drive, sending/displaying/printing obscene material, and refusing to leave after one’s time limit is up and others are waiting. Visitors to the library for programs and exhibits are expected to follow these rules and those of other related policies.
Disciplinary Process Enforcement of these
rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library Staff are
required to bring to an individual’s attention any act which violates this
Code of Conduct and related policies. Such an individual will be asked to
change his or her behavior to conform to the rules. Library staff may
request users to show their library cards or other appropriate
identification. All bags are subject to search. Violation of these rules may
result in exclusion from the library building and/or suspension of library
privileges, including the use of Library computers. Suspension of Library Privileges At the discretion of the Director and/or Assistant Director, repeat offenders of this code of conduct will be banned from the library for varying lengths of time. For minors, letters will be sent to their parents. Since names and addresses are occasionally unavailable, suspension letters may be handed to the patron at the time of the action by either the Security Guard or librarian in charge. An example of the wording of this letter is attached. In the event a person refuses to accept the suspension letter, the order will still be in effect. If the person remains on the premises or returns before the suspension is up, the Security Guard or Librarian in charge should verbally notify the patron of the action and request that he/she leave the Library, as they are subject to arrest for trespass. If the person refuses to leave, notify the Police Department and produce a copy of the suspension letter for them when they arrive. The librarian in charge may suspend the privileges of a library user, including access to activities, services, or facilities without prior approval of the Director or Assistant Director if the situation violates this code of conduct or other policies. If a person is engaged in serious offenses, the librarian in charge should call the Police Department rather than place themselves, other staff members or patrons in a threatening situation. Examples of serious offenses include but are not limited to: verbal abuse, violence, sexual harassment, vandalism, visible intoxication, sale or use of drugs, theft or attempted theft, physical harassment or any behaviors that threaten the safety and security of staff and/or patrons. An incident report should be prepared by any and all staff that witness violations of this code of conduct and forwarded to the Administrative Office. A patron with
suspended privileges may appeal a suspension in writing to the Director
within ten working days of the date of the letter. The patron must state
clearly why he/she believes that his/her privileges should be restored. The
Director or a designee will respond to the appeal in writing within ten
working days of the date the appeal was received. The decision of the
Director Adopted by the New
Rochelle Library Board of Trustees
Library Board and Policies NRPL Foundation
|
|
