The Newburgh Chandler Public Library is dedicated to providing an atmosphere that is both safe and conducive to using library materials and services without library customers or staff being disturbed, impeded or endangered. Appropriate library conduct includes activities such as reading, studying, properly using library materials and computers and other similar conduct normally associated with a public library.
Customer Responsibilities
- Parents, legal guardians and caretakers are responsible for their children’s selection of reading, viewing or listening materials.
- At closing, the police will be notified of any child or adult needing care that is left unattended at the library. The individual will be released to the custody of the police officer.
- Animals are not allowed in the library except for service animals and on special occasions as permitted by the Director.
- The Library is not responsible for loss or damage to property of individuals or groups using the Library.
Disruptive Behavior
A library customer who engages in any activity which disrupts other customers or the library environment or disrupts the ability of staff to perform his/her duties is not allowed. Parents, legal guardians and caretakers are responsible for their children’s or dependent person’s behavior. Disruptive behavior should be monitored by staff and includes but is not limited to:
- Inappropriate use of furniture or equipment
- Running or rough play, including pushing, hitting or throwing objects
- Badgering or harassment
- Verbal arguments or confrontations
- Obscene language or behavior
- Willful damage of library materials or facilities
If a customer notifies staff about a problem, staff must address the situation.
Procedures
When dealing with disruptions, speak directly but discreetly to the person or persons involved. Relate concerns, explaining why the behavior is unacceptable. State clearly that continued disruptions will require the person to leave the library.
Depending on the nature of the incident, customers may have library privileges restricted. The nature of the restrictions will depend on the type and severity of the unacceptable behavior, but will generally be applied using the following guidelines:
- A verbal warning will be given, stating the behavior is disruptive and if it continues, the customer will be asked to leave the library.
- After receiving a verbal warning: May not enter the library for remainder of the day. The police department should be notified in the event that a person refuses to leave when instructed to do so. The expulsion will be noted in the expulsion log.
- Second expulsion for similar behavior: May not enter the library for one week. A note will be put in the customer’s record.
- Third expulsion: may not enter the library for six months.
Complete an Unusual Occurrence form for any situation involving expulsion from the library.
If a minor is involved and a parent is in the building, the parent should be asked to monitor the behavior. However, staff should act to halt inappropriate behavior if parents do not. If parents are not present, and the minor is asked to leave, call parents if possible. If the patron refuses to leave, contact the police department.
If a child or adult needing care is in the building at closing have them contact their caregiver if possible. The supervisor on duty will stay with the individual for ten minutes past closing if they believe the caregiver is on their way. If the caregiver does not show up, contact the police and have them come to the library. Release the individual to police custody so they can either take the individual home or wait for their caregiver. Under no circumstances should staff drive any patrons to their home.
On the third expulsion, a letter will be sent to the mailing address on file for the customer indicating the reason for the ban, the time period of the ban and the appeals process. These notices will be kept on file for 6 months after the expulsion has ended. After 6 months with no incidents, the customer begins again at a verbal warning.
Any person who enters the library while banned from the premises will be considered trespassing and the police department will be contacted.
Illegal or Threatening Behavior
The Library is expected to be a safe, secure facility for all members of the community. Library staff is responsible for ensuring the safety of library customers. When illegal, threatening or potentially threatening behavior takes place, staff members will respond according to the nature and severity of the situation.
Illegal and threatening behavior includes but is not limited to:
- Possession or use of alcohol or illegal drugs
- Indecent sexual advances or exposure
- Smoking within the building or within 8 feet of the entrance
- Willful damage of library property or facilities
- Theft of another person’s property
- Acting in a threatening manner, either verbally or physically, towards other customers, staff or self.
Approved March 2017
