LaFayette Public Library Patron Code of Conduct Policy

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Overview

 

We are committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and safe environment in which diverse individuals can access library facilities and services to meet their needs. We are committed to providing a harassment-free and inclusive library experience for all our patrons, and for our staff.

 

To meet these goals, our Board of Trustees has adopted the following rules and regulations. These rules of conduct apply to interactions with other patrons and with library staff.  The rules apply whether the patron is interacting with the library in person, on the telephone, via email, via chat, or through any other method.

 

Library patrons are expected to:

• Respect the rights, property, and communal space of patrons and staff

• Comply with all staff directives and library policies, including the Unattended Children Policy and local, state, and federal laws

• Be responsible for personal property, including ensuring it does not create a safety hazard; the Library is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen items

• Refrain from smoking or vaping of any substances within 100 feet of library property or facility as per Section 1399-O of New York’s Public Health Law

• Dress in appropriate public attire, including footwear

• In the event of a global or local health emergency, patrons must abide by federal, state and local health guidelines when within the library. Staff will post these guidelines at the library entrance

 

Inappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Disorderly conduct, including disruptive or illegal behaviors (e.g., excessive noise, deliberate damage of library equipment or facilities, use of abusive, threatening, or obscene language, sexual misconduct)

• Harassment of patrons or staff, or engagement in threatening or intimidating behavior

• Bringing alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons onto library property.

• Loitering at entrances or exits

• Soliciting money, donations, or signatures, and/or distributing unauthorized materials

• Bringing unapproved animals into the building (properly identified service animals are permitted)

• Entering staff-only areas unless invited and accompanied by a staff member

• Approaching other patrons or staff with the intent to convince them of their personal views: religious, political, or otherwise

 

Violation of the code of conduct

 

Patrons not abiding by these or other rules and regulations of the library may be asked to leave the library premises.  Repeated violations may result in the patron being temporarily banned from accessing library services; the length of the ban may vary depending on the severity of the violation.

 

Staff will contact the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department if a patron is engaging in illegal activity, or if a patron is asked to leave due to violation of the Code of Conduct and refuses to do so.

 

Approved by the LaFayette Library Board of Trustees on February 21, 2024.