Acceptable
Behavior
Policy
All members of the public are welcome at the Old
Bridge Public Library. We expect all Library staff to treat customers
of the Library with courtesy. In turn, we expect Library customers
to behave in the Library with dignity and in such a way that they
do not interfere with the functions of the Library or with the
convenience and comfort of other patrons. While in the Library:
• All persons shall respect the rights of others and shall
not harass, annoy, or interfere with any other person by means
of physical contact, communication or other intrusive behavior.
No one shall interfere with Library personnel in the performance
of their duties.
• Conversations shall be conducted quietly and, if possible, outside of
quiet study areas. Shouting, loud voices and abusive language are not acceptable
behavior.
• Ringing cell phones are disruptive. The Library requires that cell phones
be turned off or set to “manner mode” while in the Library. While
conversing on cell phones, customers must speak quietly and with discretion.
• Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Library building.
• Nonalcoholic beverages in covered containers are permitted only in some
areas of the Library. Food and drink are not allowed in computer areas or on
computer tables and stands.
• Consumption of snack food is allowed in all areas of the Library except
for the computer areas. It is expected that customers will dispose of litter
and debris in trash containers and leave table tops and chairs clean.
• Meals may not be eaten in the Library. The delivery of food to the Library
is not allowed and will not be accepted.
• Animals, except for service animals as defined in the Americans With
Disabilities Act, are not permitted except in connection with Library programs.
• No one may deface, destroy, steal or misuse any Library materials, furnishings,
equipment or other Library property. Library restrooms shall not be used as
a laundry or for personal bathing.
• The use of alcohol or any drug constituting a controlled, dangerous
substance as defined by New Jersey Law is not permitted. No one under the influence
of alcohol or such drugs shall be permitted into the Library.
• Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times. Improper attire, including
bare feet or chests, is not permitted in the Library. Library staff shall have
the discretion to determine whether any person is improperly attired.
• Personal use of audio, visual or electronic equipment must not disturb
others.
• No person shall possess or carry any weapons into the Library unless
authorized to do so by law. Any person authorized to carry weapons must notify
Library staff that they are in possession of a weapon in the library.
• Personal belongings are subject to inspection by Library personnel.
• Personal belongings are not to be left unattended for more than 30 minutes.
• Running, rollerblading, skateboarding and similar activities are not
permitted in the Library or on Library grounds.
• Bicycles must be parked outside of the building and cannot be brought
inside.
• No sales or solicitations of contributions or signatures by any outside
organization or individual is permitted in the Library facility or on its grounds.
• All persons must leave the Library premises by closing time, when evacuation
of the building is necessary or at any time when requested to do so by Library
personnel.
• Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while the
children are in the Library. Library staff will notify the parent or guardian
of any child who is not behaving in accordance with this “Acceptable
Library Behavior Policy.” If it is not possible to contact a parent or
guardian, the police may be notified.
• The Library is not responsible for the safety of any child in the Library.
• No child under eight (8) years of age shall be left without adult supervision
for any reason in any part of the Library.
• Librarians will attempt to locate the parents of children left unattended
in the Library. In the event a parent or caregiver cannot be located, the police
will be notified and asked to supervise the child until the parents or caregiver
can be located.
• Anyone who fails to meet these standards of acceptable behavior or any
other Library policy may be required to leave the premises. If unacceptable
behavior occurs again, the individual may be denied the privilege of Library
use for a set period of time or indefinitely.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: 09/08/99
Amended: 03/10/2010
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