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Patron Behavior Policy

In order to provide an environment in which all patrons may safely and freely use and enjoy the library, the following behavior policy will be enforced:

  1. The following activities are not allowed in the library:
    • Smoking (Massachusetts General Laws [MGL) Ch. 270, Sec. 21-11)
    • Eating and drinking, except at designated times or in designated rooms
    • Creating a disturbance, including, but not limited to, making noise, talking loudly, etc. (MGL, Ch. 272, Sec. 41)
    • Obscene behavior, including, but not limited to foul language, and inappropriate gestures
    • Harassment of staff or patrons
    • Interfering with another person's right to use the library or with the library staff?s performance of their duties
    • Threatening behavior, including, but not limited to, violence, threats of violence, and possession of weapons
    • Bringing animals into the library except those needed to assist a disabled person
    • Use of cellular phones
    • Playing audio equipment so that others can hear it
    • Misusing the rest rooms (i.e. loitering, smoking)
    • Soliciting or canvassing of any kind
    • Entering areas posted "Staff Only" without permission
    • Running
    • Sleeping
    • Misusing the elevator (i.e. riding up and down unnecessarily, playing with doors)
  2. Those who damage or deface library materials or property will be prosecuted (MGL, Ch. 266, Sec. 100). Parents can be liable for damage done by a child under 18 (MGL, Ch. 231, Sec 85G).
  3. Theft of library materials, use of false identification to obtain a library card, or use of another person?s library card without his/her permission are against state law and will be prosecuted (MGL, Ch. 266, Sec. 99).
  4. Parents are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their young children.
  5. Patrons who trigger library theft detection systems may be required to open any bags or pocketbooks for inspection.
  6. All bicycles must be left outside in the racks provided.
  7. Persons wearing roller blades or on skateboards are not allowed in the library.
  8. A patron may be required to leave athletic equipment, large parcels, or other belongings deemed inappropriate, with library staff until ready to leave the building.
  9. Beepers should be set to vibrate.
  10. Appropriate footwear and shirts must be worn in the library.

Your cooperation in following these rules will help the library staff effectively serve the community. Thank you.

Adopted by the Board of Library Trustees -10/30/97

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