[Approved 12-3-2007]
The purpose of the Patron Behavior Policy is to establish guidelines
for behavior in order to provide all patrons with a comfortable and
safe environment in which to use the library. The rules below will
be firmly and courteously enforced by the library staff and, if necessary,
the South Hadley Police Department.
The library premises include the library building, the land
surrounding it, the sidewalks and the parking areas.
The following activities are not allowed in the library:
A.
Smoking (MGL c. 270, §§ 22) and chewing tobacco.
B.
Use of rollerskates, skateboards, sports equipment, or similar devices.
C.
Creating a disturbance by making noise, talking loudly, or engaging
in other disruptive conduct (MGL c. 272, § 41).
D.
Interfering with another person's right to use the library or
with the library staff's performance of their duties.
E.
Threatening behavior, including, but not limited to, violence, threats
of violence, and possession of weapons.
F.
Loitering and/or blocking access to entryways, aisles, stairs, etc.
G.
Bringing animals into the library, except those needed to assist
a disabled person.
H.
Playing audio equipment so that others can hear it.
I.
Misusing the rest rooms (i.e., using them as a laundry or washing
facility).
J.
Unauthorized soliciting or canvassing of any kind in the library
or on the premises.
K.
Entering areas posted "Staff Only" without permission.
L.
Use of the library telephone for personal business, other than for
a child to call a parent/caregiver.
M.
Running.
N.
Sleeping.
Food and beverages are not allowed in the library, except at
designated times or in designated areas.
Those who damage or deface library materials or property may
be prosecuted (MGL c. 266, § 100). Parents are liable for
damage done by a child under the age of 18 (MGL c. 231, § 85).
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 the law and can be prosecuted (MGL
c. 266, § 99).
Parents/Guardians are responsible for their children's
(under 18) behavior and welfare in the library. They will be notified
if their children are left in a vulnerable situation or require supervision
due to disruptive behavior. Children under the age of 10 should not
be in the library without an adult caregiver. The library staff may
contact the South Hadley Police Department if a young child is left
unattended at the library. The library is not responsible for the
welfare of children who are left unattended in the library.
For the safety of children in the library, adults unaccompanied
by children are asked to remain in the adult areas of the library
unless they are actively using the materials or services in the children's
area for purposes not served by the adult area of the building.
Persons without shoes and shirts will not be allowed in the
library.
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.
Patrons may be required to leave the library if their personal
hygiene interferes with the ability of other patrons to use and/or
enjoy the facility.
A.
Patrons confronted with violation(s) of any of the above rules should
immediately inform a member of the library staff.
B.
Any patron not abiding by these rules shall be asked to leave the
library premises. Library staff will contact the South Hadley Police
Department, if necessary.
C.
The Library Director will deny any patron who repeatedly violates
the library rules, or who is disruptive, or who engages in criminal
behavior on the library premises the privileges of access to the library
for a period of at least 30 days. Any patron whose privileges have
been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Library Board of
Trustees.
D.
The posting of these rules does not prohibit the enforcement of any
applicable federal law, Massachusetts statutes, or Town ordinances,
as necessary.
