Library Code of Conduct
To maintain a pleasant environment consistent with the nature of a library the following acts are prohibited:
- Obstructing the entrance area of the library, either inside or outside the building
- Obstructing aisles and passageways
- Leaving bicycles unattended at the library entrance rather than in the bike rack on the side of the building
- Entering the building without shirts or other covering of upper bodies or without shoes or other footwear.
- Carrying a weapon or weapon look-alike, unless authorized by law
- Bringing in an animal, unless it is required to assist a person with a disability
- Using roller blades, skateboards, or the like
- Eating, drinking, chewing gum
- Smoking
- Damaging or mutilating library materials or building structures
- Engaging in vandalism
- Engaging in noisy or disruptive behavior, including running, climbing, throwing, loud talking or crying, fighting, jumping, pushing, shoving, staring at another person with the intent to annoy that person, following another person about the building with the intent to annoy that person, stalking another person, or behaving in a manner which reasonably can be expected to disturb other persons
- Soliciting or panhandling
- Conducting a survey without prior permission of Library Administration
- Photographing or videotaping without prior permission of Library Administration and those photographed
- Moving or abusing furniture or equipment, including standing or lying on tables or chairs, or putting feet on tables
- Striking matches, lighting lighters or using other devices that could produce a flame or fire
- Playing audio equipment or using other electronic devices, (including cellular telephones), so that others can hear it.
- Verbally, physically or sexually harassing or assaulting library users or staff
- Engaging in sexual activity, contact or assault or any act of lewdness or exposure prohibited by New Jersey Statutes Annotated 2C:14-1 through 2C:14-8, and any other sexual activity which is inappropriate in a public place
- Failing, as the guardian, to safeguard a youth: see Guardians’ Responsibilities for Youths
- Leaving a youth, age 10 or younger, unattended inside or outside of the library at any time, as this is not in keeping with reasonable use of the library as it is intended. See Guardians’ Responsibilities for Youths. If necessary, the appropriate governmental agency will be contacted.
- Misusing the restrooms, (i.e. using as a laundry or washing facility)
- Performing personal grooming acts outside of the restrooms
- Leaving belongings unattended in the building or lobby
- Carrying bombs or other incendiary devices
- Engaging in any illegal or unsafe activity not otherwise listed
Anyone refusing to follow these rules or to behave in a reasonable and courteous way in the library will be evicted from the premises. Those who engage in the following acts listed below will lose their library privileges and may be subject to prosecution:
- Theft of library materials or equipment
- Refusal to pay fines
- Vandalism such as graffiti, destruction or defacement of library materials or property, etc.
It is the library’s policy that anyone refusing to follow the Code of Conduct or refusing to behave in a courteous, reasonable and appropriate way will be evicted from the library for the rest of that day or longer. Those loitering or refusing to leave when evicted for cause may be charged with trespassing.
The library is not responsible for any personal property left unattended.
