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Rules Governing the Use of the Library

Library facilities are created for the specific purpose of providing public access to materials in the collection. It is expected that patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with use of a public library while in the building. The Rules Governing the Use of the Library outline the behaviors appropriate for such use and those uses deemed inappropriate.

Rules

All state laws and local ordinances regarding public behavior shall apply.
The following types of behavior are not acceptable:
  • Abusive behavior towards staff or other patrons
  • Abusing or vandalizing library facilities or equipment
  • Bringing birds and animals into the library (except assistance dogs)
  • Gambling
  • Having drinks in containers without a cap or lid in computer areas or other specified locations
  • Illegal Acts
  • Mutilating library materials
  • Playing audio equipment so that others can hear it
  • Removing library materials from the building without checking them out
  • Sleeping
  • Smoking
  • Soliciting funds or offering goods or services for sale
  • Talking loudly or using cellular phones so that it disturbs other patrons
  • Using restrooms for washing clothes or bathing
  • Using the wrong restrooms
  • Voyeurism and peeping
  • Using/riding roller blades or skateboards on Library property
Parents are expected to chaperone and supervise their children, and must not leave children under age nine unattended in the library. Parents are responsible for their children’s behavior while in the library.
Adult patrons, who are not in the Children’s Section of a library to select materials, nor to consult with library staff, shall be required to move to another area in the library.
Patrons may not bring into the library the following:
  • Food
  • Bicycles
  • Grocery carts
  • Contraband of any kind
  • Bedrolls, blankets, large plastic bags or large boxes

Adopted April 30, 2002 Arlington Public Library Advisory Board

Rules Governing the Use of the Library by Children

Children under the age of nine should never be left unsupervised in any area of the Library. If a parent cannot be located, staff will call 911 to report an abandoned child.
Disruptive children will be asked to leave the library. If the child cannot safely leave the library to return home on his/her own, staff will permit the child to call a parent. If no parent can be contacted, library staff will either allow the child to remain at the library under close supervision until a parent can be contacted or call 911, depending upon the severity of the situation.
Children who have not been picked up at closing time will be given the opportunity to call a parent. Two library staff members or one library staff member and a security guard, if one is available, will be assigned to wait with the child or children until the situation is resolved and the children are picked up.
Thirty minutes after closing, if children are still waiting at the library, and staff has been unable to contact parents or a responsible adult, library staff will call 911 to report an abandoned child.
Library Administration has the option of reporting the incident to Child Protective Services.

Adopted April 30, 2002 Arlington Public Library Advisory Board