Library Policies

Expectations of Behavior Policy

The Arlington Public Library belongs to the people of Arlington and is open to everyone. It is a shared learning space and a community center, intended for use by many different people for a wide variety of reasons.

We count on from our users:

• to respect the comfort, shared spaces, and safety of all library users and staff, and your behavior will not be disruptive to the communal environment.
• to keep access to resources available to all users by keeping walkways and exits open and clear for everyone’s safety.
• to keep personal belongings with you at all times.
• to abide by all local ordinances and state and federal laws.
• to never discriminate, harass or bully others, especially, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, disability, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Violations of library guidelines and policies and/or not complying with library staff requests may result in loss of library privileges, including issuing criminal trespass for a length of time determined appropriate by library staff. Violation of policy by an underage minor will result in contacting the caregiver for resolution. Any period a patron’s access to in-building services has been suspended does not cancel access to online library services as long as their library account is in good standing.

The following types of behavior are not acceptable:

• Behaving in an abusive or disruptive manner, including using threatening language toward patrons or staff.
• Misusing and abusing property.
• Bringing an animal into the library that is not recognized by the Americans With Disabilities Act as a service animal. The service animal must be under the owner’s control at all times.
• Disrobing, in public view, in a public restroom.
• Talking loudly or using a device with an audio setting that disturbs others. • Bring in personal items that are not related to using the library or cannot be stored in a way to keeps all public areas free of obstructions.
• Engaging in activities not related to using library services, such as sleeping or horseplay.
• Using roller blades, skates, scooters, or skateboards inside the library. Bikes must be stored outside on the available bike racks.
• Eating food in the library except in designated areas.
• Using the designated Children’s section without a child present unless consulting with Library staff. 

If you feel that something or someone is disrupting the shared environment or jeopardizing your personal safety, please let a library staff member know.

Parents or caregivers are legally responsible for the well-being and behavior of their children. Library staff assumes no responsibility for unattended children.

Consequences for failure to follow behavior guidelines.

Staff will approach the library user(s) to address a behavior concern. However, the failure to comply with posted expectations of behavior may result in a patron being temporarily or permanently forbidden entry at a library location(s). This status may be appealed to Library Administration.

Level 1: Up to 30-day suspension for up to 3 warnings (cumulative) or repeated behavior. Examples: Eating, sleeping, talking loudly, or using a device with an audio setting that disturbs others.

Level 2: Up to 1-year suspension, including a report to law enforcement. Examples: Abusive or threatening behavior and language towards patrons and staff, or misusing library property.

Level 3: Up to indefinite suspension and immediate ejection for repeated violation of rules and expectations for using the library, including violation of any criminal statute or ordinance.

Any period a patron’s access to in-building services has been suspended does not cancel access to online library services as long as their library account is in good standing.

Appeals Process

Any person whose access to in-building services has been suspended may appeal the action by filing a statement, within ten (10) business days of the suspension start date, in writing to the Library Administration setting forth the reason(s) such person believes the suspension is unwarranted. All relevant and applicable information shall be reviewed and considered by the Library Administration. A response will be provided within ten (10) business days of filing the written statement of appeal. Decisions on appeal by the Library Administration are final.