Mamaroneck Public Library Code of Conduct

The Board of Trustees of the Mamaroneck Public Library District is dedicated to providing an atmosphere conductive to the enjoyment of library facilities where people of all ages may read, study, use library equipment and participate in library activities and programs.

The Board of Trustees is authorized to establish rules and regulations for the protection of library resources, patrons, staff and the physical building. The Library Director is authorized and directed by the Board of Trustees to interpret and enforce these rules and regulations in the best interest of library users. Therefore, the following Code of Conduct has been established for all library users – children, young adults, and adults:

In general, behavior that violates the law, interferes with the use and enjoyment of the library by others, or interferes with a library employee's performance of his or her duties, is prohibited. Anyone whose behavior is not in compliance with the Code of Conduct will be asked to leave the building.

• Follow established loan procedures before taking library property or materials out of the building.
• Safe Child Policy. Children under the age of eight must not be left unattended on library premises. Parents and caregivers are expected to forestall disruptive behavior that infringes on the rights of other library users. Unattended children of elementary school age will be restricted to the Children's Library.
• Comply with the library's Computer/Internet Use Policy when using any computer in the library. This includes laptops or other personal devices that access the library's wireless network.
• Use library furniture, equipment, and materials properly and for their intended functions.
• Refrain from entering non-public areas such as offices, workrooms, and storage areas.
• Leave the library promptly at closing time.
• Observe Public Health codes. Library users must be fully clothed and wear shoes. Bare feet are not permitted.
• Use restrooms only for their intended use.
• Maintain acceptable personal hygiene. If personal hygiene is sufficiently offensive to constitute a nuisance, the patron may be required to leave the library.
• Turn cell phone ringers off or to vibrate when entering the library. Discreet cell phone use is permitted as long as users are considerate of others by speaking in a low voice. Library staff can request proper noise levels be maintained so as not to interfere with other patrons' use and enjoyment of the library. No talking on cell phones is allowed in areas designated as quiet zones.
• Use meeting rooms appropriately and as scheduled. Groups using these rooms are expected to adhere to the guidelines in the Library's Meeting Room Policy.
• Consume food and beverages only in designated areas. Beverages must have lids.

• Use of abusive language towards staff or other patrons; distribution of materials; placing of feet on furniture; leaving or storing personal belongings; loitering; obstructing aisles, walkways or seating; rearranging or moving library property; soliciting; running; or sleeping in the library.
• Sexual activity of any kind, including excessive public displays of affection, sexual harassment, and indecent exposure.
• Noise levels that disturb others. Personal electronic devices, such as computers, cassette/CD players, MP3s, and radios, may only be used with earphones.
• Defacement of the interior of the library, including but not limited to walls, furniture, windows, and elevators. Defacement of the exterior of the library, including but not limited to walls, patio, furniture, windows, plantings, shrubs and surrounding property.
• Rollerblading, skateboarding, ball playing and other sports. These activities are prohibited inside and also on the outdoor premises of the library.
• Presence of animals in the library beyond the main lobby, except those needed to assist a patron with a disability or any animals used in library programs.
• Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs on library property. The use of alcohol and drugs is prohibited on library property inside and outside. The Board of Trustees or the Library Director may grant exceptions to the use of alcohol for specific programs or events.
• Smoking anywhere in the library, including the lobby, meeting rooms, restrooms, hallways and elevator, or on the outdoor premises of the library.

Library personnel on duty are authorized to ask persons who violate these rules to leave the library and library premises immediately. Violators of these rules may be banned from the library premises.