APPROPRIATE PATRON BEHAVIOR

The East Orange Public Library encourages people of all ages to visit the library. Those using the library and its resources have the right to expect a safe, comfortable, and clean environment for selecting materials, reading, researching, studying, writing, and attending Library or community sponsored programs and meetings. To this end, the Library is responsible for establishing rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of Library patrons, volunteers, and staff, and for preserving and protecting the Library's materials, equipment, facilities and grounds.

While in the building, library patrons will be engaged in activities associated with library service. Patrons not primarily engaged in reading, studying, using library materials and equipment, or attending programs may be asked to leave the library.

The Junior Department is reserved for use by children (preschool through 7th grade), their parents or guardians, and adults interested in children's' literature. The Young Adult (teen) area is reserved for young adults (grades 8 through 12) and those who accompany them.

Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff and/or security staff will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Failure to comply with the Library's established rules, regulations, and policies could result in removal from the premises and expulsion from the Library for a period of one day to one year, or in arrest or prosecution. Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including the use of Library computers and other equipment. Expulsion for more than one week may be appealed in writing to the Director.

Young children are not safe when left unattended in the library. Library staff will not deliberately seek out unattended children; however, unattended children frequently become disruptive. Parents/Guardians are responsible for ensuring the appropriate behavior of their children while in the library. If a parent or other responsible adult cannot be located, unattended children who are disruptive will be placed in the care of the East Orange Police Department. Under no circumstances will library staff take a child out of the building or transport children to another location.

Guidelines and regulations:

1. 1. Users of the library must respect the rights and privileges of all other users. Any behavior, which inhibits the use of the library by others, or interferes with library personnel's performance of their duties, is prohibited.
2. The police will be called if any library user commits an illegal act in violation of N.J. Statutes, including assault, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, harassment, public indecency, intoxication, etc. Persons who persist in improper conduct as defined in Section 3 of this Policy or who refuse to leave the library building when requested will be subject to exclusion from library premises, and/or suspension of library privileges, and a misdemeanor arrest under the following sections of the general statutes of New Jersey:

   2C:12- 1(a) 2C:20 - 3 2C:17 - 3 2C:28 - 7 2C:33 - 1 2C:33 - 12 2C:18 - 3 2C:14 - 4 2C:34 - 1 2C:39 - 4 2C:39 - 5 2C:33 - 4 2C:33 - 2 2C:33 - 11

   Misdemeanor assaults, batteries and affrays Theft Criminal mischief Tampering with public records Willful and wanton injury to real property Nuisance Criminal Trespass Indecent exposure Loitering for the purpose of engaging in prostitution offense Possession of weapon for unlawful purposes Unlawful possession of weapon Harassment Disorderly conduct Defacement

   or other applicable New Jersey Statutes.

3. Improper conduct on library premises is prohibited. Conduct will be regarded as improper if it includes one or more of the following:
   1. a. Creating a public disturbance. Talking loudly, obscene and/or abusive language, making noise or engaging in other disruptive conduct. This includes verbally or physically threatening or harassing other patrons, volunteers, or staff, including stalking, staring, lurking, offensive touching, and obscene acts such as sex acts and indecent exposure.
   2. b. Stealing, damaging, altering, or inappropriate use of Library property in Library facilities or on Library grounds, including computer hardware and software, printers, copiers, phones and other equipment.
   3. Food and beverages are permitted only in designated areas.
   4. Using audible devices without headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others. Using cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices in a manner that disturbs others. Cell phone and pager audible ringers must be turned off.
   5. Gambling and group activities that are disruptive to the Library environment.
   6. Sale or distribution of any item, solicitation of contributions or signatures, or the conducting of surveys without approval by the Director or Assistant Director.
   7. Taking photographs on library premises without the permission of the Library Administration and the permission of all the library users to be photographed.
   8. Being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs and selling, using, or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs.
   9. Blocking or interfering with the free movement of any person or persons.
   10. Carrying unauthorized weapons of any sort.
   11. Loitering on library premises, i.e. sleeping, wandering aimlessly, or lingering by the entrance.
   12. Bathing, washing of clothes or hair, and other misuse of the restrooms.
   13. The library is a smoke free building. Smoking is not permitted in any area of the library including the restrooms.
   14. Trespassing in non-public areas, being in the Library without permission of an authorized Library employee before or after Library operating hours.
   15. Bringing in garbage, articles with a foul odor, or articles which, alone or in their aggregate, impede the use of the library by other users.
   16. Lying down or sleeping in the restrooms or on any floor, couch, table or seat in the Library, and by blocking aisles, exits, or entrances by sitting or lying down in them.
   17. Entering the Library barefooted, without a shirt, with offensive body odor or personal hygiene, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the Library environment.
4. Shirt and shoes are required in the library.
5. All library materials must be charged out in accordance with the established procedures before being taken from library premises. Library materials may not be taken into the restrooms.
6. All briefcases, oversize handbags, notebooks, carryalls, overcoats, luggage, packages, and shopping bags are subject to inspection by the library's authorized personnel. The Library reserves the right to limit the size and number of items brought into the Library.
7. Library staff may request users to show their library cards or other appropriate identification when using certain library materials.
8. Animals, other than those needed to assist the physically challenged, are not permitted in the building.
9. Children under the age of nine may not be left on library premises, without the supervision of an adult.

Failure to comply with one or more of the library's established regulations may result in exclusion from library premises and/or suspension of library privileges.

Staff will ask patrons failing to comply with these rules to modify their behavior. The police will be called to deal with any serious disorderly conduct or criminal behavior. Individuals violating standards of acceptable behavior risk immediate removal from the library and possible loss of all library privileges.

Exceptions to these regulations may be made only for library-sponsored activities.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 12/13/01.
Revision approved by the Board of Trustees on 5/11/2006.