The Castleton Public Library welcomes and encourages children and dependent individuals to visit the library, to use library resources and services, and to attend library programs. The library does not provide care, accept responsibility for or supervise children or other dependent individuals, except in order to uphold library rules of conduct and usage thereof. The library is not staffed to provide short or long term care for individuals and is not a substitute for supervised after-school activities or daycare programs. Parents or designated caregivers are solely responsible for the supervision and behavior of their children or dependent individual while using the library. Library staff members are available to help and support children and dependent individuals, and to make their library usage a rewarding and positive experience.

The following policy has been established to ensure the protection, safety and well being of children, and further specifies library rules of conduct:
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1. A caregiver must accompany and stay with any children age five (5) and younger at all times.
2. Children age eight (8) or younger must be accompanied by an adult or responsible adolescent that is at least 15 years of age.
3. Children 9 – 17 years may use the library without caregiver supervision. All library users must adhere to the Patron Conduct Policy. Parents are advised that if their child misbehaves the child may be asked to leave the library premises. Parents must realize that, even in their absence, they are legally responsible for their child’s behavior.
4. Transportation arrangements for pick-up of children (9 – 17 years) must always be made prior to their arrival at the library.
5. Castleton Public Library and its staff do not exercise a restrictive role in determining which library resources young people may use or access. It is the responsibility of a child’s parents and/or designated caregiver to monitor the child’s selection and use of library resources, including the child’s access to and/or usage of the internet.

Adopted March 21, 2011
Updated: May 21, 2018
Updated: April 19, 2021

The Castleton Public Library’s purpose is to serve patrons who wish to use the library’s services and premises. Library patrons have the right to use library materials and services without being disturbed or impeded by other library users. Library staff members have the right and obligation to conduct library business efficiently and without interference. Patrons and staff alike have the right to safety and comfort in the library.

The following code of conduct was developed to ensure that services are provided in a safe and pleasant environment. The Board of Trustees and Library Director are responsible for determining rules of behavior necessary to protect the rights, safety, and comfort of patrons and staff. Library staff members are authorized to courteously, but firmly, enforce these rules. 


Code of Conduct 

1. Loitering, smoking (including vaping and e-cigarettes), sleeping, gambling, selling, soliciting, and campaigning of any kind are prohibited on library property.
2. Eating and drinking is prohibited except during programming offered by the Library. 
3. Fighting, provoking a fight, or causing a public disturbance that interferes with other patrons or staff is prohibited. 
4. Loud, offensive, threatening or abusive language or actions are prohibited. 
5. Profane, obscene or injurious behaviors are prohibited. 
6. Firearms or weapons of any kind are prohibited, with the exception of firearms carried by law enforcement officers. 
7. Indecent exposure, sexual acts or related behaviors are prohibited. 
8. Using, possessing or being under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or illegal drugs is prohibited.
9. Defacing, mutilating, damaging or destroying library materials, furnishings, equipment or other library property is prohibited. 
10. Patrons are prohibited from leaving the library premises without checking out library materials at the circulation desk. Patrons shall respect staff requests to examine library materials they have in their possession. 
11. Footwear, shirts and appropriate attire are required at all times. 
12. Cellular phone use must not disturb other patrons or staff in their duties. Cell phone conversations should be conducted outside of the library whenever possible. 
13. Earphones are required for patrons who wish to listen to music or use sound equipment. 
14. A caregiver must accompany and stay with any children age five (5) and younger at all times. Children age eight (8) or younger must be accompanied by an adult or responsible adolescent that is at least 15 years of age. Children 9 – 17 years may use the library without caregiver supervision. See Children and Dependent Individuals Policy for more information pertaining to youth in the library.  
15. Pets and other animals, with the exception of guide dogs or animals used in library-sponsored programs, are prohibited. 
16. Skateboards, in-line skates, bicycles and other similar apparatus are not permitted inside the library building. Bicycles should be placed in bicycle racks outside the building. 
17. Tampering with, altering, editing, or damaging the Library’s computer hardware, software, or networks is prohibited. 
18. Having bodily hygiene that is so offensive as to constitute a disturbance to other patrons using the Library is prohibited.

 
Any patron not abiding by these or any other rules or regulations of the library will be asked to leave the library premises. Repeat offenders may be denied library privileges by the Library Board of Trustees, on the recommendation of the Library Director. Library employees may contact local police whenever it is deemed necessary.


Patron Conduct Procedure 

In the event that a person has violated the code of conduct, Library personnel will undertake the following procedure: 

1. The person will be asked to cease the offensive behavior. 
2. If the behavior persists, the person will be asked to leave the library premises. 
3. If the person refuses to leave the library, he or she will be considered to be trespassing and subject to arrest. The police department will be contacted for assistance. 

Adopted May 16, 2011
Last Updated: July 19, 2021

The Castleton Public Library offers public access to the Internet through library computers as an extension of our mission to provide equal and uncensored access to resources in a wide variety of formats. While many sites on the Internet provide useful and interesting information, there are some that contain inaccurate, controversial and offensive material. The Library does not monitor or control Internet content and cannot be responsible for information accessed by the public. Patrons use the internet at their own discretion. Users must remember they are in a public building and show consideration for others when viewing Internet materials. Library Internet users are expected to act in a responsible and ethical manner consistent with all policies of the library. Use of the Library’s Internet service can be revoked for any violation of the Library’s policy. Public use of the Internet is a privilege provided by the Library, not a right, and Library personnel reserve the right to cease usage of any individual at any time. Due to the limited number of public access computers, use is limited to individuals with a valid Library card that is in good standing or a guest pass. Guest passes are available for users who do not already have a library card within the UHLS for a fee. The library also reserves the right to enforce rules to provide equitable Internet access for all patrons. Parents and guardians are responsible for the monitoring and restricting of their child’s use of the Internet at the Library. In accordance with federal and state laws and regulations, users are not permitted to access the Internet in the library for any illegal or criminal purpose, including, but not limited to: 
 

• Unauthorized or illegal copying of copyright-protected material. 
• Displaying explicit sexual material. 
• Hacking and similar activities. 
• Violating the computer or network security system. 
• Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes or network identification numbers. 
• Violating software license agreements. 
• Harassment or stalking 

Adopted: May 16, 2011 
Revised: February 25, 2013