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
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:
Adopted May 16, 2011
Last Updated: July 19, 2021
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
- Loitering, smoking (including vaping and e-cigarettes), sleeping, gambling, selling, soliciting, and campaigning of any kind are prohibited on library property.
- Eating and drinking is prohibited except during programming offered by the Library.
- Fighting, provoking a fight, or causing a public disturbance that interferes with other patrons or staff is prohibited.
- Loud, offensive, threatening or abusive language or actions are prohibited.
- Profane, obscene or injurious behaviors are prohibited.
- Firearms or weapons of any kind are prohibited, with the exception of firearms carried by law enforcement officers.
- Indecent exposure, sexual acts or related behaviors are prohibited.
- Using, possessing or being under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or illegal drugs is prohibited.
- Defacing, mutilating, damaging or destroying library materials, furnishings, equipment or other library property is prohibited.
- 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.
- Footwear, shirts and appropriate attire are required at all times.
- 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.
- Earphones are required for patrons who wish to listen to music or use sound equipment.
- 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.
- Pets and other animals, with the exception of guide dogs or animals used in library-sponsored programs, are prohibited.
- 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.
- Tampering with, altering, editing, or damaging the Library’s computer hardware, software, or networks is prohibited.
- 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:
- The person will be asked to cease the offensive behavior.
- If the behavior persists, the person will be asked to leave the library premises.
- 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