Code of Conduct

A. PURPOSE

The principal purpose of the Scarsdale Public Library is to provide open and convenient public access to all of the Library’s written, recorded, and digital resources and to its educational and informational programs and services. The Library and its staff are committed to providing a safe and congenial atmosphere in which to carry out this purpose. This commitment can only be carried out if users of the Library respect the rights of all other users and the staff. This general statement underlies the more specific provisions of the Library’s Code of Conduct set forth below and requires that Library users act in a manner that will not interfere with the functioning of the Library or disturb others.

B. PROVISIONS

In order to ensure the comfort and safety of Library users and staff and the protection of Library property, the following are examples of conduct not allowed on the Library premises. The term “Library premises” includes the building and the area surrounding it, such as the front, rear, sidewalks and parking lot.

  1. Loud or disruptive conversation that inhibits the use of the Library by others is prohibited. Talking on cellular phones is not permitted except in the lobby of the Library or outside of the building. Audio equipment must be used with earphones that make the sound inaudible to others. If sound is heard despite the use of earphones, the user must reduce the volume or turn the equipment off.
  2. Disorderly conduct, use of abusive, obscene, or profane language, and sexual misconduct are prohibited on Library premises. Verbally or physically threatening or harassing Library users or staff (including following them around the building or prolonged staring) is prohibited. The free movement of persons into or out of the Library may not be impeded.
  3. No Library property or materials may be stolen, destroyed, damaged or defaced. No material may be removed from the Library without being checked out appropriately. No Library furniture, fixture, equipment or decoration may be moved from its proper place. Behavior that may damage or alter the Library’s computer equipment, software or data is prohibited.
  4. Shirts and footwear (other than cleats) must be worn at all times in the Library. Prolonged or chronic sleeping, loitering without using Library resources or services or assisting others in using such resources or services, and use of the restrooms for bathing, shampooing or doing laundry are prohibited. Extremely poor personal hygiene (such as offensive body odor) that disturbs Library users and staff is prohibited.
  5. The consumption of food and drink is restricted to events held in the S. Spencer Scott Room. However, water in a closed container is permitted except near computer terminals.
  6. Smoking and the use of alcohol or illegal drugs in the Library are prohibited.
  7. Distribution and posting of printed materials in the Library must be in accordance with Library policy. (Such materials must be submitted to the Reference Desk.) Panhandling, solicitations for charitable, religious or other purposes, and selling tickets or merchandise of any kind are prohibited on Library premises, except for Library book sales and other fundraising events conducted by the Friends of the Library. Obtaining signatures on petitions and surveying Library users are restricted to the Library lobby and exterior of the building.
  8. Animals are not permitted in the Library, except for service animals assisting people with disabilities, animals used by law enforcement agencies, or animals used in Library programming. Animals may not be left unattended outside the Library.
  9. Children under the age of 10 may not be left unattended on Library premises. They must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or caregiver (age 14 or older). Parents and caregivers are expected to forestall disruptive behavior that infringes on the rights of other Library users. The Children’s Room is reserved for use by children, their parents or caretakers, and adults doing research in children’s literature.
  10. The use of skates, skateboards and wheeled footwear is prohibited in the Library and Library premises.
  11. Briefcases, handbags, backpacks and other packages are subject to security inspection.
  12. Damaging or stealing property of a Library user or staff member is prohibited.
  13. Entering non-public areas of the Library is prohibited, except if accompanied by a Library staff member.
  14. Possession of a weapon (as defined by law) within the Library premises by anyone other than a law enforcement officer is prohibited.
  15. Any activity within the Library premises that violates federal, state, local or other applicable law, ordinance or regulation is prohibited.
  16. Photography or videotaping of the Library and its collections, exhibits, staff and users is permitted only with the prior approval of the Library Director or designated representative.

C. ENFORCEMENT

  1. Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner.
  2. Anyone not complying with this Code of Conduct or any reasonable request of the staff, will first be warned by the librarian-in-charge and will be advised of the next course of action to be taken by the Library if the unacceptable behavior continues.
  3. Librarians and security personnel on duty are authorized to ask persons who continue to violate these rules after being warned to leave the Library and Library premises immediately.
  4. Anyone may, without prior notice or warning, be removed from the premises if his or her presence or conduct is threatening, willfully malicious or poses an immediate and imminent danger to any person or property.
  5. Violators of these rules may be banned from the Library for a period from one day to one year, and their Library privileges may be restricted or terminated. In addition, violation of these rules or failure to abide by such banning may lead to arrest and criminal prosecution.
  6. Any person who is banned from the Library for a period in excess of one week will be notified of such in writing by the Director and has the right to appeal by requesting a hearing before the Disciplinary Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Library, provided such hearing is requested by written notice addressed to “Disciplinary Committee, Board of Trustees, Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Road, Scarsdale, New York, 10583”, mailed no later than twenty business days after the date on which the notification of the banning was mailed to such person.

Approved by the Scarsdale Public Library Board of Trustees

September 10, 2007