LIBRARY BEHAVIOR POLICY

The East Longmeadow Public Library is a very active center of information, cultural activities, recreation and learning. With the amount of activity in the library, rules have been established regarding proper library behavior necessary to maintain both an atmosphere that promotes the use and enjoyment of the resources and services of the library, and that protects the safety of the general public, the library staff, and the equipment and materials of the library.  It is expected that persons using the library will conduct themselves in an orderly and respectable manner. 

The Library reserves the right to require anyone who violates these rules of conduct to leave the premises. The Library may deny permission for a person to enter its facilities for a specified time if that person continues to violate these rules, or if that person has engaged in criminal behavior on Library premises. Unlawful activities will be reported to the Police.

In the event the property of the Library is damaged or destroyed, the person or persons responsible for such damage will be held accountable for their actions and the matter will be turned over to the Trustees of the Library and/or the Police.

The following activities are not allowed on Library premises:

  • Blocking of public entrances or interfering with people entering or exiting the building (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272, section 59);
  • Bringing animals into the library building without the permission of the Library Director, except those needed to guide or assist a disabled person;
  • Threatening the safety or rights of another person, including but not limited to, violent or disorderly behavior, threats of violence or abusive language and possession of weapons;       
  • Creating a disturbance by noisy or disruptive behavior. (M. G. L., Chapter 272, section 41);
  • Theft of library materials, use of false identification to obtain a library card, or use of another person’s library card without his/her permission (M.G.L. Chapter 266, section 99a);
  • Destruction or defacement of library building, property or materials (M.G. L. Chapter 266, section 100);
  • Soliciting money, goods, or materials;
  • Entering a non-public area of the Library without the permission of a staff member;
  • Eating in non-designated areas of the Library;
  • Eating and drinking at or near electronic devices;
  • Smoking (M.G.L. Chapter 270, section 22), use of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs;
  • Refusing to comply with the reasonable requests of any member of the library staff.

The “Library Behavior” Policy is subject to review and change by the Board of Library Trustees

Approved by Board of Library Trustees, January, 2005;
Amended by Board of Library Trustees, April, 2008