Library Use Policy

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

To accomplish the mission of the Roslyn Public Library, it is necessary to provide a comfortable and safe environment. Toward this end, the Board of Trustees has developed a “Library Use Policy” to define acceptable conduct within the Roslyn Library and by which patrons of the library may use the library facilities and services. These rules will be applied without discrimination and in the best interests of all of the library’s users.

GENERAL CONDUCT

People using the library shall not interfere with the ability of others to use the library or interfere with library staff’s performance of their duties. Behavior which demands constant attention of the staff and/or disrupts service to others is not permitted.

Conversation and activity should be kept to a level that will not disturb others. Examples of disturbances may include, but are not limited to: Shouting, cursing, listening to loud music on headphones, loud conversations, and talking on cell phones.

Disruptive misconduct is not allowed. Examples include, but are not limited to: Assault; disorderly conduct; disturbing noises; harassment, physical or verbal; indecent exposure; inappropriate displays of affection; littering; loitering; possessing deadly weapons; pushing or shoving; spitting; staring at, lurking or following people; taking other people’s things; threatening behavior, comments or gestures; verbal abuse of people; throwing things, running, climbing, and pulling items off shelves.

Users of cell phones or other mobile communication devices should set their devices to vibrate or lower the volume of the ring in the library. Calls should be conducted outside.

Use of tobacco products is prohibited within the library building and within 25 feet of the public entrances.

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Exceptions may be made at certain special events at the discretion of the library director. Illegal drugs are prohibited at all times.

Drinks with lids are welcome in the library; however, patrons are responsible for any damage done to computer stations and electronics so caution is advised.

Appropriate attire is required, including shirts and shoes. Athletic equipment, such as roller blades, shall not be used in the library.

People whose body odor is offensive, including that resulting from a lack of bathing or excessive perfume, may be required to leave the building.

Animals are generally not permitted in the library; however, they may be included in special library programs. Service dogs are always welcome in the library.

Solicitation, vending, and distribution of petitions, surveys or donation requests are not permitted in the library or on library grounds without the prior consent of the library director.

Anyone involved in the theft, defacement or mutilation of library materials or property will be subject to arrest and prosecution.

Only staff and authorized individuals are allowed in staff areas.

CHILD BEHAVIOR AND SUPERVISION

The Roslyn Library aims to foster a love of books and learning in our area’s children. We do this by welcoming them into a library that is full of the materials and services that will engage them. The library is free and open to unaccompanied children who are independent enough to use the resources for recreation, information, and education.

Library staff and volunteers are not responsible for the care of unsupervised children. Parents should be aware that the library is a public building open to all individuals. It is not the library staff’s function or purpose to provide supervision or to care for children while parents or caregivers are outside the library or in another part of the library building. Staff will not monitor children leaving the library.

At all times, caregivers are responsible for the conduct and safety of their children on library premises. Caregivers must provide appropriate supervision based on the ages, the abilities and the levels of responsibility of their children. Children under the age of six should be accompanied by an adult.

Parents are expected to be aware of the opening and closing times of the library, bearing in mind that these can and do change. Power failures or other emergencies can occur and require unexpected closing of the building. Children left alone in the library, or on library grounds, could be vulnerable. If a child is not able to leave the library without an adult, he/she should not be in the library without an adult.

Children are expected to adhere to the same standards of conduct expected of adults. All library users are required to respect library property and staff, and to act in a manner appropriate to the use and function of the library. Children who are not using the library appropriately or who require excessive staff attention or supervision will be asked to leave the library.

Toys must remain in the children’s area. Caregivers are expected to ensure that toys and books are picked up before leaving the library.

The library is not responsible for personal possessions.

ENFORCEMENT

The provisions of this Library Use Policy will be construed and enforced by the librarian at his or her discretion. Enforcement may range from asking the patron to leave for the day to the patron’s permanent loss of all library privileges and / or legal prosecution.

AMENDMENT

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend the Library Use Policy at any time.

Adopted by the Roslyn Public Library Board of Trustees, January 3, 2007. Revised May 3, 2014.

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Made possible with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Washington State Library, Office of the Secretary of State.