Patron Behavior Policy

We welcome everyone to the Whitinsville Social Library. While everyone has an equal right to access library services and facilities, no person has the right to interfere with the ability of others to use and enjoy library resources, services, and facilities.

For the safety and comfort of library visitors, volunteers, and staff and the protection of library property, the following activities are not allowed in the library:

• Creating a disturbance by making noise, talking loudly, or engaging in other disruptive behavior, including playing audio equipment so that others can hear it (Ex. The use of video calls, virtual meetings, and speakerphone without using headphones). Cell phone ringers should be off. Since the library does not have a separate program room for library events, it is understood that library programs may be noisy. This does not mean that disturbance is generally allowed. 
• Entering the library without shoes or a shirt, or with offensive body odor or personal hygiene so as to be disruptive to the library environment. Patrons may be required to leave the library if their personal hygiene interferes with the ability of other patrons to use and /or enjoy the facility.
• Verbally or physically threatening or harassing other visitors, library staff or volunteers, including yelling at, stalking, staring, touching, or using offensive language.
• Per Massachusetts State Law, bringing pets or animals, other than service animals, in the library.
• Leaving a child under the age of 9 unattended.
• Running, pushing, shoving, or throwing objects.
• Wearing rollerblades, roller shoes, or rollerskates, or using skate boards inside the library.
• Interfering with another person’s right to use the library or with the library staff’s performance of their duties.
• Carrying firearms or dangerous weapons of any type, except by law enforcement officials.
• Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Defacing or otherwise damaging library property.
• Smoking or using tobacco or tobacco products including e-cigarettes, marijuana or any combustible substance or product designed to be burned and inhaled. 
• Misusing the restrooms.
• Engaging in displays of affection that are disruptive to the library environment.
• Sleeping.
• Soliciting or canvassing of any kind.

Additionally:

• Parents are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their children and may be liable for any damage caused by their children.
• Theft of library materials, use of false identification to obtain a library card, or use of another person’s library card without their permission are against state law
• All bags and other articles are subject to inspection by library staff. The library reserves the right to limit the size and number of items brought into the library.
• Patrons should be aware of their personal belongings at all times. Thefts can easily occur.

Library staff will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Failure to comply with the library’s established standards of acceptable behavior may result in removal from the building and/or restriction of library privileges.