Behavior Policies

Behavior Policy

Library Behavior Policy Bedford Free Public Library

The establishment of a set of guidelines for behavior in the Library building is necessary to insure the existence of an environment, which promotes the use and enjoyment of the Library’s resources and at the same time protects the public, the staff, the materials and the equipment. In order to protect all Library patrons’ right of access to Library facilities, to insure the safety of patrons and staff, and to protect Library resources and facilities from damage, the Library governing authority, in this case the Board of Trustees, may impose reasonable restrictions on the time, place, or manner of Library access.

Library Rules and Code of Conduct

The following code of behavior governing the use of the Library by the public shall be enforced in order to provide a standard of acceptable behavior:

  • Respect for other Library patrons and staff shall be maintained at all times.
  • Disruptive behavior, which infringes on others’ use or right to use the Library, shall not be permitted. Examples of such disruptive behavior are listed below. The Library staff reserves the right to determine whether other conduct not listed below constitutes “disruptive behavior.”
    • Smoking or use of alcohol.
    •  Consuming food or uncovered beverages is not allowed except during Library-scheduled events where written permission to serve food and drink has been obtained in advance from the Library Director. Covered beverages may be consumed in the Library except near computer workstations or other equipment.
    • Sleeping.
    • Canvassing, selling, soliciting or distributing materials except during Library-scheduled events when written permission to do so has been obtained in advance from the Library Director.
    • Utilizing personal electronic equipment in such a way that disturbs other Library patrons or interferes with other patrons’ use of the Library.
    • Utilizing abusive, obscene, or profane language.
    • Blocking the entrances or aisles. Members of the public must use only authorized entrances, exits, and stairways.
    • Utilizing the public rest rooms as a laundry or for bathing.
    • Interfering with another person’s use of the Library or the Library personnel’s performance of their duties.
    • Unauthorized removal of library materials.
  • It is a larceny to remove Library materials from the Library without checking them out. The Library staff reserves the right to inspect the bags or parcels of any patron.
  • Children ten and under shall be accompanied by a parent or other adult who shall be responsible for supervising the child and for insuring that the child’s conduct complies with the Code of Conduct. (see Child Safety Policy)
  • Appropriate attire including shirts and shoes shall be worn. (Examples of inappropriate footwear include but are not limited to skates, golf shoes, cleats or roller blades.)
  • Patrons shall not use the Library telephones to make or receive personal phone calls except in cases of true emergency as determined by the Library staff.
  • Library patrons are responsible for their personal property. Please do not leave items unattended.
  • Patrons shall not bring personal property into the Library, which the Library staff considers to be inappropriate. The Library staff may refuse to permit a patron to have access to the Library in such circumstances.
  • A person may be required to leave the Library if his or her personal hygiene interferes with the orderly operation of the Library or with the ability of other patrons to use and/or enjoy the facility.
  • Animals, other than service animals, shall not be brought into the Library except during Library-scheduled events when written permission has been obtained in advance from the Library Director.
  • The Library staff reserves the right to request any patron who violates the Code of Conduct to leave and such patron will be expected to do so immediately and in a peaceful and orderly manner.
  • Library privileges may be limited or denied by the Library Director for the following reasons:
    • Damaging Library property.
    • Unauthorized removal of library materials.
    • Harassing, threatening or physically harming staff or patrons.
    • Violations of the Code of Conduct.

Approved Library Trustees 4/11/95, Approved Town Counsel 4/18/95, Amended Library Trustees 3/13/01, 3/12/02, 12/10/13, 6/12/18