Patron Code of Conduct

The Adamstown Area Library Board of Trustees endorses the following code of conduct as it will be presented to patrons, staff and volunteers:
It is the purpose of the Adamstown Area Library to provide free, open and equal access to ideas and information to all members of the community. To accomplish this purpose, a code of conduct is provided to assist staff, volunteers and patrons in promoting safe, healthy and barrier-free access to all the resources and facilities the Adamstown Area Library has to offer. The code is designed to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and courtesy and applies to all patrons, volunteers and staff while on library property.

WHILE IN THE LIBRARY, YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO:

  • Ask the staff for help. Let the staff know when you are unable to find what you need so they can try to get the information for you. This also helps the library know what needs to be added to the collection.
  • Inform the staff if you need accommodation or if assistance is needed for your full use of library services.
  • Explore new ideas and interests by attending library programs.
  • Be responsible for the safety, wellbeing and conduct of children in your care.
  • Cooperate with the requests of library staff.

WHILE IN THE LIBRARY, THE FOLLOWING IS PROHIBITED:

  • Disorderly acts that create inconvenience, annoyance or alarm will not be tolerated in the Adamstown Area Library. Disorderly acts could include fighting, threatening and violent behavior, alcohol, use of illegal drugs or being under the influence, unreasonable noise, obscene language or behavior, or display of a weapon.
  • Behavior which is unsafe or disturbing to other patrons, volunteers or staff such as loud talking, shouting, screaming, swearing or making other loud noises, pushing, running, shoving or throwing things.
  • Verbally or physically harassing or threatening other patrons, volunteers or staff. Harassment may include, but is not limited to: initiating unwanted conversation; impeding access to or within the building; or other actions that an individual reasonably perceives to be hostile, threatening, intrusive or offensive.
  • Entering the Library before the Library is open.
  • Refusing to vacate the Library at closing time.
  • Children or other persons in need of supervision may not be abandoned or left unattended in the library. Children under the age of 8 should never be left without adult supervision at the Library.
  • Actions that damage library property or the property of others.
  • Any behavior that is prohibited by law.
  • Sexual misconduct, such as exposure, touching, verbal comments or unwanted sexual advances to patrons, volunteers or staff.
  • Smoking or tobacco products or e-cigarettes
  • Bringing pets into the library with the exception of service animals as defined by applicable law. (January 11, 2023)
  • Access to staff or Library Friends’ areas, unless accompanied by a library employee or member of the Friends’ Board.
  • Using the library for extended periods of sleeping.
  • Inappropriate dress including no shirt or shoes.
  • Tampering with the arrangement of library materials which makes finding or using them difficult.
  • Use of radios, tape or CD players, cellular phones, or other personal listening or communication devices at a level that can be heard by others.
  • Loitering
  • Solicitation of funds, distribution of literature or promotional materials, or sale of goods by any person or agency without approval by the library.
  • Use of library computers for anything other than their intended purpose. (See library’s Internet policy.)
  • Blocking aisles or passageways so as to make it dangerous, difficult or impossible to walk through. This includes placement of cords for electricity to electronic equipment, such as lap top computers.

CONSEQUENCES OF MISCONDUCT:
The Library Director will apply these rules in a fair and equitable manner for the benefit of all. The consequences of misconduct may be any of the following:

  • verbal warning
  • eviction
  • loss or restriction of library privileges or prosecution to the full extent of the law. Citations may be issued by police. Parents will be called or notified in writing in the case of a minor (less than 18 years of age).

The library reserves the right to inspect all bags, purses, briefcases, packs, personal listening devices, computers and coats brought into the Library’s premises. (Approved September 17, 2003; Revised November 10, 2006; Revised June 6, 2007)