Library Use Policy and Behavior Guidelines

The Middletown Public Library provides access to all through its collections, programs, facilities, and resources. We strive to serve our patrons effectively by providing a welcoming and safe environment. We ask that visitors help us to maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and community engagement by following our Library Use Guidelines.

To ensure a safe, positive, and comfortable library experience for all, as well as to ensure the protection of library property, the following actions are examples of conduct not allowed in the library, on library property, or at any library program off premises:
 

• Engage in any activity in violation of Federal, State, local or other applicable law, or any Library policy. 
• Engage in disruptive or unsafe behavior, including interfering with the use or operations of the library by users or staff.
• Verbally or physically threaten or harass other patrons, volunteers, or staff, including intimidating, annoying, following, stalking, staring, lurking, offensive touching, and obscene acts such as sex acts and indecent exposure. 
• Use overly loud, abusive, or profane language.
• Leave a vulnerable adult or child unattended.
• Use computers, areas of the library, or attend programs designated for children or teens without a need to access those collections or accompanied by a child or teen.
• Take photographs or videos of library users without their permission, unless given permission by the Director.
• Sleep
• Littering, both inside the library or on library grounds.
• Move library furniture from where it is placed by Library staff.
• Be under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs, and selling, using, or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs.
• Smoking, chewing, vaping, or other tobacco use on Library property.
• Eat anything messy, or with a child that cannot sit and eat without making a mess. Covered beverages are ok.
• Enter the library with hygiene conditions or unsanitary belongings that interfere with the use of the library by others.
• Enter the library without shoes or clothing covering both your upper and lower torso.
• Remove shoes or clothing while inside the library.
• Solicit, distribute leaflets, or post notices without permission from library staff.
• Bring in animals other than service animals, except as invited by the Director.
• Enter non-public or staff-only areas, be in the library without permission of an authorized library employee before or after library operating hours, or camp on library grounds. 
• Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving, or throwing things.
• Create disruptive noises such as yelling, screaming, or banging on computer keyboards.
• Park vehicles on library premises for purposes other than library use without permission.
• Use bicycles, skates, skateboards, scooters, or similar items inappropriately on library property.
• Use audible devices without headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others.
• Use cell phones, tablets, and other technology devices in a manner that disturbs others.
• Bathe, shave, or wash clothes in the library restrooms.
• Engage in any activity prohibited by the library’s computer and internet use guidelines.
• Block aisles, exits, entrances, shelves, or leave items unattended at any time.
• Use another person’s library card number without that person’s permission.
• Bring weapons of any kind into the library, except by law enforcement officers.
• Remove library materials from the building without checking them out.
• Steal, damage, alter, or deface library materials or any library property in library facilities or on library grounds.
   

We ask everyone on library property or attending a library program to follow all library policies and guidelines and abide by any reasonable request from staff to refrain from disorderly or disruptive behavior.

Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner and will be dependent on the rule broken, severity, and number of previous offenses. Library staff and/or the Middletown Police will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Failure to comply with the library's established rules, regulations, and policies could result in removal from the premises and exclusion from the library for a period of one day to one year, or in arrest or prosecution. Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of library privileges, including the use of library computers and other equipment. Illegal activity may result in arrest.
 

Approved by the Middletown Library Board of Trustees on Tuesday, September 17, 2024