About
MAPLEWOOD LIBRARY RULES OF CONDUCT
Maplewood Library Rules of Conduct
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to express the roles and responsibilities patrons have to ensure the library’s physical and virtual spaces are welcoming, safe, and secure.
Public library spaces are precious community assets that rely on the stewardship, mutual support, and goodwill of all.
The Maplewood Memorial Library builds community and enriches the quality of life throughout Maplewood by bringing together diverse people, information and ideas. Our mission is achieved in part by the willingness of patrons to respect one another and coexist in library spaces used for multiple purposes by a diverse community.
Roles and Responsibilities
Patrons are participants in a shared, public use environment and must conduct themselves accordingly. They will be courteous, considerate, and understanding of library patrons and staff.
Limit noise: Speak quietly, silence cell phones, converse quietly on cell phones, use headphones on electronic devices inside the library.
Share space: Keep entrances, doorways, hallways, and stairs clear at all times. Use of the Library by groups, class visits and tours may be arranged in consultation with the staff.
Behave appropriately for a shared public space: Attend to personal belongings. Wear shoes and shirts at all times. No sleeping or inappropriate public displays of affection. Hot or cold beverages are permitted in covered containers. Food is not permitted inside the library. Properly dispose of trash. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted on Library property or within 50 feet of library grounds. Restrooms are for toileting and hand washing only. Unreasonable use of the restrooms, including bathing, laundering and changing clothes, is not permitted. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building.
Service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are welcome. Otherwise, only animals participating in a library program are permitted.
Photography Of Library Patrons: For the safety and privacy of all patrons, photography/videography in the library requires permission from the director or the staff member in charge. Filming may not interfere with library operations or patrons’ access to library spaces and services.
Solicitation: Petitioning and/or solicitation of signatures are allowed outside the library building only and may not impede public access to or use of the library. Tables, chairs and signs are not allowed. Commercial solicitation is not permitted.
Parents and caregivers are responsible for the care, safety, and behavior of children using the library. Children may not be left unattended.
Children 10 years old and younger must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or caregiver at all times. A caregiver must be capable of assuming full responsibility for the child.
In the event a child is left unattended for an extended period of time, or when the Library is closing, or in the event of an early closing due to inclement weather, and the caregiver isn’t reachable, Library staff will contact the Maplewood Police Department to take custody of the child. Library staff will not assume responsibility for an unattended child, including seeing them home.Children are subject to the same rules of conduct as other patrons and are subject to the same consequences, including being asked to leave the Library.
Patrons are stewards of the library and its resources. They will value and respect library resources and conduct themselves in a safe and orderly way.
Harassment, disruptive or threatening behavior, and the use of abusive or obscene language toward patrons or staff are not permitted.
Patrons shall not interfere with the use of the library by other patrons, or interfere with library employees’ performance of their duties.
Patrons will comply with federal, state, and local laws and library policies.
Any patrons violating the Library’s Rules of Conduct, or local, state or federal law, may be required to leave the premises and the police may be summoned.
For persistent violation of its rules, the library has the authority to suspend all privileges including the right to use the facilities, the public Internet computers and/or to borrow materials.
Any patron whose privileges have been denied or suspended may have the decision reviewed by the Library Board of Trustees.
Revised June 18, 2015, September 26, 2023 by the Library Board of Trustees.