LIBRARY BEHAVIOR POLICY GUIDELINES

Adults and children are required to display appropriate behavior while visiting the Library. All conduct and behavior must be conducive to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in the Library for all patrons. Parents/guardians are responsible for their children's behavior.

Our patrons have a right to expect our facility to be a clean and pleasant place for selecting materials, reading, doing research, studying, writing and attending Library sponsored programs and meetings. Persons not engaged in such activities shall be asked to leave the building.

These guidelines are intended to encourage behavior that supports the Library's mission of providing the best possible resources in a warm, welcoming environment. Behavior becomes unacceptable when it interferes with others, compromises the rights of others, causes damage to buildings or equipment, or causes injury to oneself or others. Those willing to modify unacceptable behavior are always welcome to stay. However, those who do not comply will be required to leave by a person or persons of authority in the Library. If necessary, a Police Officer will be called. Parents or guardians are responsible for the conduct and safety of persons under their care.

SCHOOL YEAR USE OF THE LIBRARY

During the school year, any child between the ages of 12-18 who is not accompanied by a parent needs a South Plainfield Public Library card with a photo on file to ENTER the Library and use the facility. Children may use their school photo ID with their library card, until their parent or guardian can come in with them to get a photo taken for our records.

UNATTENDED CHILDREN

Children age 12 and under may not be left at the library unless they are attended by a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult. Police will be called for the child's safety.

Children under 12 years of age may not be left unattended in the children's room for any reason. Parents using the computers may not leave children unattended in the children's room. Parents will be given one warning and then asked to leave the library.

Any child under the age of 18 with no means of getting home when the library closes is a stranded minor. Library staff will not wait with the minor child. The library staff will call the Police.

MISBEHAVIOR

VIOLATION OF ANY BEHAVIOR POLICIES WILL RESULT IN THE FOLLOWING ACTION:

  1. The offender will be given one verbal warning.
  2. If the violation continues, the offender will be instructed to leave and will not be permitted access to the Library for one week.
  3. If the offender refuses to leave, the police will be called to remove him/her, and the offender will not be permitted access to the Library building/grounds for a period of one month. During the month, the parent or guardian must meet with the Library Director before their child can use the Library again.
  4. If any person who has received a one month suspension again violates any of the above rules, he/she will be barred from the Library building/grounds for a period of one year. At the end of the year, the parent or guardian must meet with the Library Director before their child can again use the Library.
  5. Chronic offenders (those who are asked to leave the Library on three separate occasions within a six month period) will be barred from the Library building and grounds for a period of one year. At the end of the year, the parent or guardian must meet with the Library Director before their child can use the Library again. Prior to being barred the alleged offender may request, within 5 days of the Library's proposed action, a hearing before the Board of Trustees or its designee.
  6. The Library Director will notify the parents of the offender by certified mail of the suspension of Library privileges. If a suspended person enters the Library before her/his privileges are restored, he/she will be subject to criminal prosecution for trespass. The Police will be called.

The South Plainfield Public Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to interpret these policies and to address issues that may arise not covered by these policies.