The Pennington Public Library Board of Trustees has adopted a Library Code of Conduct to ensure that the library is safe and welcoming and to provide equitable access to materials and services. This policy is intended to provide guidelines for patron behavior while in the library and on library premises. Unacceptable behavior includes actions in the library or on library premises that interfere with the use of the library by other patrons, create a risk of injury to other patrons, volunteers or library staff, inhibit the work of library staff and volunteers, or create a risk of damage to library property. For those reasons the Library Code of Conduct should be observed by all library patrons. Unacceptable behavior in the library includes, but is not limited to:
- Committing or attempting to commit any activity that constitutes a violation of federal, state or local criminal statutes or ordinances.
- Carrying firearms of any kind, licensed or otherwise.
- Verbally or physically harassing other patrons, volunteers or staff, including the use of profanity, abusive or threatening language or threatening gestures, and unwanted physical conduct such as stalking, staring or lurking.
- Being under the influence of alcohol. Possessing, distributing, or consuming alcohol except at authorized library events.
- Being under the influence of controlled substances. Possessing, distributing or using controlled substances.
- Leaving children or adults who are in need of supervision unattended.
- Engaging in sexual contact, activities or conduct.
- Selling, soliciting, petitioning, canvassing, surveying or distributing written materials in the library or on library premises without prior authorization from the Library Director or designee.
- Smoking or other use of tobacco products.
- Consuming food or beverages while using library computers, electronic equipment or in spaces designated as free from food and beverages.
- Sleeping, napping or dozing in or on library premises.
- Unreasonable noise levels including shouting, loud talking or disruptive conversation, continuous ringing of cell phones, loud cell phone conversations, and using personal electronic equipment at a volume that disturbs others.
- Not wearing shoes or shirt within the library.
- Lack of personal hygiene that interferes with the use of and enjoyment of the library by others or interferes with the work of library staff and volunteers.
- Rearranging library equipment or furniture without the express consent of library staff or using equipment or furniture in any manner that may cause damage.
- Removing or attempting to remove materials, equipment or property without proper checkout or other official authorization.
- Damaging or defacing any library property or materials.
- Using wheeled devices inside the library or on library grounds, except in designated areas, including use of skateboards, roller-skates, bicycles and motorized or non-motorized scooters. These restrictions do not apply to ADA assistive devices or baby strollers.
- Bringing animals inside the library with the exception of service animals or those allowed at a library-approved event.
- Using library restrooms for bathing, shampooing, shaving or doing laundry.
- Using the internet and library public computers for any purpose prohibited by New Jersey or federal law; in any way that interferes with the use and enjoyment of the library by others; or in any way that interferes with the work of library staff and volunteers.
Approved by Library Board of Trustees on March 3, 2016