Library Conduct Policy

To provide a safe, clean, and pleasant library environment conducive to reading and learning for all library patrons, the Board of Trustees of the New Providence Memorial Public Library has adopted the following rules of conduct:

The following are prohibited on library grounds:

1. Disruptive, unlawful, or other inappropriate behavior
2. Eating
3. Drinking from uncovered containers
4. Smoking or using alcohol, tobacco products or controlled dangerous substances
5. Sleeping in the library
6. Interfering with another person’s use of the library or with library personnel’s performance of their duties.  This includes entering into current employee/staff-only areas
7. Threatening or physically harming library staff or patrons
8. Abusive language to library staff or other patrons
9. Misusing the library building and/or its facilities (e.g., using the library restrooms as a laundry or washing facility, or otherwise impeding the ability of staff or other patrons to use the restroom)
10. Physical obstruction of aisles, stairs, elevator, or traffic corridors
11. Engaging in unlawful sexual conduct, including but not limited to, public indecency, or offensive touching
12. Bodily hygiene that is so offensive that it interferes with another person’s use of the library or with the library personnel’s performance of their duties
13. Improper use or vandalism of computer equipment
14. Carrying a weapon into the library unless authorized by law 
15. Bringing animals into the library except for trained assistance or therapy animals
16. Defacement of property
17. Skateboarding or rollerblading or other similar activities.
18. Leaving belongings unattended. (Please note: unattended belongings are subject to removal without notice.)

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, in Kreimer v. Morristown, 958 F.2d 1242 (3d Cir. 1992), states “The Library’s goal is served by its requirement that its patrons have non-offensive bodily hygiene, as this rule prohibits one patron from unreasonably interfering with other patrons’ use and enjoyment of the library; it further promotes the Library’s interest in maintaining its facilities in a sanitary and attractive condition.”

Disciplinary Policy

A patron who persists in disruptive behavior will be asked to leave the building and grounds, and will have his/her library privileges suspended as follows:

1st Offense – Up to Two Weeks

2nd Offense – One Month

3rd Offense – One Year

If a patron is removed from the library premises by the police department as a result of one or more infractions of the Rules of Conduct, the removal will accelerate the disciplinary steps and may result in an immediate one year ban of the patron from library property.  A review of the decision will take place at the next meeting of the Board of Trustees or as soon as possible after receipt of the request. A patron’s suspension will remain in effect until the review is completed.

A patron whose privileges have been suspended may have the decision reviewed by the Board of Trustees, upon written request. The request must be delivered by mail, and be postmarked no more than thirty days after the suspension began. A review of the decision will take place at the next meeting of the Board of Trustees or as soon as possible after receipt of the request. A patron’s suspension will remain in effect until the review is completed.

Adopted June 18, 2019