Patron Behavior Policy

Behavior Policy

The Easthampton Public Library, governed by the Public Library Association of Easthampton, is available for use by people of all ages.  While anyone has the right to use our Library, no one has the right to interfere with the use and enjoyment of our Library by others.  

The Public Library Association of Easthampton has established guidelines for behavior within the Library building and on the grounds.  These guidelines are intended to promote access to library resources for all users and at the same time ensure the safety of the public, staff, Library materials, equipment, and the facility as a whole. 

The following are standards of behavior for anyone using our Library:

• No person in the library shall engage in any activity in violation of state or federal law.
• Refrain from engaging in disruptive behavior, as designated by Library staff.
• No smoking or using of smokeless tobacco (such as vaping or use of electronic cigarettes).
• Food and drink may be consumed in moderation in the Library. Patrons are responsible for disposing of food waste and packaging in appropriate receptacles, and for maintaining the cleanliness of the Library environment. Beverages should be consumed in spill proof containers. 
• Food and drink are not permitted in the stacks or by any Library computers. 
• Cell phone calls must be brief or must be taken outside of the building.  No cell phone calls can be taken at the public computer terminals except when necessary to the business at hand.
• No animals of any kind may be brought into the library unless serving as an aide animal or as part of a library-sponsored program. All animals regardless of affiliation must be leashed or otherwise contained.
• Shirts and shoes must be worn in the library at all times.
• Children 9 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult or responsible caregiver at all times.  For more details, consult our Unattended and Endangered Child Policy.
• Parents/guardians may be liable for any damage to the library or library materials caused by their children. 
• Destruction or defacing of library property is prohibited by law.  All materials must be checked out before they are taken out of the building.
• Patrons and Staff are expected to treat all persons with respect. Verbal or physical harassment or intimidation of other library users or of library staff is forbidden.
• No soliciting or conducting of surveys inside the Library or on Library grounds without the explicit knowledge and permission of Library administration.
• All persons must leave all areas of the Library, including restrooms, in the condition in which they found them..
• Carrying firearms or dangerous weapons, except by law enforcement officials during the execution of their official duties, is prohibited.
• No one should be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or consume alcohol or drugs while in the library.

Failure to adhere to these standards of behavior may result in removal from the Library building and/or restriction of Library privileges by the Library Director or the Director’s designee.

Approved: 5/2024