Behavior Policy
Update: July 2020: Library customers are expected to adhere to all public health requirements when using the library. As of the summer of 2020, customers are required to wear masks or face shields when visiting the library. Customers are asked to practice appropriate hygiene and health etiquette recommendations, as issued by the NYS Department of Health and Center for Disease Control, while using the library. Customers who fail to adhere to these guidelines may be asked to leave the library.
The Watervliet Public Library and its facilities are to be used for library purposes only. Behavior that interferes with that use or is inconsistent with that use is not permitted. This policy has been adopted for the comfort and protection of all who use library materials and services. Library staff will courteously, but firmly, enforce this policy.
onduct will not be permitted if it is disruptive, disturbing, or potentially harmful to others, if it otherwise interferes with the enjoyment and use of the Library by other customers, or if it is inconsistent with the Library’s mission. This includes, but is not limited to: disorderly conduct, noise, or activity that interferes with the rights of others, whether intentional or inadvertent; physical abuse or threatening behavior or language; disobeying the directions of library staff members; or, the misuse of library materials, equipment or furnishings. Expulsion from the library and/or loss of library privileges, on a temporary or permanent basis, may result from violations of this policy.
Examples of Unacceptable Activities
The following are examples of behaviors which are not permitted because they interfere with the enjoyment and use of the library by other customers, present a health or safety hazard, or are inconsistent with the Library’s mission. This list is not exhaustive, but is provided to illustrate the types of behaviors prohibited under this policy.
If a customer creates a public nuisance, or violates any policy set forth herein, that customer may be restricted from the library or from the use of the library facilities by the staff, on either a temporary or permanent basis. Those who are unwilling to leave, or who do not leave within a reasonable amount of time after being instructed to do so by the staff, may be subject to prosecution.
Any person whose library privileges have been revoked under this policy may make a written request of the Library Director for a reinstatement of privileges. Reinstatement of privileges may be conditioned on future compliance. Reinstatement of privileges will be at the sole discretion of the Library Director or his/her designee.
The Watervliet Public Library and its facilities are to be used for library purposes only. Behavior that interferes with that use or is inconsistent with that use is not permitted. This policy has been adopted for the comfort and protection of all who use library materials and services. Library staff will courteously, but firmly, enforce this policy.
onduct will not be permitted if it is disruptive, disturbing, or potentially harmful to others, if it otherwise interferes with the enjoyment and use of the Library by other customers, or if it is inconsistent with the Library’s mission. This includes, but is not limited to: disorderly conduct, noise, or activity that interferes with the rights of others, whether intentional or inadvertent; physical abuse or threatening behavior or language; disobeying the directions of library staff members; or, the misuse of library materials, equipment or furnishings. Expulsion from the library and/or loss of library privileges, on a temporary or permanent basis, may result from violations of this policy.
Examples of Unacceptable Activities
The following are examples of behaviors which are not permitted because they interfere with the enjoyment and use of the library by other customers, present a health or safety hazard, or are inconsistent with the Library’s mission. This list is not exhaustive, but is provided to illustrate the types of behaviors prohibited under this policy.
- Engaging in loud, aggressive, or threatening conduct; fighting or challenging another to a fight; using profane language or obscene behavior or engaging in harassing behavior of any kind.
- Engaging in loud conversations, screaming, yelling, or making any other noise that disturbs other library users.
- Sleeping, lying down, or engaging in activities that interfere with library use.
- Gambling
- Using, distributing, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Using tobacco products in the library including e-cigarettes.
- Misusing or stealing library materials, equipment or computer resources.
- Tampering with, altering, editing, or damaging computer hardware and/or software.
- Entering or using the library in bare feet, or without a shirt.
- Having bodily hygiene that is so offensive as to constitute a disturbance to other customers using the library.
- Using audio equipment including mobile devices, with or without headphones, at a volume that is audible to others.
- Bathing or changing clothing in public restrooms.
- Engaging in any kind of sexual activity or lewd behavior, or sexually harassing any other person.
- Blocking aisles or pathways so that access to library materials, equipment, or facilities is prohibited
- Entering staff areas by customers.
- Carrying weapons of any kind.
- Soliciting in the library or on library property or distributing and/or posting literature that has not been approved by the Library administration.
- Bringing animals, other than guide and service animals, into the library.
- Committing any act that would violate any State, Federal or local law, ordinance or regulation.
- Using any library resource, including its public access computers/wi-fi network to engage in illegal activity which violates this policy or to injure or harass another person.
If a customer creates a public nuisance, or violates any policy set forth herein, that customer may be restricted from the library or from the use of the library facilities by the staff, on either a temporary or permanent basis. Those who are unwilling to leave, or who do not leave within a reasonable amount of time after being instructed to do so by the staff, may be subject to prosecution.
Any person whose library privileges have been revoked under this policy may make a written request of the Library Director for a reinstatement of privileges. Reinstatement of privileges may be conditioned on future compliance. Reinstatement of privileges will be at the sole discretion of the Library Director or his/her designee.
