All members of the public are welcome at the Old Bridge Public Library. We expect all Library staff to treat customers of the Library with courtesy. In turn, we expect Library customers to behave in the Library with dignity and in such a way that they do not interfere with the functions of the Library or with the convenience and comfort of other patrons. While in the Library:
- All persons shall respect the rights of others and shall not harass, annoy, or interfere with any other person by means of physical contact, communication or other intrusive behavior. No one shall interfere with Library personnel in the performance of their duties.
- Conversations shall be conducted quietly and, if possible, outside of quiet study areas. Shouting, loud voices and abusive language are not acceptable behavior.
- Ringing cell phones are disruptive. The Library requires that cell phones be turned off or set to “manner mode” while in the Library. While conversing on cell phones, customers must speak quietly and with discretion.
- Smoking or vaping is not permitted anywhere in the Library building.
- Nonalcoholic beverages in covered containers are permitted only in some areas of the Library. Food and drink are not allowed in computer areas or on computer tables and stands.
- Consumption of snack food is allowed in all areas of the Library except for the computer areas. It is expected that customers will dispose of litter and debris in trash containers and leave table tops and chairs clean.
- Meals may not be eaten in the Library. The delivery of food to the Library is not allowed and will not be accepted.
- Animals, except for service animals as defined in the Americans With Disabilities Act, are not permitted except in connection with Library programs.
- No one may deface, destroy, steal or misuse any Library materials, furnishings, equipment or other Library property. Library restrooms shall not be used as a laundry or for personal bathing.
- The use of alcohol or any drug constituting a controlled, dangerous substance as defined by New Jersey Law is not permitted. No one under the influence of alcohol or such drugs shall be permitted into the Library.
- Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times. Improper attire, including bare feet or chests, is not permitted in the Library. Library staff shall have the discretion to determine whether any person is improperly attired.
- Personal use of audio, visual or electronic equipment must not disturb others.
- No person shall possess or carry any weapons into the Library unless authorized to do so by law. Any person authorized to carry weapons must notify Library staff that they are in possession of a weapon in the library.
- Personal belongings are subject to inspection by Library personnel.
- Personal belongings are not to be left unattended for more than 30 minutes.
- Running, rollerblading, skateboarding and similar activities are not permitted in the Library or on Library grounds.
- Bicycles must be parked outside of the building and cannot be brought inside.
- No sales or solicitations of contributions or signatures by any outside organization or individual is permitted in the Library facility or on its grounds.
- All persons must leave the Library premises by closing time, when evacuation of the building is necessary or at any time when requested to do so by Library personnel.
- Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while the children are in the Library. Library staff will notify the parent or guardian of any child who is not behaving in accordance with this “Acceptable Library Behavior Policy.” If it is not possible to contact a parent or guardian, the police may be notified.
- The Library is not responsible for the safety of any child in the Library.
- No child under eight (8) years of age shall be left without adult supervision for any reason in any part of the Library.
- Librarians will attempt to locate the parents of children left unattended in the Library. In the event a parent or caregiver cannot be located, the police will be notified and asked to supervise the child until the parents or caregiver can be located.
- Anyone who fails to meet these standards of acceptable behavior or any other Library policy may be required to leave the premises. If unacceptable behavior occurs again, the individual may be denied the privilege of Library use for a set period of time or indefinitely.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: 09/08/99; Amended: 03/10/2010
