Library Use Policy:
The Mashpee Public Library goal is to provide access to library materials, information and equipment. Additionally, the Library serves as a location for reading, learning, seeking information, and attending Library or community sponsored programs, cultural activities, and meetings.
The Children’s Department is reserved for use by children, their parents or guardians, and adults interested in children’s literature.
Young Adults’ Room seating is reserved for young adults (ages 12-18) and those who accompany them. Adults interested in young adult literature are welcome to browse the shelves.
Use of the library’s “Young Adult Room” during non-school hours is limited to students currently enrolled in either middle or high school or to students being “home-schooled” who are of similar age.
To assure that the Library will be enjoyed by all patrons, the following rules and regulations shall be observed. Enforcement of these rules will be implemented by Library staff.
Bicycles and other wheeled devices:
Bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, scooters, or similar equipment may not be used in the building or the parking lot. They should be left outside the building in such a way that they do not obstruct access to the walkways and entrances.
Cell Phones:
Although the Library does not encourage the use of cell phones in the building, we understand that there are times when it may be necessary. During those times, we ask that you be considerate and respectful of others by following these guidelines:
- Please put your phone on vibrate or silence when in the library.
- Limit your calls to brief, quiet conversations.
- Move to an unoccupied section of the library to complete your call.
- Refrain from using phones at the public service desks and during library programs.
Children:
A parent or responsible adult is required to provide proper supervision of children.
Closings:
All patrons must leave the Library promptly at closing.
Clothing:
Please do not enter the Library barefooted, or without a shirt. Wet clothes or bathing suits are not permissible attire.
Disturbances/Noise:
Do not create a disturbance by making noise, talking loudly, or engaging in other disruptive behavior [MGL Ch 272, 41]
Refrain from using any personal electronic equipment, including computers, music players, phones etc., at a volume that disturbs others. Use of personal earphones at a reasonable sound level is strongly encouraged.
Please see Meeting Room and Study Room Policies for guidelines governing use of electronics in those areas. .
Food and Drink:
Consuming food in public areas of the Library, including restrooms, is not permitted. Patrons are welcome to bring drinks in spill-proof bottles.
Gambling/Group Activities:
Gambling and group activities which are disruptive to the Library are not allowed in the building or on Library grounds.
Loitering:
Loitering in the library, on library steps, entryway or library property, thereby creating a safety or free access issue for those trying to enter or exit the building or to use library resources is prohibited. Patrons shall engage only in activities associated or consistent with the use of a public library while in the building.
Personal Possessions:
Personal possessions should not be left unattended. The Library is unable to guarantee the security of such items and is not responsible for the loss of or damage to such items.
Pets:
Pets or animals, other than service animals, are not allowed in the Library, except as may be authorized by library staff.
Restrooms:
Misuse of the restrooms (including, but not limited to, using them for bathing or shampooing, doing laundry, changing clothes, or defacing the walls) is prohibited.
Sleeping:
Patrons can not lie down or sleep in the restrooms or on any floor, couch, table, or seat in the Library. Resting head, feet or legs on furniture is not allowed.
Solicitation:
Distributing literature, gathering signatures, soliciting contributions or conducting surveys or engaging in political activity inside the Library or on Library grounds, without Library authorization is not permitted.
Staff Only Areas:
Entering areas that are posted “Staff Only” is prohibited without permission from authorized Library personnel.
Threatening Behavior
Threatening or intimidating behavior is strictly forbidden, including:
- Verbally or physically threatening, intimidating or harassing other patrons, volunteers, or staff, including stalking, staring, or lurking, offensive touching, and obscene acts or indecent exposure.
- Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving, or throwing things.
Theft, Destruction of Materials and Missing Items:
Theft of library materials use of false identification to obtain a library card, or use of another person’s library card without his/her permission, are against state law [MGL, Ch. 266, §99A], and will result in permanent exclusion from the library and/or arrest;
Intentionally damaging, destroying, stealing, or altering any library property, including computer hardware and software, printers, copiers, phones, books, reading materials or other equipment, or a patron’s or employee’s property will result in permanent exclusion from the library and/or arrest.
Borrowing privileges for library patrons who owe $25.00 or more in past due fines and/or on account of lost or damaged materials will be suspended until billed materials are returned and/or replacement charges paid.
Unlawful Behavior
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms:
Possessing or consuming alcohol or illegal drugs or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs; (see MGL Chapter 270)
Smoking or other use of tobacco within the library or on library grounds; (see MGL Chapter 270)
Carrying firearms and dangerous weapons of any type (except by law enforcement officers); (see MGL Chapter 140).
Library Staff have the authority to implement Library policy and to determine appropriate standards of conduct in accordance therewith. Patrons whose behavior, in the judgment of Library Staff, is not in compliance with Library policy will be asked to leave. Minors may be asked to leave until a parent/guardian has been consulted.
The Mashpee Public Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to alter, amend, or terminate this policy.
Adopted by Mashpee Public Library Board of Trustees/October 11, 2011