Acceptable Patron Behavior Policy
The Wayland Free Public Library encourages people of all ages to use its facilities and resources for research, reference, study, reading, and browsing. Good public service requires that the library environment be conducive to study, reading, and research. Respect for other library users and staff members shall be maintained at all times. To ensure that such an environment exists, the library has established guidelines for behavior in library facilities in the interest of promoting equal access to, and enjoyment of, library services.
The Library staff reserves the right to ask any person to leave the Library when, in the staff’s judgment, that person is exhibiting unlawful, abusive, harassing, threatening or inappropriate behavior or creating a disturbance which interferes with other patrons. Library users who violate this Policy may also be subject to the suspension or revocation of their library privileges, exclusion from the Library and/or legal action. For the comfort and safety of patrons, volunteers, and staff, and the protection of library property, disruptive behavior will not be allowed, including but not limited to the following:
- Patrons should at all times be aware that they are in a shared, public space. This means that conversation, including cell phone conversation, should be carried on at a level that does not disturb or interfere with other patrons. This especially applies to the quiet zone in the North wing.
- Parents and caregivers are responsible for the supervision of their children. Please see the Child Safety Policy for additional information.
- The following activities are inappropriate to the library setting and are prohibited in the Wayland Free Public Library or on its grounds:
a) Possessing or consuming alcohol or illegal drugs or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs (see G.L. Chapter 270).
b) Smoking or other use of tobacco products. This includes, but is not limited to, electronic cigarettes, or electronic vaping devices.
c) Creating a disturbance by making noise, talking loudly, or engaging in other disruptive conduct.
d) Interfering with another person’s right to use the library or with the library staff’s performance of their duties.
e) Verbally or physically threatening or harassing other visitors, library staff or volunteers, including stalking, staring, touching, or using offensive language, and including, but not limited to violence, threats of violence, and possession of weapons.
f) Library patrons must utilize personal electronic equipment (laptops, personal music players, etc.) in a way that does not interfere with other patrons’ use of the library. The Library requires the use of earphones at a reasonable sound level.
g) Soliciting signatures for petitions or nomination papers shall be done consistent with the Library’s Petitions and Nomination Papers Policy.
h) Entering areas posted “Staff Only” without permission.
i) Defacing library materials or property. Those who damage or deface library materials or property may be prosecuted. Parents may be held liable for damage done by a child under 18.
- Failure to comply with one or more of the library’s policies may result in suspension of library privileges. Patrons whose privileges have been suspended may apply in writing to have the decision reviewed by the Library Director or the Board of Trustees.
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees 3/16/2022
