The Library is for all members of the community. We are committed to providing excellent services and resources to our visitors and ensure that everyone who uses the Library has a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience.
These Visitors’ Rules of Conduct are here to assure each visitor a quality Library experience. Use of library facilities and resources implies acceptance of our Customer Rules of Conduct, which are based on these basic principles:
- Respect other visitors and their right to have a positive experience at the Library.
- Respect Library staff, whose responsibility it is to help you get the most from your Library experience and to maintain a safe and comfortable atmosphere for all visitors.
- Respect all Library facilities, materials, computers, equipment, and resources, and understand and follow rules related to their use.
- Food may only be consumed in designated areas within the Library. Covered beverages are permitted throughout the Library.
- Understand that your Library card is your contract with the Library. Use it responsibly, enjoy the benefits it offers, and understand when its privileges may be suspended.
- Children under the age of 8 should be attended at all times by a parent, caregiver, or someone over the age of 13 who has the authority to look after them. Library staff members are not responsible for children left unattended or without supervision in the Library.
- Protect your personal property while visiting the Library. The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Bags or large items left unattended pose a security risk and may be confiscated.
- Request permission from the Executive Director to engage in solicitation or petitioning of any kind, either in the building or in the entrance, including selling or requesting donations.
- When questionable or inappropriate behavior occurs:
- Library staff members have the authority to enforce these Visitors’ Rules of Conduct.
- Depending on the nature and frequency of the behavior, consequences may include loss of Library privileges for a specified period of time up to and including a lifetime ban.
- Staff may call upon law enforcement to assist in managing some situations, including removal and/or arrest for trespassing customers who have been banned from library property and return before the ban has expired.
- Staff may at any time request customers to show Library cards and other documents (e.g. driver’s license, school ID) for purposes of identification.
- Unacceptable behavior includes but is not limited to:
- Bathing in or misusing Library restrooms.
- Behaving in a violent or threatening manner including abusing or harassing staff or other visitors verbally or physically, or using obscene or abusive language.
- Engaging in any activity or behavior that violates local ordinances or is illegal under State or Federal law, e.g. using alcohol, illegal drugs or behaving as though under the influence, smoking or use of tobacco in the building or within 25 feet of the entrance, panhandling, possession of firearms or weapons, assault, etc., loitering.
- Pets are not allowed at Wicomico Public Library but service animals are welcome. Service animals that pose a direct threat to health or safety; is not housebroken; or is out of control and you are unable or unwilling to effectively control it will be asked to leave. The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the person's disability prevents use of these devices.
- Creating a public disturbance, e.g. talking loudly in conversation, rowdy behavior, failure to observe assigned “quiet areas.”
- Cell phone misuse including loud conversations, not silencing ringers.
- Using electronic devices without headphones.
- Failing to attend a child.
- Failing to follow rules relating to use of materials, computers, equipment, and building.
- Interfering with free passage (blocking entrances, aisles, or exits)
- Not wearing shirts or shoes or removing shirts or shoes, offending others with body odor or poor personal hygiene.
- Parking bicycles in the building, use bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, or other equipment in the building or near entrances or exits.
- Sleeping in the library or on library property.
- Stealing, mutilating, or defacing library materials and property.
- Staff may ask patrons to leave if adults or children exhibit symptoms of flu or other contagious illness. The staff are acting in the best interest of all occupants of the library if they ask you to relocate or leave the library.
Keep your public library safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for everyone, and help us fulfill our commitment to…Supporting Learning, Building Community, Enriching Lives.
Approved by Board of Trustees, December 13, 2005
Amended and Approved by Board of Trustees, October 12, 2010
Amended and Approved by Board of Trustees, April 14, 2015
Amended and Approved by Board of Trustees, April 12, 2016
Amended and Approved by Board of Trustees, April 9, 2019
Amended and Approved by the Board of Trustees, August 18, 2020
Policy Type