Code of Conduct Policy

Adopted, Library Board of Trustees, December 16, 2024
 Code of Conduct Policy (PDF)

The East Greenbush Community Library welcomes all visitors to enjoy our facilities, collections, programs, and services. This Code of Conduct ensures that everyone has a positive and safe experience. It applies to all library services, including attendance at the library, which are non-library sponsored; whether in person, on library property, in the community, or through our digital channels, including the website, social media, and communication by phone, chat, or email.

General Expectations for Library Visitors

Library visitors are expected to:

  • Be safe.
  • Be respectful of other visitors, staff, and volunteers.
  • Be respectful of library property.
  • Obey the law.
  • Comply with requests from library staff.

Library staff will intervene in situations that threaten safety, disrupt the rights of others, involve the misuse of library resources, or constitute illegal activity. If minors are involved, the library may request identification and notify the parent or guardian. Visitors who fail to comply with staff instructions or respond abusively may be asked to leave the premises immediately. If they refuse, law enforcement may be summoned.

Enforcement

These rules are designed to ensure the comfort and safety of all visitors. Library staff may conduct wellness checks when required. Staff will courteously and firmly enforce the policy,

Consequences of Violating the Code of Conduct

The East Greenbush Community Library enforces a tiered intervention system. The goal is to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all visitors while providing fair opportunities for corrective action.

Tier 1: Verbal Warning

  • Applicable to: Minor, first-time infractions (e.g., excessive noise, minor disruptive behavior).
  • Action: Library staff will explain the violation and request a change in behavior.
  • Documentation: Library staff may note the incident internally for future reference, but no formal report will be filed.

Tier 2: Formal Warning

  • Applicable to: Repeat minor offenses or more disruptive behaviors (e.g., continued disruptive noise, minor property damage).
  • Action: A formal warning will be issued. The patron may be asked to leave the library for the remainder of the day.
  • Documentation: A written incident report will be filed, detailing the nature of the offense and the interaction.

 

Tier 3: Temporary Suspension

  • Applicable to: Serious violations or repeated offenses after a formal warning (e.g., aggressive behavior, harassment, misuse of library property, or failure to comply with staff instructions).
  • Action: The visitor may be suspended from the library for a period ranging from 1 day to 1 month, depending on the severity and prior history.
  • Documentation: A detailed incident report will be filed. If the suspension is longer than one day, the patron will be formally notified in writing by the Library Director or designee.
  • Parent/Guardian Notification: If the suspended patron is under 18, a parent or guardian will be contacted and informed of the situation. Future library access will require a discussion between the parent/guardian and the Library Director.

Tier 4: Extended Suspension or Permanent Ban

  • Applicable to: Major violations, criminal activity, or repeated serious offenses (e.g., physical assault, sexual misconduct, theft, severe property damage).
  • Action: The visitor may be suspended for an extended period (up to 1 year) or permanently banned from the library, depending on the nature of the offense.
  • Documentation: A comprehensive incident report will be filed. The Library Director will investigate and notify the visitor in writing of the suspension or ban, detailing the reasons and duration.
  • Police Involvement: Law enforcement may be called for serious violations, and the library will cooperate with investigations.

Tier 5: Legal Action

  • Applicable to: Criminal offenses, threats to staff or public safety, or repeated defiance of library bans.
  • Action: The library reserves the right to pursue legal action, including the filing of criminal charges.
  • Documentation: All related incidents will be documented, and law enforcement will be involved as necessary.

 

Incident Reporting Process

Incident Report Filing

For any violation beyond a verbal warning, library staff are required to file an incident report. These reports will be documented in a library incident log, including:

  • Date and time of the incident.
  • Description of the patron’s behavior.
  • Actions taken by staff.
  • Witnesses, if any.
  • The outcome or next steps (e.g., formal warning, suspension).

Review and Escalation

  • Staff Review: Incident reports will be reviewed by the Library Director or designee to determine appropriate next steps.
  • Director Involvement: For suspensions longer than one day or permanent bans, the Library Director will notify the patron formally.

Appeals Process

  • Visitors who are suspended or banned from the library may submit a written appeal within 48 hours of receiving written notice, to the Library Director or the Board of Trustees. Appeals will be reviewed, and a decision will be communicated in a timely manner.

Communication

  • Library staff are responsible for addressing violations courteously but firmly, following the tiered intervention system.
  • All visitors are expected to follow staff instructions and cease prohibited behavior when requested. Failure to comply will result in escalation according to the outlined tiers.
  • Parents and guardians of minors will be informed when necessary to address conduct issues involving youth.

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General Expectations for Library Conduct

Be respectful of other visitors, staff, and volunteers

Comply with requests from library staff

Be respectful of library property

Obey the law

Be safe

Examples of Prohibited Behaviors
Unsafe or Disruptive Behavior Misuse of Property or Privileges Illegal Activities Failure to Follow Staff Instructions
Conduct likely to cause injury to oneself or others Activities inconsistent with typical library uses Threatening, harassing, or assaulting staff or other visitors Failure to comply when asked to stop a prohibited behavior
Blocking staff or visitors’ free movement Damage to library property or the property of others Sexual misconduct or harassment Refusing to leave when asked due to a violation of library policies
Lewd, vulgar, obscene, hostile or aggressive language or expression Posting signs, advertisements, or other materials without library approval Illegal drug use or possession, including open containers of alcohol Refusing to leave when library staff directs that library is being evacuated or closed
Disruptive verbal or physical behavior Unauthorized campaigning, petitioning, or soliciting inside the library Viewing or distributing obscene or illegal content, including pornography  
Use of incendiary devices (candles, lighters, etc.) Unauthorized sales on library property Theft or vandalism  
Consuming food or drinks in a disruptive manner or by the computers, not cleaning up Misuse of restrooms, including bathing, shaving, washing clothes, sleeping, or engaging in sexual activity

Smoking or vaping on library property

 

  
Inappropriate attire. Shoes and shirts are required Hiding or misusing library materials Possession of guns, pistols, or other weapons  
Any activity or substance posing a health hazard to visitors or employees Parking bicycles or other vehicles in non-designated areas    
Unauthorized solicitation or sales Entering staff-only areas without permission    
Sleeping in the library, especially lying down or putting feet on furniture Remaining in the library after closing time    
Being noticeably under the influence of substances Camping or using library property for living purposes    
Noise from electronic devices, speaking loudly, singing, snoring, or using a cell phone on speaker Obstructing, blocking, or monopolizing sidewalks, entrances, or other spaces on library property    
Leaving personal belongings unattended or monopolizing seating or space with personal items Using rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, or other outdoor recreational items indoors    
Engaging in sexual activity on library property Misusing or abuse of strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers    
Return to Policies
Subject East Greenbush Card UHLS Card UHLS MyCard
Library Card Registration Free to any individual who resides or pays taxes in the East Greenbush Community Library taxing district or Town of Schodack. Cards expire and must be renewed every three years.

Free to any individual who volunteers or works at the EGRN Library. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

Free to partner educational agencies with verified employment. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

Those that live outside the UHLS area may purchase a temporary card at the price established by our Table of Fines and Fees. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them.

Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees

Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library

 Free to residents residing in a community served by a UHLS library.

All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them.

UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.

Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees

Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library

 The UHLS MyCard is a fine-free, limited-access library card for youth. It is intended to address multiple barriers to serving youth and families, including:

  • Barriers to access related to fines (e.g. computer access, checking out materials)
  • Parents not present for a child’s library card registration
  • Previous fines on a child’s card

Free for youth residing in a community served by a UHLS library.Applicants 18 and under who are applying for a limited use, UHLS Youth Only MyCard, need to provide name, address, and date of birth.UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.Youth ages birth to 18 can register unaccompanied, or with the help of a caregiver or relative who is not the child’s parent/guardian.This card may be used at all UHLS Libraries except for the Colonie Town Library.

Card blocked at $10 or more in replacement costs.

No fines for late items
Limits on # of Materials Borrowed Unlimited checkouts Unlimited checkouts Limited total items: Can only have 3 items checked out on their card at a time
Types of Items All eligible item types. All eligible item types except Museum Passes, ILL, and Hot off the Press. Active paid members of the Friends of the East Greenbush Community Library have access to all lending collections. Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Databases/Digital Content EGRN and UHLS subscription databases and digital content UHLS subscription databases and digital content Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Interlibrary Loan Nationwide UHLS Libraries UHLS Libraries
Program Registration Unlimited except by limited program capacity Preference given to resident cardholders Preference given to resident cardholders