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Code of Conduct Policy

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees on 12/16/2024
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 a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone.

This policy applies to all library services and activities, whether in person, on library property, in the community, or through digital channels including the website, social media, phone, chat, and email.

General Expectations for Library Visitors

Be safe
Be respectful of other visitors, staff, and volunteers
Be respectful of library property
Obey all applicable laws
Follow requests from library staff

Library staff may intervene when behavior threatens safety, disrupts others, misuses library resources, or involves illegal activity. Visitors who do not comply with staff instructions may be asked to leave. If a visitor refuses to leave, law enforcement may be contacted.

Enforcement

Library staff will courteously and firmly enforce this policy to ensure the comfort and safety of all visitors. Staff may conduct wellness checks when necessary.

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 behavior
Actions taken by staff
Witnesses, if any
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 may submit a written appeal within 48 hours of receiving written notice. Appeals are reviewed by the Library Director or the Board of Trustees, and decisions are communicated in a timely manner.

Communications

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.

Library Conduct Expectations and Prohibited Behaviors

Select a section below to review general expectations for library conduct and examples of prohibited behaviors.

General Expectations for Library Conduct

All library visitors are expected to:

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

Unsafe or Disruptive Behavior

Conduct likely to cause injury to oneself or others.
Blocking staff or visitors’ free movement.
Lewd, vulgar, obscene, hostile, or aggressive language or expression.
Disruptive verbal or physical behavior.
Use of incendiary devices (candles, lighters, etc.).
Consuming food or drinks in a disruptive manner or by the computers, not cleaning up.
Smoking or vaping on library property.
Inappropriate attire (shoes and shirts are required).
Any activity or substance posing a health hazard to visitors or employees.
Sleeping in the library, especially lying down or putting feet on furniture.
Being noticeably under the influence of substances.
Noise from electronic devices, speaking loudly, singing, snoring, or using a cell phone on speaker.
Leaving personal belongings unattended or monopolizing seating or space with personal items.
Engaging in sexual activity on library property.

Misuse of Property or Privileges

Activities inconsistent with typical library uses.
Damage to library property or the property of others.
Posting signs, advertisements, or other materials without library approval.
Unauthorized campaigning, petitioning, or soliciting inside the library.
Unauthorized sales on library property.
Misuse of restrooms, including bathing, shaving, washing clothes, sleeping, or engaging in sexual activity.
Hiding or misusing library materials.
Parking bicycles or other vehicles in non-designated areas.
Entering staff-only areas without permission.
Remaining in the library after closing time.
Camping or using library property for living purposes.
Obstructing, blocking, or monopolizing sidewalks, entrances, or other spaces on library property.
Using rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, or other outdoor recreational items indoors.
Misusing or abusing strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers.

Illegal Activities

Threatening, harassing, or assaulting staff or other visitors.
Sexual misconduct or harassment.
Illegal drug use or possession, including open containers of alcohol.
Viewing or distributing obscene or illegal content, including pornography.
Theft or vandalism.
Possession of guns, pistols, or other weapons.

Failure to Follow Staff Instructions

Failure to comply when asked to stop a prohibited behavior.
Refusing to leave when asked due to a violation of library policies.
Refusing to leave when library staff directs that the library is being evacuated or closed.

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