Rules of Conduct

Adopted by the Board of Trustees 10/3/2011
Rules of Conduct PDF

The East Greenbush Community Library seeks to provide quality library service to all patrons.  The following code has been adopted for the convenience of all patrons and for the protection of the rights of all those using and working in the library.  All laws of the State of New York and the United States are enforced at the library. Staff members are authorized to enforce this code of conduct.

Code of Conduct

  • All conversation should be kept as low as possible.
  • All equipment with sound (i.e. mp3 players, laptops, smartphones, etc.) must be used only with earphones in the large open spaces of the library, and should not disturb other patrons.
  • Cell phones should be set on vibrate when entering the building and conversations should be pursued in the entrance hallway, especially not in the computer lab, or other areas where study and computer use is occurring.
  • Parents are responsible for the actions of their children.  Parents will be notified if a child’s actions are disruptive.  Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult.  Children from 8-11 should have a parent in the building.  See the Unattended Children Policy.
  • Only animals intended to serve people with disabilities are allowed in the building.
  • The East Greenbush Community Library building and grounds is a smoke free environment.  NO smoking is permitted.
  • No person shall physically, materially or verbally interfere in any way with the public’s right of access. (i.e., the entrance and exits are open to all.)
  • Any behavior that compromises the safety or security of the Library staff or patrons is prohibited.
    Use of verbal or physical threats in the library or through the use of library technology to insult or intimidate library patrons or staff is strictly prohibited.
  • Behavior Relating to Gender or Sexual Orientation
    • Any form of intimidation or harassment, whether direct or implied, physical or verbal, directed at the gender or sexual orientation of a patron or a staff member will not be tolerated. Persons exhibiting such behavior will be requested to leave the premises.
    • Offensive Remarks: Comments, innuendos, or insinuations of a sexual nature, however intended, when directed to a patron or staff member are inappropriate and should be avoided at all times.

Protection of Library Materials and Facilities

  • Interior Environment
    • No food and drink allowed in the public areas of the library. Meeting Rooms are sometimes used for events which include food with the approval of the Director.
    • Patrons shall respect all library materials and facilities, including computer database and computer equipment.  Stealing, damaging or altering library property is prohibited and will be subject to financial liability for damages.
    • Customary clothing in the library should include shirts and shoes.
    • Footwear that damages or compromises library floors may not be worn in the library-(i.e., in-line skates and cleats)
    • Furniture must be used for intended purposes. One person per seat, please.
    • Patrons should dispose of litter they create.
  • Exterior Environment
    • The Library grounds are open for use when the Library opens in the morning to dusk.
    • It is the responsibility of the users of the library grounds to keep the grounds free of litter and damage.  Any damage done to Library property will be the financial responsibility of the person who created the damage.
    • All automobiles must be parked in designated areas. Cars must travel with extreme caution, as pedestrians may come out of anywhere.
    • All traffic signs must be respected, for the safety of all library users.
    • Use of skateboards, in-line skates and bicycles in the parking lot and on library property creates a safety issue for library users and pedestrians and is prohibited.
    • Use of bicycles for transport to the library is acceptable, but bicycles must be locked at the outdoor bicycle rack.
    • Patrons must clean up after their pets outdoors.
    • Patrons must report injuries or concerns to Library personnel inside.

Library personnel have the authority to have patrons removed from the library building and/or grounds for improper conduct or misuse of the area.

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