Library Conduct Policy
The Library makes every effort to make the Library accessible and enjoyable for everyone. To that end, the Library has established these policies to ensure that experience for all.
Patrons who have special needs and feel they need an accommodation to make the Library reasonably accessible should speak to the Library Director. However, any patron, regardless of age, who requires assistance from a caregiver shall not be left unaccompanied in the Library.
The Library Conduct Policy outlines the acceptable and unacceptable behavior in the library. Any patron not abiding by these or other rules may be required to leave the library premises. Library Staff may contact the Lyndhurst Police in response to any breach of this policy.
Library Users Shall
- Engage in activities associated with the use of a public library, including reading, studying, using library materials, or participating in Library-sponsored programming.
- Library Users not engaged in reading, studying or using library materials shall be required to leave the building. Requiring patrons to make use of the library in order to remain there is reasonable. The library is not intended for use as a lounge or shelter. Therefore, patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a Public Library while in the library building.
- Respect the rights of other patrons.
Library Users Shall Not
- Consume food or alcoholic beverages (non-alcoholic beverages with lids or caps are permitted provided the user exercises caution).
- Smoke, use tobacco products, or use eCigarettes or vaping tools on any part of the Library premises. For the purpose of this policy, “smoke” means the burning of, inhaling from, exhaling the smoke from, or the possession of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or any other matter or substance which contains tobacco or any other matter that can be smoked. “Smokeless tobacco products” shall include, but not be limited to chew, pouches, and any form of tobacco that promotes spitting. Violations of this policy may result in the penalties available under the Smoke-free Air Act in addition to sanctions for violation of Library Conduct Policy.
- Be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or bring either onto Library property. Alcohol may only be consumed as part of a Library-sanctioned program.
- Engage in any illegal activity while on Library property or when participating in Library virtual programming.
- Interfere with other patrons’ use of the physical Library space or their ability to participate in the Library’s virtual programs.
- Interfere with Library employees’ performance of their duties.
- Harass or annoy others, either in person or those participating in Library virtual programs, through noisy or boisterous activities, by staring at another person with the intent to annoy that person, by following another person about the building with the intent to annoy that person, by playing audio equipment so that others can hear it, by singing or talking loudly to others or in monologues, or by behaving in a manner that can be reasonably expected to disturb others.
- Possess a weapon on Library property unless authorized by law.
- Camp on Library grounds or stash personal property anywhere on Library property. Patrons should not leave packages, backpacks, luggage, electronics, or other personal items unattended. These unattended items are subject to immediate confiscation and disposal.
- Deface or mar Library materials, equipment or property, including books, magazines, newspapers, recordings or other items of the Library collection.
- Enter the Library building without being fully clothed (patrons must wear a covering on their upper and lower bodies and shoes or other footwear). Patrons participating in Library virtual programs shall also be adequately clothed.
- Bring pets or animals into the Library, other than service animals and those used for Library programming.
- Speak on cellular or mobile telephones in the Library proper; provided that they may be used in the vestibule or outside as long as it is not disturbing others. Patrons must turn cell phones to vibrate or off while in the library. If necessary, patrons may speak quietly on cell phones in the hallways.
- Lie down or appear to be sleeping; have feet on the furniture; or block aisles, exits or entrances.
- Deface, mar or destroy library furnishings, walls, machines, or other Library property.
- Bring bicycles, roller skates, rollerblades and skateboards onto library premises. The only modes of transportation allowed inside the building are individual devices needed by patrons to accommodate physical disabilities, and baby carriages or strollers.
- Misuse of Library property either in the building or on Library grounds, including misuse of the restrooms for bathing, shampooing, doing laundry, or changing clothes.
- Leave children under age 10 unattended for any length of time when the child is not participating in a library program. Library staff members cannot assume responsibility for the care, safety or well-being of children or patrons with special needs who require the assistance of a caregiver. Parents or caregivers may not leave children under age 10 or patrons with special needs unattended at any time. Children under age 10 may use a Library phone to call home for a ride. Parents and caregivers must arrive no later than fifteen minutes before closing. If no caregiver is present, Library staff will attempt to contact a parent or guardian. At closing, the Lyndhurst Police will be called.
- Remain in the Library if bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance. This policy ensures that all patrons can use and enjoy the Library in a sanitary and welcoming environment.
As approved by the Board of Trustees on 6/17/25.
