Code of Conduct

Cranston Public Library Code of Conduct

Introduction

In an effort to meet the reading and information needs of the public and to ensure the safety of library patrons and staff, the Cranston Public Library has adopted the following list of behavior guidelines.  To maintain an atmosphere conducive to library use, we ask that library patrons abide by these guidelines, and all state and local laws, while in the library and on library premises.    

This list of guidelines is by no means exhaustive or all-inclusive and may be amended from time to time.  Patrons violating any one or more of these guidelines will be asked to cease and desist from engaging in such violations and may be asked to leave the premises and/or be barred from all branches of the Cranston Public Library. 

Code of Conduct

• Proper dress is required (shoes and shirts are required) 
• Eating, and drinking from uncovered containers inside the library is prohibited
• Use of personal electronic equipment may be limited to certain areas of the library and must not interfere with other library users or staff
• Stealing, abusing, defacing or destroying any library property is prohibited
• Carrying on sustained conversations above acceptable noise levels is prohibited
• Using profane or obscene language and gestures on library premises is prohibited
• Any form of harassment of library staff, vendors, or patrons is prohibited. Harassment includes, without limitation, physical harassment, verbal harassment, visual harassment, and innuendo
• Disrupting or interfering with the use of the library by other patrons is prohibited; offensive personal hygiene that disturbs others is not permitted 
• Physically assaulting library staff, vendors or patrons is prohibited
• Carrying, possessing or displaying weapons is prohibited with the exception of library security personnel or police officers carrying service weapons
• Using tobacco or vapor products inside the library is prohibited
• Using, selling or trading alcohol and illegal substances or possessing the same for purposes of using, selling or trading on library premises is prohibited 
• Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs on library premises is prohibited
• Sleeping in the library or on library grounds is prohibited
• Loitering in the library or on library grounds is prohibited
• Sitting or lying down on the floor is not permitted
• Moving library furniture from an existing location is prohibited
• Bathing or excessive grooming in public restrooms is prohibited
• Running or using sporting equipment inside the library and on outside areas where said use may endanger the safety of other patrons is prohibited
• Engaging in sexual acts on library premises is prohibited
• Entering into non-public areas of the library or using library equipment or facilities without authorization is prohibited
• Soliciting patrons and library personnel is prohibited
• Parents or legal guardians are ultimately responsible for the behavior of their children in the library and on library premises
• Animals are not permitted inside the library, except service animals assisting patrons
• Patrons are not permitted to bring any oversized bags, bags with wheels, or shopping carts into the library.  Unattended bags are not allowed. 
   

 Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees 4/12/2017.