Library Behavior Policy

APPROPRIATE LIBRARY BEHAVIOR

Date adopted: 07/30/2025

The Appropriate Library Behavior policy is enforced inside the library (including restrooms and meeting rooms), on outdoor library property, and in virtual spaces like online chats or meetings hosted by the library, and phone calls.

Respect People’s Property
Property that belongs to the library or other customers is not your own. Don’t steal or damage anything. Adults are responsible for any damage their custodial children cause.

The Library Is Safe
If it’s against the law, it’s not allowed in the library.
• Children under the age of 8 must always be with a responsible caregiver.
• This is a substance-free place. You cannot have or be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.
• Weapons, concealed or not, are not allowed per City of Whitehall policy.
• Don’t block aisles or doorways with your things or yourself.
• Stay awake. Sleeping (or looking like you’re asleep) makes it hard for other people to tell whether you’re okay. While the library can be a place of peace and rest, it is not a place for naps.

The Library Is Welcoming
Show respect to each other and keep the feeling in the library calm.
• Don’t make threats, stalk, swear, or disrespect others or the library.
• Don’t harm yourself or others.
• Don’t engage in public displays of affection.
• No selling or panhandling.
• Don’t leave your property unattended. The library is not responsible for your things. Staff will remove abandoned property
• Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, any attribute, or protected class is not tolerated. This includes both words and behavior towards others.
• Don’t make disruptive noise. This includes being loud enough for others to hear from a reasonable distance.
• Don’t use athletic equipment such as skateboards, roller skates, etc. You can bring these things inside with you, just don’t use them. Keep bikes locked in the bike racks outside.
• Don’t cause strong smells. These may include perfume, body odor, and food odor.
• Follow the library’s policy on Computer and Internet Use.

The Library Is Clean and Healthy
We can work together to keep the library clean and healthy.
• Using tobacco or vaping products must be done off library property. This includes rolling cigarettes. You can have these products but keep them stored away and out of sight.
• Snacks and drinks are allowed if they are small and do not have an odor. Messy foods or drinks must be taken outside. Clean up after yourself.
• Food is only to be delivered to the library if it’s for a meeting approved by the library.
• Wear appropriate clothing and keep your shoes on.
• Don’t lie down in the library. Keep your feet off the furniture. One person per seat.
• Animals are only allowed inside the building if they are service animals or are part of a library program.
• Avoid making a mess. This includes messes in the restrooms.
• Don’t visit the library if you are sick.

What If Someone Doesn’t Follow the Rules?
Everyone has the right to use the library if they don’t interfere with anyone else’s right to do the same.
• You may be asked to leave.
• Follow instructions from staff. This includes providing your name or library card if asked.
• If you appear to have symptoms of illness or contagious medical conditions, create any kind of health hazard, or admit to being ill, you may be asked to leave the library.
• Breaking the rules may lead to being banned from the library. Anyone who is banned for more than one year can appeal to the library board in writing or by phone. Library Board of Trustee contact information is available on the Whitehall Community Library website or in the City of Whitehall Offices.
• If you’re banned, you won’t be able to check out materials or log in to l• It’s trespassing if you are on library property when you have an active ban.