Code of Conduct & Unattended Child Policies

Library Code of Conduct

Updated 2021

The Port Chester – Rye Brook Public Library Board of Trustees invites all our patrons to enjoy the Library, its collection, programs, grounds, and services. To ensure that all patrons are able to use
the Library efficiently and without disruption, patrons must adhere to the following rules and regulations. Library users must respect the rights and privileges of all users. Any behavior which interferes with the use of the Library by others is prohibited.

The following activities are prohibited in the Library or Library grounds:
 drinking alcoholic beverages and use of recreational drugs
 any loud or abusive language to staff or patrons
 action which disrupts the orderly operation of the Library, or the work of staff
 mutilating, damaging, or defacing Library property, materials, building, or grounds
 smoking in the building or on the Library grounds
 consumption of food near computer terminals
 congregating in traffic aisles, study areas, vestibules, public entrances, and fire exits
 distributing or posting material without permission
 inappropriate use of furniture and equipment
 using audio equipment if the sound is audible to others
 running, skateboarding, or rollerblading
 selling or distributing goods or services, except for Library related activities
 soliciting contributions or signatures
 leaving children unattended
 unauthorized entry to staff work or lounge areas unauthorized use of the Community Room
 going shirtless or barefoot, or wearing improper attire
 unauthorized exit through fire exit doors
 animals (except service dogs)
 photography, video, or sound recording of Library users, staff, interiors, or exteriors without prior approval of the Library Director or Assistant Director.
 sleeping in the library

PERSONAL PROPERTY: Patrons are advised to protect personal property and should not leave their property unattended. The Library is not responsible for the loss or damage to personal property.

Important—Please Note

Librarians and security personnel on duty are authorized to ask persons who violate these rules to immediately leave the library and library grounds. Repeated violations of these rules may result in such violator being banned from the Library. In addition, violation of these rules or failure to abide by such banning may lead to criminal prosecution. Any person who is banned from the Library for a period in excess of one (1) week has the right to appeal by requesting a hearing before a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Library, provided such hearing is requested by written notice addressed to the “Board of Trustees, Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library, 1 Haseco Ave, Port Chester, New York 10573” received no later than five (5) days after such person has been notified that he or she has been banned from the Library.

Unattended Child Policy

Updated: 2022

Parents and guardians, not Library staff, are responsible for the care, behavior, and supervision of their children while using the Library and on its property.

 Children through the age of 10 who are using the Library’s resources shall at all times be accompanied and adequately supervised by a responsible adult caregiver.
 Children must have the telephone numbers of their parent, guardian, or other responsible adult, who may be contacted to come and pick up the child in case of a health emergency or other special circumstance.
 As with any patron, a child’s behavior is unacceptable if it disrupts the normal use of the Library by other patrons or interferes with the staff in the performance of their duties.
 Parents/guardians are advised that, even in their absence, they are legally responsible for their children’s behavior.
 Parents/guardians must be aware of the Library’s hours and must arrange to pick up their children by closing time. Each caregiver shall make advance arrangements to pick
up or have their children picked up by a responsible adult/caregiver by closing and inform their children what action they are to take in the event of an unexpected closing of the Library.
 The Library is not responsible for an unattended child while in the building or if the child