The Warwick Public Library is dedicated to protecting the rights and safety of Library users, volunteers, and staff. Our goal is to enable all Library visitors to enjoy a welcoming, safe, clean, and secure environment. Each person is expected to respect the rights of others and comply with the following library use guidelines while on Library property. In order to achieve that goal, Library staff and Library users must act in partnership to ensure that everybody can experience a pleasant, and productive environment for study, research, information, and entertainment.
Respectful Behaviors
- Patrons must respect the rights of other patrons and must not interfere with the use of the Library by other patrons, or interfere with library employees’ performance of their duties. Unacceptable behavior includes any form of harassment which could result in physical, emotional, or mental injury to oneself or others, or when it could result in damage to library facilities, equipment or materials.
- Patrons must be fully clothed including shirt and shoes.
- Mobile phone use is restricted to the foyer and entrance hall. Mobile phones should be set to the silent mode.
- The volume on personal listening devices must be adjusted so as to be inaudible to other patrons and library staff.
Disruptive Behaviors
- Patrons must not engage in illegal activities within the library or on library grounds.
- Patrons must not be in possession of and/or under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Patrons must not smoke cigarettes or e-cigarettes/vaping devices, or use tobacco or tobacco products in the library or outside of the building within 50 feet of any entrance or window.
- Patrons must not deface or mar books, magazines, newspapers, recordings, or other items of the library collection nor shall they deface, mar, or in any way destroy or damage library furnishings, walls, machines, or other library property.
- All bags and other articles are subject to inspection by security and other authorized personnel with reasonable cause. Library staff may remove unattended personal articles.
- Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to generate multiple complaints from other patrons will be required to leave the building.
- Patrons must not bring animals into the Library, other than those service animals permitted under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Wheeled equipment, such as bicycles, skateboards, scooters or skates may not be used in the Library or on Library grounds. Scooters must be folded and carried. Bicycles must be left outside the building in the bicycle rack.
- Solicitation, distribution of leaflets, taking surveys, asking for petition signatures, or similar activity is not allowed within the building except with prior approval of the Library Director.
Enforcement
Enforcement of the Code of Conduct will be applied equitably. The Library reserves the right to make reasonable accommodations to this Code of Conduct.
In the event unacceptable conduct occurs, the Warwick Public Library staff may take the following actions as appropriate to the situation:
- Anyone not complying with this Code of Conduct or any other reasonable request of the staff will first be worked by the Library staff and will be advised of the next course of action to be taken by the Library if the unacceptable behavior continues.
- If the individuals continue to violate the Code of Conduct rules after being warned to discontinue unacceptable behavior, Library staff are authorized to direct individuals to leave the Library premises immediately.
- If a person does not obey an order to leave the building, staff shall request assistance of the Police Department to remove the person from the building.
- If the unacceptable conduct constitutes a violation of criminal law or the City’s Municipal Code, staff shall immediately request police assistance.
A person who has left the library or has been removed from the library due to noncompliance with this policy may be readmitted to the library if staff determines that the person’s unacceptable conduct has ceased.
Approved by Warwick Public Library Board of Trustees 10/16/2013
Revised by Warwick Public Library Board of Trustees on 12/18/2023
Library Use Guidelines
Please Do:
- Ask a librarian for help
- Expect prompt, efficient, courteous treatment from Library staff
- Check out circulating books and other materials
- Make appropriate use of interlibrary loan services
- Suggest new materials and services
- Expect the Library to buy current best sellers and popular materials
- Read, study, or use Library materials
- Expect a clean, safe, reasonably quiet building
Please Do Not:
- Engage in any illegal activity or behavior
- Harass other Library patrons or Library staff
- Vandalize library facilities, equipment, or materials
- Use obscene or inappropriate language or behaviors
- Use cell phones in public service areas of the Library
- Smoke cigarettes or e-cigarettes or use other tobacco products in the Library
- Enter the Library under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Enter the Library without wearing a shirt or shoes
- Bring in animals except those licensed as aides for the disabled
- Sell, solicit, panhandle or loiter on Library premises
- Rollerblade, skate, or skateboard in the Library or on Library walkways
- Leave bicycles in the vestibule or hallway—there is a bike rack available
Anyone who fails to observe these guidelines may be asked to leave the premises.
Bicycles left in the Library will be moved to the bike rack.
Approved by Warwick Public Library Board of Trustees 10/16/2013
Revised by Warwick Public Library Board of Trustees on 12/18/2023