The Patron Conduct Policy is designed to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for learning and other library activities. Failure to comply with the library’s established rules and policies could result in expulsion from the library and revocation of library privileges. The below rules are not intended to be a complete list of violations but are intended for guidance only. Library personnel reserve the right to take appropriate action against any other behavior which can reasonably be deemed to be offensive to library patrons or staff. This policy is in force on all library premises.
The following are NOT permitted at the Lancaster Public Library, on its terrace, or in the area in front of the library:
- Engaging in any activity prohibited by law.
- Engaging in conduct that disrupts or interferes with normal operation of the library or library employees in the performance of their duties.
- Harassing or threatening behavior or language.
- Using obscene or abusive language or gestures.
- Unnecessary noise that disturbs other patrons or staff.
- Sexual misconduct such as exposure or threatening touching.
- Activities or behavior that may result in injury or harm to any library patron or staff member, including challenging another person to fight or engaging in any fight.
- Having a knife, gun, or any other weapon.
- Displaying or using tobacco, vape/e-cigarette products, alcohol, or drugs, legal or illegal.
- Distributing or selling drugs, legal or illegal.
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- If a patron appears to be under the influence, staff will make an effort to secure medical attention for that person.
- If the patron refuses medical attention, that person will be asked to leave for the day.
- Eating or having open food containers on the 1st floor.
- Covered beverage containers are permitted in the library.
- Dry snacks are permitted only on the 2nd floor.
- All patrons are responsible for cleaning up their own trash.
- Having items, including food, delivered to the library.
- Sleeping, or the appearance of sleeping.
- Patrons with hygiene conditions, including, but not limited to, clothing odor, body odor and lice, that interfere with the use and enjoyment of the library by other library patrons or with the functioning of library staff.
- Making improper use of the restrooms.
- Soliciting, petitioning, or canvassing.
- Distributing items of any kind without prior approval of library staff.
- Bringing in an animal unless it is assisting a person with a disability.
- Damaging, defacing, unplugging, or misusing any library materials or property. This includes disabling library equipment, changing the hardware or software or settings on a library computer, or using a library computer for a purpose other than that designated by the library.
- Moving furniture or using furniture other than as it is intended, unless directed to do so by library staff.
- Monopolizing library space, seating, tables, stairways, or equipment to the exclusion of other patrons or staff, or obstructing materials, aisles, or doorways with personal belongings.
- Regarding personal items, please note:
- Bags and articles over 18” in size are prohibited.
- Bedrolls, blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, garbage bags and luggage are not permitted.
- A maximum of one permissible bag or article of any type is allowed.
- Bicycles, shopping carts, or other large, wheeled conveyances are prohibited.
- Wheelchairs and strollers are only permitted if being used for the transport of an adult or child.
- Skates, skateboards, and collapsible scooters must be carried while on library premises.
- Personal possessions may not be stored anywhere on library property.
Please be aware that:
- Children ages 8 and younger must be supervised at all times by a caregiver who is age 14 or older. The library is not responsible for children who are left unattended on library premises. The behavior of children is the responsibility of the caregiver.
- The library is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen, or damaged on library premises.
- Library security and staff can inspect any of your personal property when you come in or leave.
- You must be fully clothed and wearing shoes on library property.
- Some items in the library cannot be copied because of copyright laws, poor condition, or donor restrictions.
- Certain library spaces may have additional restrictions.
- Belongings left unattended on library premises will be discarded.