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 enumerated 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 allowed at the Lancaster Public 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.
- 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 engage in any fight.
- Having a knife, gun, or any other weapon.
- Smoking, using alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Eating, drinking or displaying open food containers, except in areas designated for those purposes and/or when served with prior approval of the Library.
- 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 unreasonable use of the restrooms, including laundering clothes and bathing.
- Soliciting, petitioning, or canvassing.
- Bringing in an animal, unless it is assisting a person with a disability.
- Damaging, defacing, 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.
- Excessive personal items, bicycles, shopping carts, or other large wheeled conveyances are not permitted inside Library buildings. 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.
- 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.
Please be aware that:
- The Library is not responsible for children who are left unattended on Library premises. Children ages 8 and younger must be supervised by a caregiver who is age 13 or older. The behavior of children is the responsibility of the care giver whether present or not.
- 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 property when you come in or leave.
- You must wear clothing and shoes in the Library.
- Some items in the Library cannot be copied because of copyright laws, poor condition, or donor restrictions.
- Certain Library spaces may have additional restrictions.