The purpose of the Northampton Area Public Library’s Patron Behavior Policy is to protect the rights and safety of library patrons and staff, and to preserve and protect the Library’s materials, facilities, property, and digital footprint. The Library strives to provide a quiet, safe, and supportive environment for all patrons and staff engaged in library activities. The Library is a limited public forum where the public is invited to read, study, and utilize materials, programs, and services.
These guidelines shall apply to all buildings, interior and exterior, including any outside locations used by the Library. These guidelines shall also apply to all websites and social media outlets maintained by the Library. It pertains to all persons entering the premises or other locations hosted by the Library and posting on Library social media outlets. Any patron not abiding by these guidelines may be required to leave the library premises, have their library privileges denied, and/or have their social media content or account blocked, hidden, or barred. Library employees may contact local police if deemed advisable. Any patron whose privileges have been denied may appeal in writing to the Library Board of Trustees within 30 days of service denial.
Patrons Shall:
- Engage in activities appropriate with the use of a public library.
- Respect the rights of other library patrons and staff.
Patrons Shall Not:
- Engage in any illegal activity while on the library premises.
- Be visibly impaired, possess, or use unauthorized illegal substances.
- Use any weapons or device which may cause harm to an individual, animal, and/or property.
- Use any Library computers or Internet access for illegal activities, or to access material that is obscene, contains or refers to explicit sexual materials as defined in Pennsylvania law (18 PA. C.S. 5903), contains child pornography, or is potentially harmful to minors. In addition, patrons shall not access sites that are inappropriate for viewing within a public setting.
- Steal, deface, damage, or break library materials, equipment, or property.
- Bring food or open beverage containers into the library to avoid damaging items and out of concern for patrons and staff with severe allergies.
- Leave individuals needing care or supervision (including children aged 10 or under), unattended or unsupervised by a responsible caregiver.
- Interfere with the use of the library by others or interfere with library employees’ duties.
- Abuse or assault patrons or staff, including threatening or offensive language, sexual harassment, and/or unwanted advances.
- Obstruct aisles, walkways, or doors, or monopolize library space, seating, tables, or equipment to the exclusion of other patrons or staff.
- Canvas, sell, solicit, or distribute materials inside the Library.
- Disobey reasonable directions of a library staff member.
This policy is subject to change at any time without notice. Updates to the policy may be obtained from the Library.
