Behavior in the Library...click here for spanish

The mission of the Silas Bronson Library, since its inception in 1868, has been to promote education, to dispense general information and to make a positive contribution to the moral and cultural heritage of the people of Waterbury. As a tax-supported facility Waterbury's citizens expect, deserve and are entitled by CT law to a clean, quiet, pleasant and safe environment. Unfortunately, the behavior of a few library visitors may destroy this environment. Behavior becomes unacceptable when it interferes with other persons use of the library, when it could result in injury to oneself or others, or when it could result in loss or damage to library property. Such behavior may subject the individual(s) involved to exclusion from the library premises and, in some cases, to legal prosecution.

Examples of unacceptable library behavior include:

ü      Abuse/vandalism of library facilities, materials or equipment, including altering or tampering with computers or software

ü      Attempting to access SBL computer programs or computer system software which is restricted to staff use

ü      Loading or installing programs or software on library computers

ü      Body odor/perfume/cologne (excessive) which elicits general complaint or causes discomfort to other library users

ü      Smoking and/or chewing or spitting tobacco

ü      Disciplining children in a manner which disrupts use of the library by others

ü      Excessive public displays of affection

ü      Display of profane, obscene or injurious language, texts or graphics for public view

ü      Exhibitionism/flashing

ü      Game playing and/or gambling; including gambling or game playing on-line

ü      Littering

ü      Eating or drinking

ü      Use of radios/TVs/CD's/tapes without headphones

ü      Lack of shoes or shirt

ü      Harassment or physical, sexual or verbal abuse of library users or staff 

ü      Leaving young children unsupervised. Note: CT State law (Sec. 53-21a) requires that parents/caregivers supervise the behavior of their children and that children under the age of 12  be supervised at all times by someone who is at least 18 years old  

ü      Loitering, including blocking of entrances, sleeping and/or refusal to leave promptly at closing

ü      Noisy behavior, including whistling, loud talking, fighting, pushing, running, skating, (including use of skates, skateboards and inline skates)

ü      Use of cellular phones in other than the designated area -  (elevator alcove)

ü      Occupation of more than one seat or study space 

ü      Overcrowding at study tables or carrels (limit of 4 per study table)

ü      Possession of an animal (except service animals) in the library

ü      Possession of dangerous weapon(s) – peace officers excepted

ü      Refusal to show ID

ü      Theft, including removal of library materials from the library without checking them out (borrowed items must be returned on time and in good condition). Only materials already checked out can be taken into library restrooms

ü      Use of wrong restrooms

ü      Misuse of the rest rooms (i.e. bathing, using them as a laundry, washing facility or kitchen)

ü      Visible intoxication from alcohol or drugs

ü      Voyeurism/peeping/staring/stalking

Additionally:

ü      Posting notices, distributing circulars or petitions, soliciting, campaigning or engaging in any commercial activity on library property is not permitted.

ü      The Children's Room is reserved for use by children, their parents or guardians, and adults interested in children's literature.

ü      All bags and other articles are subject to inspection by security and other authorized personnel. This is intended to discourage theft of materials. The Library reserves the right to limit the size and number of items brought into the Library.

ü      Any unlawful behavior will be reported to the police

ü      Any violation of the Rules of Conduct may result in cost-recovery charges, suspension of library privileges, exclusion from the Library and prosecution.

ü      The Library Staff may make exceptions to the some of these rules on a case by case basis.

ü      The Library Staff is responsible for allocating and assigning library space and other resources (e.g. computers) and reserves the right to reassign space and resources as special needs or programs arise.

Updated 3.14.08 sr