Behavior Rules Governing the Use of the West Orange Public Library
The Behavior Rules of the West Orange Public Library (the “Library”) have a threefold purpose: to protect the rights and safety of Library patrons, to protect the rights and safety of staff members, and to preserve and protect the Library’s materials, facilities, and property. These Behavior Rules apply to all persons entering on Library property, including the Library building and all grounds controlled or operated by the Library.
Prohibited Conduct
1.1 Except at otherwise noted, the following conduct is prohibited inside the Library building and on all grounds controlled or operated by the Library:
A. Committing or attempting to commit any activity that would constitute a violation of any federal, state, or local criminal statute or ordinance including, but not limited to, the following:
(i) Engaging in sexual conduct prohibited under federal, state, or local law;
(ii) Committing or attempting to commit any act of violence; and
(iii) Possessing, selling, distributing, or ingesting any controlled substance.
1.2 Being under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance.
1.3 Possessing, selling, distributing or consuming any alcoholic beverage.
1.4 Carrying a gun, knife, or any other weapon, device, instrument, material or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which may be used to produce death or serious bodily injury.
1.5 Using electronic equipment such as pagers, stereos, televisions, and cellular telephones at a volume that disturbs others or engaging in loud or boisterous physical behavior or talking.
1.6 Using any Library material, equipment, furniture, fixture, or any other Library property (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Library property”) in a manner inconsistent with its customary use or in a manner likely to cause damage to Library property or in a manner likely to cause personal injury.
1.7 Theft of or vandalism to WOPL property, or the personal property of library patrons or staff.
1.8 Smoking in the Library building.
1.9 Eating or drinking in the Library building except in areas designated by the Library for that purpose.
1.10 Bringing bicycles, skateboards, or similar equipment inside the Library building.
1.11 Bringing animals inside the Library building, with the exception of service animals.
1.12 Disobeying the reasonable direction of a Library staff member.
1.13 Soliciting, petitioning, canvassing for political, charitable, or any other purpose inside the Library building, including the doorway or vestibule, or in a manner on Library premises that unreasonably interferes with traffic or impedes access to the Library building .
1.14 Using Library restrooms for bathing, shaving, washing hair, and changing clothes.
1.15 Sleeping in or on Library premises.
1.16 Leaving a child under age eight unattended anywhere on Library premises.
1.17 Entering the Library with bare feet or a bare chest.
1.18 Using threatening language or gestures toward Library staff or patrons.
1.19 Harassing a Library staff member on account of that individual’s sex, race, color, religion or creed, gender, sexual or affectional orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, age, ancestry or national origin, military service, and disability or handicap.
1.20 Emitting strong, pervasive odors, including odors caused by perfume or cologne that unreasonably interfere with the library user or staff comfort, safety, use, or peaceful enjoyment of the library.
1.21 Depositing bodily fluids on Library property, including library collections, equipment, and furnishings.
1.22 Oversized Bags
The West Orange Public Library limits the amount and size of carts, suitcases, bags, packages and other personal property. A maximum of two bags of any type are allowed. All oversized carts, suitcases, bags, packages and other personal property may not occupy floor space in excess of 9″ x 14”x 22″ (approximate TSA size). Items must fit the aforementioned dimensions. All items are subject to inspection.
Violations of Behavior Rules
2.1. Violation of any of these behavior rules may result in ejection from the Library, with or without warning, in the discretion of Library staff.
2.2. Violation of any of these behavior rules may result in the loss or suspension of Library privileges for a period of up to three years.
2.3 Except in cases in which the continued presence of a patron threatens the safety of another individual, damage to Library property, or disruption of Library operations, the Library will notify patrons of a potential suspension or loss of Library privileges either by personally serving the patron with written notice or by mailing notice by certified mail, return receipt requested to the patron’s last known address. The written notice will set forth the reasons for the Library’s proposed action, the length of the proposed suspension, and the process for challenging the proposed suspension under paragraph 2.4.
2.4 Challenging Proposed Suspensions Under Paragraph 2.3. Within five business days of the receipt of notice that the Library is intending to suspend the patron’s Library privileges, the patron may challenge that action by writing to the Library’s Board of Trustees. The patron should set forth all reasons why the patron believes that the Library’s contemplated action is unwarranted. The Board will issue a written decision determining the matter within ten business days of its receipt of the written challenge.
2.5 In cases in which the Library suspends privileges immediately such as when a patron’s continued presence threatens the safety of another individual, damage to Library property or disruption of Library operations or in cases of partial suspension of privileges such as when the Library has suspended borrowing privileges, the privilege to use the Library computers, or the privilege to use the Library meeting room under its Schedule of Fines, Fees, and Charges on Overdue, Lost, or Damaged Materials, and Internet and Meeting Room Policies, respectively, the Library will notify patrons of the suspension of Library privileges either by personally serving the patron with written notice or by mailing notice by certified mail, return receipt requested to the patron’s last known address. The written notice will set forth the reasons for the Library’s action, the length of the suspension, and the process for appealing the suspension under paragraph 2.6.
2.6 Appeal of Suspensions Under Paragraph 2.5. Within five business days of the receipt of notice that the Library has suspended the patron’s Library privileges pursuant to paragraph 2.5, the patron may appeal that action by writing to the Library’s Board of Trustees. The patron should set forth all reasons why the patron believes that the Library’s action is unwarranted. The Board will issue a written decision determining the matter within ten business days of its receipt of the appeal.
2.7 A patron who has damaged, through inappropriate or unauthorized use, books, magazines, e-book readers, or audio-visual materials will be liable for the replacement cost of such items as set forth in the Library’s Schedule of Fines, Fees, and Charges on Overdue, Lost, or Damaged Materials. A patron who has damaged, through inappropriate or unauthorized use, any other Library property will be liable for the cost incurred by the Library to repair the damage. If the damage is not repairable, the patron will be liable for the cost incurred by the Library to replace the damaged property.
Approved by the West Orange Public Library Board of Trustees February 27, 2002. Amended September 27, 2006. Amended January 28, 2016. Amended April 28, 2022, Amended October 27, 2022.