Conduct & Behavior

Patron Behavior and Conduct Policies

The Canton Public Library is an active center for study and learning, cultural enrichment, and intellectual recreation. The establishment of rules of conduct is necessary to maintain a welcoming place for children, young adults and adults to gather with friends to enjoy library resources or to be alone to pursue studies and personal interests. 
 
 Disruptive conduct which prevents others from enjoying the library or which endangers people or property is not allowed. Unacceptable behavior may include any form of harassment which could result in physical, emotional, or mental injury to oneself, the staff, the general public, or when it could result in damage to the facilities, equipment, or materials. This policy is designed to protect the rights of individuals who are in the library or use library materials and/or services, to protect the rights of staff members to conduct library business without interference, and to preserve and protect library materials and facilities. 

 Persons who, in the opinion of library staff, fail to comply with these rules of conduct may be asked to leave the premises. Repeated failure to heed warnings by library staff may result in the loss of library privileges and/or referral to proper authorities.

• Be courteous and respect other library patrons and staff. No person shall threaten the safety or rights of another person while on the premises of the library by violent or disruptive behavior, nor by abusive or profane language.
• Activities that interfere with or impinge upon the rights of other patrons to use the library are not allowed. No unwanted or inappropriate touching of others is allowed.
• Children aged 11 and under must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver aged 16 or over while at the library, unless registered for and attending a scheduled library program or event.
• No library furniture may be moved.
• Parents and guardians are responsible for the behavior of their minor children while on library premises.
• No adult shall be allowed to use the Children's Library unaccompanied by a child, or to remain therein, except for purposes of using the Children’s Library’s resources and materials. Specific rules applying to appropriate behavior in the Children’s Library can be found here.
• Use of the Young Adult Area of the library shall be reserved for use my middle and high school aged patrons during after school hours. When school is not in session, adults not accompanied by a young adult may only use the space to access the library collection.

• Members of the public must use only the authorized entrances and exits of the library and no user of the library shall enter a non-public area without authorization from library staff.

• Loitering is not allowed on library property. Individuals who use the library for the purpose of sleeping, lingering, or following others through library facilities may be considered to be loitering.
• Canvassing, selling, soliciting, or distribution of circulars or other articles is prohibited without written permission of the Library Director.
• Shirt and shoes (excluding rollerblades, heelys, etc.) must be worn in the library building. Washing or drying clothes, bathing, or shaving in any restroom is prohibited. Congregating in or otherwise misusing the restrooms is not allowed.
• No person shall allow any animal into the building, other than a service animal, without authorization of the Library Director.
• Food and uncovered beverages are only permitted in designated areas of the library.
• With the exception of adaptive technology, the use of audible cellphones and mobile devices is prohibited throughout the building.
• The use of drugs and alcohol as well as smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes, and all other tobacco products are prohibited in the library. At its discretion, the Board of Library Trustees may vote to allow alcoholic beverages for special library functions and events.
• A patron may be asked to leave if their personal hygiene interferes with the ability of others to use and enjoy the facility.
• Only library-oriented materials may be brought into the library. Items such as writing materials, book bags, briefcases, etc. are acceptable; sleeping bags, hiking equipment, sports items and other personal items are not. Library staff may ask patrons to leave personal items outside the library. The library is not responsible for unattended personal items, whether inside or outside the library.
• Monopolization or blocking of library space, aisles, ingress, egress, resources, equipment, or furniture is prohibited. Examples include lying on floors or other surfaces.
• Destruction or defacement of the library building, property, or library materials is punishable by law. (MGL c.266, § 99A, §100).  Parents can be held liable for damage done by a child under 18. (MGL. Ch 231, Sec. 85 G)
• Technology users must be familiar with and comply with the Internet and Wireless Acceptable Use Policy and rules governing the use of library resources, including the use of personal devices utilizing the library’s Wi-Fi service. The library’s Internet and Wireless Acceptable Use Policy can be found here.
• Carrying firearms and dangerous weapons of any type (except by law enforcement officers) is prohibited in the library.