Purpose
To provide a comfortable and safe environment for all Library patrons, the Killingly Public Library has established a Library Patron Conduct Policy. The Policy is designed to provide clear and reasonable guidelines governing patron behavior within the Library and on the Library premises.
To provide a comfortable and safe environment for all Library patrons, the Killingly Public Library has established a Library Patron Conduct Policy. The Policy is designed to provide clear and reasonable guidelines governing patron behavior within the Library and on the Library premises.
Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable conduct includes behavior within the Library or on Library premises that interferes with the use of the Library by other patrons, creates a risk of injury to other patrons or Library personnel, interferes with the work of Library personnel, or creates a risk of damage to Library property. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:
Unacceptable conduct includes behavior within the Library or on Library premises that interferes with the use of the Library by other patrons, creates a risk of injury to other patrons or Library personnel, interferes with the work of Library personnel, or creates a risk of damage to Library property. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- Use of profanity, abusive or threatening language
- Threatening gestures or unwanted physical contact
- Unreasonable noise levels including shouting, loud talking or disruptive conversations
- Possession of weapons of any kind, except by law enforcement officers
- Damaging, defacing or theft of any Library property or materials
- Possession or use of illegal drugs, narcotics, or controlled substances
- Use of tobacco or nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, within twenty-five feet of Library doors
- Viewing pornographic material
- Leaving children under the age of 12 unattended in the Library (please see Appendix A)
- Beach attire is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to bikinis, speedos, and other revealing items
- Entering non-public areas of the library without permission
- Eating and drinking in the library is not permitted except during library approved functions
- Bringing animals into the Library, except registered service animals or those part of a program
- Solicitation
- Sleeping
Enforcement
Violation of the Policy may result in limitation or revocation of the patron’s Library privileges. Such limitation or revocation shall be in writing and shall be effective upon being sent to the patron’s address on file. A patron whose privileges have been limited or revoked may appeal by filing a written appeal with the Director within ten (10) days from the date of the issuance of the written revocation. The appeal will be forwarded to the Town Manager, whose decision will be final.
Violation of the Policy may result in limitation or revocation of the patron’s Library privileges. Such limitation or revocation shall be in writing and shall be effective upon being sent to the patron’s address on file. A patron whose privileges have been limited or revoked may appeal by filing a written appeal with the Director within ten (10) days from the date of the issuance of the written revocation. The appeal will be forwarded to the Town Manager, whose decision will be final.
Appendix A: Unattended Children Policy
In accordance with Connecticut state law, 53-21 a-c, any child under the age of 12 should have a responsible family member or caregiver in the building while the child is using the library.
Sec. 53-21a. Leaving child unsupervised in place of public accommodation or motor vehicle. (a) Any parent, guardian or person having custody or control, or providing supervision, of any child under the age of twelve years who knowingly leaves such child unsupervised in a place of public accommodation or a motor vehicle for a period of time that presents a substantial risk to the child's health or safety, shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
Parents and guardians are responsible for the conduct and safety of their children in the library. Parents and guardians must provide appropriate supervision based on the ages, abilities, and levels of responsibility of their children, bearing in mind that the library is open to the public. Legal guardians and/or caregivers age fifteen (15) years old or older may assume responsibility for a child while in the Library.
If a child is left at the library at closing time, the police may be called. Under no circumstances will a library staff member or volunteer drive a child home.
In accordance with Connecticut state law, 53-21 a-c, any child under the age of 12 should have a responsible family member or caregiver in the building while the child is using the library.
Sec. 53-21a. Leaving child unsupervised in place of public accommodation or motor vehicle. (a) Any parent, guardian or person having custody or control, or providing supervision, of any child under the age of twelve years who knowingly leaves such child unsupervised in a place of public accommodation or a motor vehicle for a period of time that presents a substantial risk to the child's health or safety, shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
Parents and guardians are responsible for the conduct and safety of their children in the library. Parents and guardians must provide appropriate supervision based on the ages, abilities, and levels of responsibility of their children, bearing in mind that the library is open to the public. Legal guardians and/or caregivers age fifteen (15) years old or older may assume responsibility for a child while in the Library.
If a child is left at the library at closing time, the police may be called. Under no circumstances will a library staff member or volunteer drive a child home.
EFFECTIVE: April 30, 2012
REPLACING POLICY EFFECTIVE: January 23, 2023
REPLACING POLICY EFFECTIVE: January 23, 2023