Behavior Policy

The behavior policy is designed to promote appropriate use of the library. It will allow the library to carry out its mission to serve the cultural, social and community needs of a diverse population by providing global access to information, educational and recreational resources. The library fulfills this mission in an enthusiastic and professional manner while maintaining respect and dignity for its staff and patrons with excellence and superior quality of service.

This behavior policy is based on respect for each person, respect for the library's environment, and respect for the library's property.

• Creating a disturbance by making noise, talking loudly, or engaging in otherwise disruptive behavior. [MGL] (Ch. 270 SEc. 21-22)

• Threatening behavior, including, but not limited to, violence, threatening violence, and possession of weapons, is prohibited.

• Playing audio equipment so that others can hear it is prohibited.

• Soliciting or canvassing is prohibited.

• Entering areas designated "Staff" is prohibited.

• Leaving a child under the age of 10 unattended is prohibited.

• Running in the library is prohibited.

• Sleeping in the library is prohibited.

• Drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs in the library are prohibited.

• Food and/or beverages are not allowed in the library except at designated times or in designated areas (auditorium, Milhendler, PMA).

• Smoking is prohibited. [MGL] (Ch. 270 SEc. 21-22)

• Damaging or defacing library materials or property is against state law and will be prosecuted. [MGL] (Ch. 266 Sec. 100)

• Theft of library materials, use of false identification to obtain a library card, or use of another person's library card without his or her permission are against state law and will be prosecuted. [MGL] (Ch. 266 Sec. 99)

• Bringing animals into the library except those needed to assist a disabled person is prohibited.

• Misusing the rest rooms (ie using them as a laundry or washing facility) is prohibited.

• Shirt and shoes must be worn in the library.