The Tewksbury Public Library has established this User Behavior Policy to ensure that library
facilities are safe, welcoming, and provide equitable access to materials and services for all
library users. Appropriate library conduct includes activities such as reading, studying,
properly using library materials, and other similar conduct normally associated with a public
library. Library employees will courteously and fairly enforce the policy.
Disruptive behavior is defined as noisy, boisterous or acting-out behavior that is inappropriate in a setting where study is being conducted.
Inappropriate or disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Creating a disturbance by making noise, talking loudly or engaging in other disruptive conduct [MGL, Ch. 272, Sec. 41).
- Interfering with another person's right to use the library or with the library staff's performance of their duties.
- Running.
- Sleeping.
- Eating or drinking except in designated areas. Water bottles are permitted except in the Local History Room.
- Participating in inappropriate public displays of affection.
- Posting notices for non-profit organizations, educational programs, and cultural events without approval.
- Soliciting or canvassing of any kind.
- Entering areas posted "Staff Only" without permission.
- Abusing library equipment, furniture, and materials.
- Leaving a child under age 10 unattended in the library without a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult.
- Bringing animals of any kind into the library unless serving as an aide animal or part of a library-sponsored program.
- Playing audio equipment so that others can hear it.
- Using cell phones, two-way radios, and similar communication devices inside the library except in designated areas.
- Smoking (MGL Ch. 270, Sec. 21-22) and use or consumption of tobacco products.
- Using library telephones to make or receive personal phone calls except in emergencies as determined by the library staff.
- Blocking of entrances or aisles.
- Failing to leave the library upon announcement of closing.
- Failing to abide by existing library policies.
- Using skateboards, roller blades, or roller skates on the premises.
- Unwelcome comments of a personal nature, or behavior that discomfits the staff or other library patrons.
Response to Inappropriate or Disruptive Behavior
Library staff will verbally notify the patron that the inappropriate or disruptive behavior is against library policy and must stop. If the behavior persists, library staff will allow two additional warnings and will then ask the patron to leave the library. In cases where voluntary compliance is not adhered to, the police may be called for assistance. Library staff will complete an incident report for behavior that persists beyond the second warning.
If disruptive behavior persists on multiple occasions with warnings from the library staff, the Library Director may proceed with an Order of Trespass. The Library Director completes the Order of Trespass form, the Town Manager signs the form, and the Police deliver the form to the recipient. This form defines the period of time during which the user may not enter the library.
Illegal Behavior
Any illegal activities will not be tolerated and will be reported to the police immediately. This behavior may represent a physical danger to people, vandalism to property, or interference with the legitimate library business of other users or staff.
Prohibited illegal behavior includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Possession, selling, or use of any unlawful controlled substance.
- Possession, selling, or consumption of alcohol, or being under the influence of alcohol or an unlawful controlled substance.
- Threatening behavior, including, but not limited to, violence, threats of violence, harassment, and possession of weapons.
- Unsolicited sexual advances.
- Vandalism of library materials or property (MGL, Ch. 266, Sec. 100). Parents are liable for damage done by a child under 18 (MGL, Ch. 231, Sec. 85).
- Theft of library materials, use of false identification to obtain a library card, or use of another person's library card without his/her permission (MGL, Ch. 266, Sec. 99).
- Engaging in any act or conduct which is prohibited by the Massachusetts General Laws or the Charter and bylaws of the Town of Tewksbury.
Response to Illegal Behavior
Unlawful or dangerous activities will be reported immediately to the police. Library staff will complete an incident report for any incidents reported to the police.
Created: December 20, 2005
Adopted: February 6, 2006
