AUTHORIZATION

 

The Library Director and staff shall have the authority to ask a patron to leave the Library if the patron's behavior, poor hygiene, or heavy use of scents is disruptive or offensive to other patrons, or to restrict the time such patron may remain in the Library. That authority is derived from New Hampshire RSA 202-A:6, in which the Library Trustees have the “entire custody and management of the public library.” Under RSA 202-A:11,1, the Trustees “adopt by-laws, rules and regulations for its own transaction of business and for the government of the library.” The Sutton Free Library Trustees base their policies on that statute.

 

The following actions are examples of conduct not allowed on Library property that can be reasonably expected to disturb others; disrupt regular operations and activities; harm or endanger the Library’s property; and/ or threaten the rights, health and safety of Library patrons, staff, and volunteers. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive.

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• Abusing, threatening or harassing staff, volunteers, or patrons, either verbally or physically (for example, swearing, stalking, prolonged staring, lurking, offensive touching, or performing lewd acts).

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• Stealing, damaging, altering, or inappropriate use of Library property or property of other patrons.

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• Engaging in any activity in violation of Federal, State, local or other applicable law, or Library policy.

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• Being under the influence of alcohol/ illegal drugs or selling, using, or possessing alcohol/ illegal drugs.

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• Smoking, chewing, or other tobacco use. Using an open flame in library.

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• Horseplay, running, fighting or challenging to fight, pushing, shoving, or throwing things.

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• Using scooters, roller-skates, bicycles or similar wheeled devices in the building.

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• Using unhygienic behaviors (e.g. littering, spitting, clipping nails, changing diapers in public areas, or other unhygienic actions). Entering the Library barefooted, bare-chested, with offensive body odor or personal hygiene, or being otherwise attired so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons or damage Library property (wet bathing suits, cleats, etc.)

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• Creating disruptive noises such as loud talking, yelling, screaming, banging on computer keyboards, or using audible devices with or without headphones at a volume that disturbs others.

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• Lying down or sleeping in the restrooms, on any floor, couch, table, or seat in the Library, or in such a manner as to block aisles, exits, or entrances.

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• Photographing, filming, or recording other patrons without their consent.

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• Loitering in areas designated for other classes of patrons in a manner that interferes with the intended use of those spaces (e.g., unaccompanied adults in the Children’s area, children in the Adult areas).

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• Soliciting, petitioning, canvassing, conducting surveys, or distributing written materials without express permission of the Library.

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• Trespassing in non-public areas, being in the Library without permission of an authorized Library employee before or after Library operating hours, camping on Library grounds, or parking in non-designated areas.

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FIREARMS IN THE LIBRARY

 

New Hampshire law permits the possession and use of firearms. It is understood that some patrons of the Library may carry a concealed weapon into the library. Some patrons may be disturbed by this practice, but the Trustees hope that patrons armed for self-defense use common sense when bringing firearms into the Library. Any person who uses a gun in the Library to intimidate or threaten a patron will be immediately reported to the police.

APPEALING A DECISION

 

Patrons who are asked to restrict their activity in the Library, or who are asked by library staff to leave for good and sufficient reason,  may appeal that decision. A hearing before a mediator will be set and the individual will present the case. Any decision by the mediator will be binding and final. Mediation costs will be shared equally by both parties.

 

Adopted by the Sutton Free Library Board of Trustees on February 5, 2019.

Reviewed by the Sutton Free Library Board of Trustees on June 5, 2019.