Interior Rules of Behavior- Plainfield Public Library

• Disturbing the peace including, but not limited to, talking loudly.
• The use of cellular phones (with or without hands-free devices).
• Using personal equipment (such as computers, video game machines, portable DVD players, and audio players) that is disruptive, noisy or unsafe. Audio equipment may be used with headphones if it does not disturb others.
• Leaving personal belongings unattended.
  • Personal belongings must be kept with you at all times.
  • After one (1) hour belongings left unattended will be placed in lost and found.
  • Materials in lost and found will be retained for two (2) weeks then discarded.
  • The Library is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.
  • The Library will dispose of perishable or hazardous materials within 24 hours as conditions require.
• Bringing in excessive baggage such as sleeping bags, bedrolls, luggage and shopping carts. Small backpacks, bookbags, briefcases and purses are permitted.
• Overcrowding in seating areas. This includes having
  1. no more than four people per table
  2. no more than one person per chair
  3. no more than two people per carrel or computer workstation. This rule does not apply to infants under two years of age.
• Reserving carrels or tables.
• Sleeping in excess of thirty minutes. This rule does not apply to children under four years of age.
• Smoking.
• Causing odors that bring forth complaints or cause discomfort to others.
• Soliciting, panhandling or begging.
• Unauthorized distribution of materials or gathering of signatures for petitions.
• Running, boisterous behavior and fighting.
• Obstructing entrances, exits, aisles and passageways.
• Bringing animals into the Library. This rule does not apply to service animals.
• Visiting or using the Library without shoes or a shirt.
• Adults who are not related to or supervising children shall not loiter in areas identified for use by children or in the Children's Library bathroom.
• Adults loitering for the purpose of engaging anyone under eighteen years of age in unlawful or illegal conduct.
• Leaving children under the age of nine unattended. Parents are responsible for their children's supervision and appropriate behavior.
• Harassing patrons or staff.
• Engaging in exhibitionism; voyeurism; or physical, sexual or verbal abuse.
• Illegal behaviors including threats; acts of violence; brandishing a weapon; theft; gambling; consumption of alcoholic beverages; being under the influence of, or using or selling alcohol or drugs; and possession of illegal drugs.
• Destroying, damaging, defacing or misusing library materials, equipment, furniture, facilities or property. This includes, but is not limited to:
  
  1. writing in, highlighting or annotating library materials
  2. cutting, tearing and removing pages and parts of pages from library materials
  3. misusing, altering or tampering with computer hardware or software
  4. applying graffiti
  5. unauthorized rearranging of furniture
  6. tipping back chairs or putting feet on furniture.
• Misusing rest rooms, including laundering personal belongings, bathing and not keeping the rest rooms clean.
• Consuming food or beverages. Food or drink, including water bottles, must be stored inside backpacks, purses or briefcases, or consumed before entering the building.
• Leaving the Library without checking out Library materials. Patrons who trigger the theft detection system may be required to open bags or purses for inspection.
• Urinating or defecating in anything other than a toilet.
• Engaging in conduct which is incompatible or inconsistent with the operation and purpose of the Library or which prevents others from using the Library for the purpose for which it is designed.
• Violating any state, federal or local law with regard to public behavior.

Violation of any of the Rules of Behavior may result in exclusion from the Library premises for the remainder of the day. Repeated or severe incidents may result in a more extended loss of privileges. A hearing process is available to excluded individuals. While a violation of these Rules of Behavior may not constitute criminal conduct, criminal charges may be filed against anyone who disobeys an order that excludes or suspends them from the Library.

Additionally, the Plainfield Public Library will uphold all state, federal and local laws and ordinances with regard to public behavior. Assistance from the Plainfield Police Department will be requested as needed.

GUIDELINES FOR INTERIOR RULES OF BEHAVIOR

Excessive Baggage means:

More packages, duffel bags, shopping bags, book bags, etc than you can stow under a chair or table, or out of the pathways of library users or;

More items of any kind than can fit fully into your bags and remain secure from falling out or spilling over.

These rules are maintained to protect staff and public from tripping over other people's personal belongings and to protect your belongings from being taken.

Sleeping in excess of thirty minutes means:

One wake up reminder per day only.

If you have been asleep for more than 30 minutes and we have to wake you up, then if you fall asleep in the library again that day you will have to leave the library for the remainder of the day.

This rule is maintained to make sure there is adequate space for all who need to use the library for reading and studying and to assure that others are not disturbed by snoring or sprawling.

Food or beverages may not be consumed in the library.

One exception:

Beverages in sealed containers, such as bottles with tight caps or cups with tight lids that have no other openings, may be used with care in the library. Please seal and put these containers away when not in use.

Other drinks in open containers, or cups with loose lids or openings that cannot be sealed, may not be brought into the library. If you are carrying any food, it must be stored inside a container such as a bag, backpack, purse or briefcase. You must take your food outside of the library to consume it.

These rules are maintained in order to protect the books, materials and furniture from spillage and debris.

YOUR COOPERATION IS APPRECIATED!