Duxbury Free Library

Use of Library Policy

The Duxbury Free Library seeks to provide a calm and productive environment where all visitors and staff can use the facility and its resources. The Library, in its role as steward of a public building, reserves the right to maintain order. Users should exhibit appropriate behavior that does not interfere with the use of the library by other patrons, nor interferes with a staff member's completion of his/her duties.

Disruptive activities may include inappropriate use of the elevator, automatic doors, library property and equipment, and disturbing the peace and rights of other patrons to use the Library. Users should identify themselves to library staff when asked and follow existing statutes for use of a public building.

Use of still or video cameras, including cellular phone technology, in the library requires permission of the library director, or his/her designee.

(Chapter 266, Sections 99, 99A, and 100; Chapter 272, Section 41, Annotated Laws of Massachusetts)

Guidelines for implementing the policy:

A staff member may intervene with a patron in order to prevent injury or property damage.

If a staff member feels that a patron's behavior is threatening to the safety of other patrons or staff members, he/she may call the police immediately or may activate the panic alarm located at all major service desks.

If a library user continually violates this policy, library administration or the supervisor of the day can take the following steps:

Issue a verbal warning, with the statement that the person(s) will be asked to leave the building if the behavior in question does not cease.
Ask the user to identify him/herself. Request that the person(s) leave the library, and communicate this to other staff members. In the case of a minor, attempt to get a parent's or caregiver's name and phone number.
Call the police for assistance if the situation so requires.
Follow up with a written incident report to the director.

Approved 10/14/04, revised 12/14/06