Policy

The Altamont Free Library’s purpose is to serve patrons who wish to use the library services and premises. The following code of conduct was developed to ensure that services are provided in a safe and pleasant environment. In situations where library staff members believe that the health, safety or security of library users or staff members are threatened, they may take any and all appropriate action including, but not limited to, calling the proper authorities for assistance.

Code of Conduct

Patrons must respect the rights of other library users and library staff at all times. Patrons may not engage in disruptive behavior that infringes on the ability of others to use the library. Violent, harassing, or threatening actions or words directed at staff members will result in disciplinary action, whether they occur on or off library property.

Committing or attempting to commit any activity that constitutes a violation of any federal, state, or local statute or ordinance is prohibited. Additionally and specifically:

1. . Smoking, including the use of electronic smoking and vaping devices, the use of controlled substances, sleeping and bathing are prohibited on library property.
2. Gambling, selling, and soliciting are prohibited, except by permission of the Board of Trustees.
3. Fighting, provoking to fight, or causing a public disturbance that interferes with other patrons or with the orderly conduct of library business is prohibited.
4. Loud, offensive, threatening or abusive language or actions are prohibited.
5. Display of profane, obscene or injurious behavior is prohibited.
6. Firearms or weapons of any kind are prohibited, with the exception of firearms carried by law enforcement officers.
7. Indecent exposure and sexual acts or behavior are prohibited. With respect to computer-related prohibitions, please refer to the Altamont Free Library Computer and Internet Policy. Please note: Breastfeeding is not considered indecent exposure.
8. Defacing, mutilating, damaging, or destroying library property is prohibited.
9. Patrons are required to check out library materials at the circulation desk before leaving the premises.
10. Footwear and shirts are required to be worn at all times while in the library.
11. Cell phones may be used as long as phone conversations maintain a low volume, speakers are turned off, and their use does not disrupt any other patrons or violate any other section of this policy.
12. Earphones are required for patrons who wish to listen to music or use sound equipment.
13. Children under the age of 9 may not be left unaccompanied in the library.
14. Pets and other animals, with the exception of guide dogs, service animals, or those animals used in Library sponsored programs, are not allowed.
15. Activities such as skateboarding, in-line skating, and bicycling are not permitted on library premises. Bicycles should be placed in the bicycle rack provided for this purpose. Bicycles may not be left inside the library.
16. Patrons are required to abide by all health and safety guidelines as established by the library, as well as federal, state, and local health authorities.

Procedure

In the event that a person has violated the code of conduct, library personnel will undertake the following procedure:

1. The person will be asked to cease the offensive behavior.
2. If the behavior persists, the person will be asked to leave the library premises.
3. If the person refuses to leave the library premises, they will be considered to be trespassing and subject to arrest. The police department will be contacted for assistance.
4. At the discretion of the Library Director, patrons repeatedly violating library policies or engaging in illegal behavior on library property may be banned from the library property for a period of up to one year. Serious violations or crimes may result in suspension for longer at the discretion of the Library Board of Trustees.

Appeal

Persons whose library privileges are withheld for more than 30 days may make an appeal to the Library Board of Trustees. The Board shall hear the appeal during Executive Session, and respond in writing within 10 days.

Adopted November 8, 2004
Revised October 10, 2016
Revised August 16, 2021
Revised October 17, 2022
Revised March 20, 2023
Revised March 18, 2024
Reviewed April 15, 2025
Reviewed April 20, 2026