Patron Rights & Responsibilities
The New Castle Public Library supports the rights of all individuals to:
- Receive friendly, courteous, and respectful service;
- Have free and equal access to information;
- Have a clean, comfortable, and pleasant environment; and
- Use the library undisturbed without threat of harm, invasion of property, interference, or discrimination.
The library is for everyone's enjoyment. The following guidelines for patron conduct are essential to ensure respect for individuals who use this public facility. To ensure a clean, comfortable, and pleasant environment, the proper use and care of all library materials and buildings is essential.
Guidelines
- Any behavior that disrupts or hinders public use of the library is prohibited on library property. This includes, but is not limited to, loud or boisterous behavior, verbal or physical harassment, drunkenness, running, and fighting.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco is not permitted in the library. Public eating is permitted only when specifically approved as part of a program.
- Selling products or services, or soliciting donations, is not permitted in the library, except as part of a library sponsored program, or as approved by the Board of Trustees.
- Taking surveys, circulating petitions, distributing leaflets, and other similar activities are permitted in the library only when authorized by the library Director or Board.
- Visiting the library barefoot, without a shirt, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the library environment is prohibited.
- Animals, except those used to aid persons with disabilities, are not permitted in the library, except as part of a library-sponsored program.
- Parents or other legal guardians are responsible for the behavior of their minor children in the library (please refer to Child Safety Policy for further details).
- The violation of federal or state laws or local ordinances will not be permitted on library property. The library reserves the right to inspect all bags, briefcases, backpacks, and other such items when the staff has reason to believe this rule has been violated. The library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on library property.
- Theft, vandalism, and mutilation of library property are criminal offenses and may be prosecuted.
- Failure to comply with these rules may result in the loss of library use privileges.
Adopted by the New Castle Public Library Board of Trustees, April 19, 2011. Revised & adopted 2/18/14. Reviewed 3/22/16. Reviewed 2/19/19.