Patron Rules of Conduct

All persons have free and equal access to the Lewiston Public Library, its facilities and services during regular business hours. The Library’s Rules of Conduct has a threefold purpose: to protect the rights and safety of library patrons, to protect the rights and safety of staff members, and to preserve the library’s materials, facilities, property, and grounds.

We expect our patrons to:

• Demonstrate respect to library staff and fellow users.
• Use library cards appropriately. An individual may only use his/her own library card to access library computers or to check out or download materials.
• Use all collections, equipment, facilities and furniture on the premises for their intended purposes.
• Limit noise including loud conversations and use of audible devices. Cell phone ringers should be set to silent or vibrate. Audible devices may only be used with headphones.
• Provide proper supervision of children. A parent or caregiver is responsible for the safety, behavior and well-being of their children while at the Library.
• Dress appropriately, including always wearing shirts and shoes.
• Consume food or beverages only on the first floor of the Library.
• Maintain proper personal hygiene so as not to offend others with strong odors including body odor and odors caused by perfume, cologne or alcohol.
• Share library equipment and furniture so that no one person monopolizes library property or prevents others from using them.
• Cooperate with staff and allow belongings to be searched in order to prevent unauthorized removal of library materials and equipment.

Library patrons may not:

• Interfere with another person’s usage of library services and facilities including placing personal property where it will block entrances, aisles, or access to Library materials
• Bring in more than 3 bags of personal property that exceed a total size of 24” x 16” x 10”
• Bring in bedding or additional clothing that is not contained within a bag
• Use wheeled devices inside the Library, including skateboards, roller skates, bicycles, motorized or non-motorized scooters, large carts, and oversized suitcases. These restrictions do not apply to ADA assistive devices or baby strollers which are being used for their intended purpose
• Bring animals into the library except for service animals necessary for those with disabilities.
• Sleep on library premises or exhibit the appearance of sleep.
• Use bathrooms for unreasonable or unintended purposes including bathing and laundering.
• Deposit litter anywhere other than in garbage receptacles provided.
• Smoke or use tobacco products on Library premises or within 25 (twenty-five) feet of the Library entrances.
• Consume, possess, or be under the influence of illicit or intoxicating substances on library property.
• Harass, intimidate, or discriminate against any member of the library staff or any patron, including cursing, campaigning, unwanted verbal or physical contact of any type, or sexual or physical threats.
• View sexually explicit images on any Library or personal computer or handheld device.
• Leave packages, backpacks, luggage, or any other personal items unattended. Personal property must be within sight of the owner.
• Use balls or other sports equipment on Library property.

Enforcement:

Inappropriate behavior as outlined above or the commission of any crime on library property will have consequences. Patrons may be asked to leave the library premises immediately. In addition, an individual may be barred from library premises temporarily or permanently depending on the severity of the offense. To enforce these policies, library staff is authorized to call for police assistance or to take any other measures reasonably appropriate and necessary.

Updated: April 2023