Rules of Conduct

The library is a safe space open to everyone, and in order to enforce that ideal, we do have rules that we expect to be upheld while inside the building. 

Here is a document stating our expectations for anyone who enters the library. 

  ILION FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY         POLICY               15

RULES OF CONDUCT FOR LIBRARY USERS (REVISED 7/18/2022)

It is expected that patrons of this library will conform to a few simple courtesies in order that all will be able to benefit from the facilities and resources of the library.  The courtesies include respecting the rights of others who wish a peaceful atmosphere in which to study, and avoiding damage to library materials and property.

The library reserves the right to restrict service to those who fail to conform to these basic standards of behavior.

Rules of Conduct:

1)   The Board of Trustees believes the patrons of the Ilion Free Public Library have the right to use library materials and services without being disturbed or impeded by others; that patrons and staff have the right to a safe environment, and to materials and facilities that are in good condition.

On the premises of the library, federal, state, and local laws and ordinances are applicable, especially those related to “Public Order” and “Criminal Mischief” (NYS Penal Law, articles 145 & 240), and to “injuries to property” (NYS Education Law, article 264).

Accordingly, no person shall engage in violent behavior, make unreasonable noise; use abusive or obscene language; physically or sexually harass others; obstruct pedestrian traffic; loiter; steal or damage library property; gamble; litter; or create a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act that serves no legitimate purpose.

2)   All patrons are expected to observe and respect the rights of other library users and staff.

3)   The library requires that patrons and staff maintain an environment that is as free of excessive noise and activity as reasonably possible.  Conversation and activities should be conducted as quietly as possible to avoid disruption to other patrons.  Patrons may borrow headphones at the circulation desk to view videos with sound on the computers.

4)   Seating at library tables, carrels, and chairs is limited to the number of persons for whom the furniture was designed (e.g. only four people are permitted to sit at a table at one time; only one person may sit at a carrel.)

5)   No tobacco chewing, vaping or smoking is allowed in the library.  

6)   No animals are allowed in the library, except for service animals protected by law.

7)   Taking of surveys, asking people to sign petitions, distributing leaflets, and other similar activities are permitted only when authorized by the library. Soliciting donations is not permitted unless approved by the Library Director.

8)   Patrons are required to include shoes and shirts in their attire.  No wet bathing suits or roller skate style footwear is allowed.

Unattended Minors in the Library:

The Ilion Free Public Library wants children to use its facilities and services.  The safety of children left alone in a library building is a serious concern of the library staff.  The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rests with the parent/caregiver and not with library personnel.  Librarians cannot be responsible for children who are unattended.  The following guidelines will be followed concerning the care and behavior of young users. 

1. Children from birth through 10 years of age must be attended and adequately supervised by a responsible person (parent, guardian, other caregiver, or mature adolescent (age 13 or older).  If unattended children in this age group are found, library staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver.  If the parent/caregiver cannot be reached, a staff member will notify the police. 

2. Parents are responsible for the conduct of their minor children (under 18 years of age) in the library or on library grounds, regardless of whether they are in the company of their children or not. 

3. If the library is closing and an unattended child is left at the library without transportation home, library staff will allow the child to call home to remind their parents to pick them up.  If a child is unable to contact his/her parents, library staff will remain no longer than 15 minutes after closing.  At that time, local law authorities will be contacted, and the child will be placed in their care.  Staff members will not drive the unattended child home.  Any time an unattended child is left more than 5 minutes after library closing the staff will complete an incident report.

4. Violation of the unattended children policy constitutes grounds for suspension of library privileges for the family.