Patrons of all ages using the library have the right to expect a safe, comfortable environment that supports appropriate library services.
The purpose of this policy is: To allow all patrons of the Wharton Public Library to use its facilities to the fullest extent during regularly scheduled hours; therefore, the Library Board of Trustees has adopted the following rules and regulations:
Library Patrons Shall:
Engage in activities associated with the use of a Public Library
Patrons not reading, studying, or using library materials may be required to leave the building.
Respect the Rights of other Library Patrons
Patrons shall not harass or annoy others through noisy or boisterous activities, by staring at another person with the intent to annoy that person, by following another person about the building with the intent to annoy that person, by playing audio equipment so that others can hear it, by singing or talking loudly to others or in monologues or by behaving in a manner which can be reasonably expected to disturb others.
People demonstrating disruptive behavior may be required to leave the library. Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to: noisy, boisterous actions; inappropriate behavior, including running, loud talking or touching other library patrons; misuse of library property; uncooperative attitude; or actions that could result in physical or emotional injury to oneself or others.
Abusive, or otherwise inappropriate language or behavior toward Library Staff will not be tolerated. Those doing so will be asked to leave.
Library Patrons Shall Not:
Consume food or beverages, except bottled water, or coffee or tea in containers with lids, in designated areas
Consume any food or beverages at all in the Computer Area
Smoke or use tobacco or tobacco products
Be under the influence of alcohol
Engage in any illegal activity while on library premises
Deface or mar library materials
Materials shall be defined as books, magazines, newspapers, recordings or other items of the library collection. Nor shall they deface mar or in any way destroy or damage library furnishings, walls, computers, machines or other library property.
Bring pets or animals into the library
Guide dogs for the physically challenged will be permitted.
Use Cell Phones inside the library
Cell phone should be switched to a non-audible signal and should be answered outside the library or quietly in the foyers of the building if the weather is not nice.
Any materials removed from the library must be checked out on a valid library card.
Each patron shall be responsible for any fines, fees or other charges due in accordance with the library’s standard schedules. Failure to pay these fines will result in the suspension of library privileges.
Any patron not abiding by these or other rules and regulations may be required to leave the library premises. Library employees may contact the Wharton Police Department if deemed advisable.
Any patron who violates these or other rules and regulations may be denied the privilege of access to the library by the Library Board of Trustees, on the recommendation of the Library Director. A patron whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Board of Trustees.
Adopted and approved on March 24, 2015 by the Wharton Public Library Board of Trustees
