Introduction
The Library provides services at the library branches. It also provides services over the telephone, by email, and at places that are not library branches. The Library has rules for how people should behave when getting library services. The rules are for everyone including staff, volunteers and users.
General rules for library building use
- People can bring food and covered drinks into the library unless there is a sign saying it is not allowed.
- Electronic devices must be on mute.
- Service animals are welcome. Other animals may be permitted as part of a library program.
- Parents and guardians are responsible for their children. The Children in the Library policy gives more information about this.
Rules for library behavior
People who receive library services at a library branch must:
- Treat staff and everyone else in the library with respect
- Follow Library rules
- Follow staff direction in case of emergency
People are not allowed to behave in a way that prevents others from enjoying the library or prevents the library from conducting its business. They cannot behave in a way that puts the rights and safety of library visitors, staff, or property at risk.
The following behavior is not allowed at library branches:
- Harassing people, making threats, or using offensive language
- Unfairly treating a person or group differently from another group of people
- Abusing people verbally, physically, emotionally, psychologically, or sexually
- Sexual activity, sexual harassment
- Breaking the law
- Drinking alcoholic beverages or using illegal substances
- Damaging, or trying to damage, library property
- Selling things
- Asking people for money for themselves, or for another cause
- Asking people to sign petitions
- Smoking, vaping, or using e-cigarettes inside library buildings
- Wearing strong smells, like perfume
- Using staff or emergency entrances or exits when it is not an emergency
- Entering staff spaces
The Library provides services over the telephone, by email and at places that are not library branches. People who receive library services must follow library rules and treat staff with respect.
People who receive library services over the telephone, by email and at places that are not library branches must not:
- Harass staff, make threats, or use offensive language
- Unfairly treat a staff member differently from another person or group of people
- Abuse staff verbally, physically, emotionally, psychologically, or sexually
Applying the Library Use and Behaviour Code
People who do not follow the Library Use and Behaviour Code when in a library branch will be asked to leave. Staff can ban a person from the library if they do not follow the rules.
People who do not follow the Library Use and Behavior Code might not be allowed to use library services.