PATRON RULES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Revised and adopted by the Westchester Public Library Board 11/27/06

The Westchester Public Library supports the right of all individuals to use the library without discrimination, providing such use maintains a clean, safe and comfortable environment for all patrons and employees. Patrons failing to follow the WPL Patron Rules & Responsibilities may be required to leave the Library. Damaging or destroying Library materials, equipment or furniture can result in suspension of patron library privileges, as well as criminal prosecution.

Respect for others:

• Patrons may use their cell phones in the Library foyer only.

• Patrons using profane, obscene, offensive, or harassing language with the intent to annoy another person will be asked to leave.

• Patrons exhibiting loud, boisterous or other disruptive behavior with the intent to annoy another person will be asked to leave.

• Sleeping in the Library is prohibited.

• Solicitation on Library premises is prohibited.

• The use of illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products in the Library is prohibited.

• While varying levels of personal hygiene are recognized, patrons who interfere with other patrons’ use of the Library because of extremely poor personal hygiene will be asked to leave.

• Weapons such as explosives, firearms, knives, look-alike weapons, or any other objects that can reasonably be considered as weapons, are not permitted on Library property or at any Library-sponsored event.

• Library patrons may not leave personal belongings in the Library when they leave the building. The Library is not responsible for any loss of users’ personal belongings through theft or otherwise.

Respect for Library facility and property:

• Use of the Library facility is available during public hours. Patrons cannot remain in the Library after its regular closing hour.

• Eating is prohibited in the Library except in designated areas, or when part of a library-sponsored event.

• Drinking of non-alcoholic beverages is allowed only if the beverage container has a covered lid.

• The Library is a smoke-free building.

• It is illegal to improperly remove library materials or equipment. The Library reserves the right to inspect the contents of all bags, purses, briefcases, backpacks, etc for Library materials.

• It is illegal to willfully damage or deface public property, including Library materials and equipment.

• Because the library is a public facility, patrons are expected to wear proper attire. No person shall enter or remain in the building without wearing a shirt and shoes.