Membership - Burlington Public Library

Burlington Public Library Code of Conduct

These rules are to ensure a welcoming, comfortable and safe environment for all persons who use the facilities of the Burlington library system.

We ask customers to be respectful of each other and behave in a manner that does not disrupt other customers or staff.

Library staff make every effort to apply these rules in a fair, dignified and positive manner for the benefit of all.

Behaviour that interferes with the rights of others includes, but is not limited to:

Any activity in violation of federal or provincial law, municipal by-law or library policy;

Leaving children who require supervision unattended;

Unreasonable noise including: loud talking, singing, rude sounds, boisterous activity;

Behaviour that is disruptive, abusive, insulting, harassing or threatening to library customers or staff;

Running;

Placing feet on tables and chairs or sleeping;

Loitering including refusal to leave at closing;

Profane, obscene or abusive language; racial or ethnic epithets;

Abuse/vandalism or improper use of facilities, furniture, equipment or materials;

Removing privacy screens from computer monitors;

Use of sports equipment (including roller blades, skateboards, wheeled shoes and scooters) on library premises;

Monopolizing/obstructing space, seating, tables, computer workstations or equipment to the exclusion of others;

Possessing weapons or other items deemed dangerous;

Smoking;

Being under the influence or possessing alcohol or drugs;

Cell phones that are not set to silent or vibrate mode, if turned on inside the library;

Posting notices, distributing circulars or petitions, soliciting or engaging in any commercial activity on library property without prior written approval of the library;

Photographing, filming or video recording on library property without prior written approval of the library;

Improper dress including bare feet or no shirt; offensive body odor;

The consumption of a ‘meal’ such as pizza, hamburgers, chicken, fries and sandwiches in any area of the library other than the café areas at Central Library or Tansley Woods Branch. The library reserves the right to determine what food is permitted;

Unlidded beverage containers in any area of the library other than the café areas at Central Library or Tansley Woods Branch;

Food or beverages in the areas of the computer workstations, microfilm or copy machines;

Bringing animals into the library, other than service animals needed to assist a person with a disability;

Members of the public must show ID and open all bags, books and papers for inspection if requested by staff.

Library staff are authorized to bring to an individual’s attention any act or omission which violates these rules. The individual will be asked to change the problem behaviour to conform to the rules. If such change is not evident or forthcoming, that individual will be asked to leave Library property. Failure to leave if asked may result in the Police being called. In addition, any person violating any of the above rules may have his or her Library privileges suspended and/or may be banned from all Library locations for a period of time.

October 2006