Conduct of patrons in the library is governed by the rules and regulations set forth below

A public library is created for the use of every member of a community. The public library provides a place for reading, study and enrichment. All staff members have the responsibility to keep the library as pleasant an environment for the public as possible. This includes discouraging and handling behavior that disrupts others.

Any patron not abiding by these or other rules and regulations of the Library shall be required to leave the Library premises. Library employees shall contact the Warwick Police for assistance if deemed advisable.

Any patron who violates the Library rules and regulations shall be denied the privilege of access to the Library. All staff members have the right to deny access to the Library if in their judgment, these policies have been abused. Access to the Library may be reinstated by the Library Director at his discretion.

1. Patrons are expected to respect the Library and its property. Patrons shall not deface or mar books, magazines, recordings or other items of the Library collections nor shall they deface, mar, or in any way destroy or damage Library furnishings, walls, machines or other Library property.
2. All Library materials which are to be removed from the building must be checked out. Theft or attempted theft of library materials may be cause for prosecution.
3. Patrons are expected to be dressed appropriately while on the Library premises. Shirts and shoes are required while on the Library premises.
4. Patrons are expected to talk quietly. Excessive socializing is inappropriate and discouraged. Joint study participants are cautioned to converse softly and may be asked to relocate if their activity disturbs others.
5. Patrons shall not interfere with the use of the Library by other patrons or interfere with Library employees’ performance of their duties. Running, fighting, roughhousing, vulgarity or displaying any disruptive behavior is not permitted in the Library. The use of alcohol or other drugs is not permissible in the building or on the Library premises.
6. Animals, with the exception of seeing-eye dogs, are not permitted inside the Library. Animals shall be attended at all times while on Library grounds.
7. Smoking, eating and drinking other than at the water fountain are prohibited in the Library.
8. Personal audio systems with headphones may be used at a level which is not audible to others. Sports or large audio equipment (i.e. boom boxes, skateboards, roller blades, etc.) shall not be brought into the Library.
9. The Library assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen property.
10.Parents are responsible for the safety of their children. The Library takes no responsibility for the safety of children left unattended.
11.Parents of children attending preschool programs are required to remain in the building during the program.
12. Parents are expected to be aware of the Library’s hours of operation and to pick up young people prior to closing. In the event a child is left after the Library has closed, the Warwick Police may be contacted to provide supervision for the child.
13. It is the responsibility of the staff of the Library to assist patrons with their information needs. It is the responsibility of parents to provide supervision for their children while in the Library or on its grounds.
14.Cell phone use is not permitted in the library.

Approved by the Board of Trustees
Updated 12/14/04