Purpose: The Newport Public Library (“Library”) seeks to maintain an environment that is safe and comfortable for those individuals using the Library. In order to do this, it has established rules of conduct the goal of which is to create a safe and pleasant facility for both the general public and Library staff, as well as to protect Library owned equipment and materials.
In the absence of stated policy, patrons and visitors must follow Library staff instruction at all times.
The Library reserves the right to ask anyone violating these rules to leave the premises. Anyone who regularly violates the rules or has engaged in criminal activity on Library premises will be denied access to the facilities for a specified period of time. Unlawful activities will be reported to the police.
Patrons shall be engaged in the activities generally associated with Library use. Patrons not engaged in reading, studying, attending programs or meetings, browsing the collection, or using Library materials may be required to leave the building.
The policy for the Children’s Department is accessible here.
The Newport Public Library’s general behavior policy is outlined thus:
Any conduct that interferes with the rights of other patrons to use the Library or which could result in injury to oneself or others is strictly prohibited.
Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to:
Any illegal activity, including, but not limited to, fighting, use or possession of drugs, alcohol, or weapons.
Harassing or menacing Library users or Library staff, either verbally, physically, or by threatening sexual actions.
Loud and boisterous behavior, including using profanity. (Gen. Laws of RI 11-45-1)
Smoking in any part of the Library. (Gen. Laws of RI 23-20.6-2)
Running or jumping in the Library.
Eating in the Library (except in designated areas).
Use of sports or recreational equipment.
Misusing the restrooms. This includes using them as laundry or as bathing facilities.
Entering areas posted “Staff Only” without permission.
Showing obvious signs of intoxication.
Exhibiting a level of personal hygiene that interferes with the ability of other patrons to use, work in, or enjoy the Library.
Bringing animals into the Library except those needed to assist a disabled person.
Leaving a child under age 8 unattended in the building.
Wearing hoods, or not wearing shoes and/or a shirt.
Solicitation or canvassing in any form.
Playing audio equipment so that others may hear.
Using a cell phone for verbal communication in non-designated areas.
Using the camera or binocular feature of a cell phone in the Library without permission from Library Administration.
Taking photos or videos of the Library building or of Library users without permission of Library Administration.
Any activity which could cause damage to the building, materials or equipment is considered disruptive and unacceptable.
Prohibited acts include but are not limited to:
Theft and/or destruction of Library materials or property. Patrons triggering the theft detection system may be required to open any bags or purses for inspection.
Playing in or with the public elevator.
Misuse of Library furniture, including having one’s feet on the chairs or tables, the spinning of chairs, or writing on tables.
Any attempts to bypass passwords or other security systems on the Library’s computers. Doing so will result in the revocation of permission to use the computers.
Plugging in laptop computers in a place that creates a safety or tripping hazard.
Plugging in any equipment other than a laptop.
Plugging any peripherals into Library equipment.
Bringing bicycles into the building.
A patron or patrons whose behavior is in violation of the letter or the spirit of this Policy will be asked to leave the Library for the rest of the day. If, in the judgement of the staff, the patron’s behavior is egregious enough to warrant it, the patron will be barred from the Library for a subsequent period of 30 days. A letter will be sent to the patron which will include the date when the patron’s privileges will be restored and when the patron may enter the building. A copy of the letter will be held by the Property Management team. Entering the Library before that date may result in the patron having a No Trespass order issued by the Newport Police Department.
These time periods may be adjusted by the Library Director. A patron may request a meeting with the Library Director for such an adjustment. If the offender is a minor (i.e., younger than 18 years of age), a meeting must include the parent or guardian.
A copy of the policy will be posted in the Library.