BCPL Patron Code of Conduct
In order to ensure that the Broome County Public Library remains a safe and welcoming space for all patrons and staff, the Board of Trustees has adopted the following rules and regulations:
- Patrons will respect the rights of other patrons and Library staff at all times. They may not interfere with staff or with the performance of their duties and will comply with lawful direction given by them.
- Disruptive and/or abusive behavior is prohibited. This includes:
- Harassment
- Sexual harassment
- The use of abusive, obscene, discriminatory, hateful, or threatening language
- Nudity of any kind, including bare feet and/or bare chests
- Illegal activities—including the use of alcohol or illegal and/or recreational drugs or the possession of weapons of any kind—are prohibited on Library property.
- Smoking, vaping, and the use of smokeless tobacco are prohibited on Library property, both inside and outside of the building.
- Solicitation of any kind is prohibited on Library property.
- Select areas of the Library have been designated as Quiet Zones. While they are in a Quiet Zone, patrons will:
- Silence all electronic devices, including phones and computers
- Use headphones when watching or listening to media
- Limit conversation, including phone calls
- Sleeping, bathing, and washing clothes are prohibited on Library property, as is the use skateboards roller skates, and athletic equipment, unless approved by Library staff. Bicycles and other wheeled devices must be left outside the building and may not block doorways or walkways.
- Animals are prohibited in the building except those specifically designated as service animals.
- Parents, guardians, or caregivers are responsible for the safety, behavior and supervision of their children as specified in the Library’s Unattended Children’s Policy.
- Adult patrons shall not use any Youth Services or Young Adult space or participate in any age-based programs unless such patron is a parent, legal guardian, caregiver, educator or relative of a participating age-appropriate child or has received permission from Library staff.
- Patrons will not deface or damage Library property, including Library materials/collections, furnishings, walls, equipment, and computers. Additionally, patrons will not rearrange or disarrange library furnishings or materials and will not place their feet on the furniture or walls.
- Food and beverages can be consumed in designated areas only. Water bottles with lids are allowed other than when using the public computers.
- Personal photography and/or videography is allowed but must not infringe on the privacy rights of other patrons (including minors) or interfere with the ability of Library staff to perform their duties. Projects that have the potential to violate these criteria require prior approval by the Library Director.
Enforcement: Any patron who violates these rules and regulations may be required to leave the library premises and be denied the privilege of access to the library. The Library Administrative Staff, whose authority shall prevail in all cases, shall administer and enforce the above code in a fair and reasonable manner. The Library Administration is authorized to modify and/or adapt the code to special circumstances. Violations of the code that do not constitute an immediate and apparent threat to the safety of others, their property, or the property of the library will result in disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, verbal warning, temporary expulsion from the library, suspension of the right to use or participate in some or all of the library’s services for a period of time, or permanent expulsion from the library. The disciplinary action chosen will be determined by the severity of the offense and whether it is an isolated or recurring event. Violations of the code that constitute an immediate or apparent threat to the safety of others, their property, or the property of the library will result in immediate expulsion from the library and possible additional measures. In any instance of a code violation, police may be called if there is not compliance or if the staff feels threatened in any way or feels unable to handle the situation.
Appeal Process: A patron whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Broome County Board of Trustees for additional consideration.