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Standards for Patron Conduct

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The following behaviors are not permitted in the library and are set forth as reasonable rules and regulations for patron conduct, as accepted by the County Legal Department and the Library Commission.

Bringing food or drink into the library.
Smoking. (NJSA 2C:3D-38 Smoking in a public place)
Improper attire, including bare feet or chests.
Consumption of alcohol or use of illegal substances.
Intoxication. (NJSA 2C:33-2 Disorderly Conduct)
Carrying a weapon into the library unless otherwise authorized by law. Any patron authorized to carry a weapon must notify library staff upon entry that he/she is carrying a weapon into the library. (NJSA 2C:39-5)
Bringing animals into the library unless they are being trained by a recognized companion-animal training agency or school or are accompanying a person with vision, hearing, or mobility impairment as a companion-animal or unless they are part of a preapproved educational program being sponsored by the library. (NJSA 10:5-29 Blind or partially Blind person accompanied by a guide dog)
Misusing the restrooms (i.e. using as a laundry or washing facility). (NJSA 2C:33-12
Maintaining a nuisance)
Personal hygiene shall conform to the standard of the community for public places. This will include the repair or cleanliness of garments. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to cause a nuisance to others shall be required to leave the building. Patrons are expected to wear appropriate clothing while using library facilities, including shirts and shoes.
Leaving a child [our particular interpretation of this rule stipulates a child under the age of 9] unattended in the library. (NJSA 2C:53A-14,15 Negligence)
Talking loudly, making noise or engaging in disruptive behavior, including the use of loud or offensively coarse or abusive language. This includes the use of cell phones in the public areas of the library. Cell phone use is permitted in the lobby areas of each facility.
Playing of audio equipment so that others can hear it.
Interfering with another person's use of the library or with the library personnel's performance of their duties.
Running or standing on furniture. Skateboarding, jumping, throwing objects, playing on steps or in entrances.
Panhandling or soliciting.
Damaging library property, including damaging restrooms, defacing furniture and walls, removing pages from books, destroying landscaping or outdoor fixtures. (NJSA 2C: 17-3 Criminal mischief)
Stealing library materials. (NJSA 2C:20-12,13,14 Theft of Library Materials)
Threatening or physically harming staff or patrons.
Striking, kicking, shoving or other offensive touching or threats to do so. (NJSA 2C:33-4 Harassment)
Other behavior that is deemed inappropriate or disruptive by the Library Staff.