Library Policies

The basis for conduct in the Library is respect for its use, by all patrons and staff.

A. Principles, Responsibilities and Process

The Board of Education establishes the rules for public behavior in the Library which are
necessary:

● To protect the rights of individuals to use Library materials, facilities, and
services;
● To protect the rights of Library employees and volunteers to conduct Library
business without interference;
● To ensure the use of the buildings, materials, and services by the greatest
number of individuals;
● To preserve those materials and facilities from harm;
● To ensure the safety of Library users, employees, and volunteers.
● To safeguard the privacy of Library users.

The Library Administration has the responsibility for maintaining order in the Library and enforcing the established rules. The Administration is responsible for posting the Patron Code of Conduct prominently in Library facilities.

In order to enforce the established rules, the staff will be required to intervene in
situations at the Library that present danger to the safety of persons or property,
interfere with the rights of others, and/or constitute inappropriate uses of the Library,
disorderly conduct and/or the commission of illegal acts.

Library staff will bring to an individual’s attention any act or omission which violates the Patron Code of Conduct and related Library or School District policies. Such an
individual will be asked to change his or her behavior to conform to the rules. If such a
change is not evident or forthcoming that individual will be asked to leave the Library
building and Library property. If the individual refuses to leave after being requested to do so, the police may be called and a charge of criminal trespass may be filed.

Depending on the severity of the violation, individuals who have been asked to leave
the building may be evicted and barred from returning to the library for varying periods
of time as outlined in a Library Suspension Procedure to be created by the Library
Director. Individuals who have had their Library privileges suspended may be required to discuss the violation with the Director or his/her designee before privileges are reinstated. Juveniles may be required to bring a parent or guardian for such a conference.

An individual suspended from the Library has the right to appeal that decision to the
Library Director as outlined in the Library Suspension Procedure.

B. – Rules
Appropriate behavior is required at all times, and patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a public library. Reasonable quiet is expected, especially in designated areas. No patron may disturb others using the Library. In the course of Library business staff may request a patron to provide proper identification. Failure to provide such identification may lead to removal from the Library.

In all emergencies and emergency drills patrons will follow all instructions from Library staff and emergency personnel. Failure to do so may result in arrest and loss of Library privileges.

Patron concerns should be brought to the attention of the appropriate Department or the Administration.

The following behaviors are prohibited:

● Leaving children and vulnerable adults unattended
● Unreasonable noise, including but not limited to: loud talking, singing, boisterous
activity/cell phone use in non-designated areas
● Take photographs, videos, or make recordings of Library patrons or staff without their permission
● Harassing patrons or staff. Deliberate repeated behavior that is hostile,
intimidating, threatening, offensive or adversely impacts staff work performance.
● Abusive or obscene language, racial, or ethnic epithets, slurs against gender or
gender preference
● Intentionally damaging, destroying, tampering with or stealing any property
belonging to the Library, another patron, or staff.
● Abuse, improper or unsafe use, or rearrangement of furniture, equipment or
materials
● Gambling, panhandling, soliciting money or contributions
● Monopolizing/obstructing space, seating, tables or equipment to the exclusion of
others
● Distributing/posting unauthorized printed materials. The Library reserves the
right to establish rules regarding posting and distribution based on time, size,
space and location.
● Bringing animals, other than appropriately certified and trained service animals, into the Library, except for authorized programming purposes. All animal owners
are liable for damage to persons or property caused by their animals.
● Smoking or vaping on Library property
● Eating in the Library
● Sleeping in the Library
● Bringing oversized items, luggage, or bedding into the Library
● Having bodily hygiene offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons.
Such patron shall be required to leave the building.
● Entering the building without a shirt or other covering of the upper body or
without shoes or other footwear.
● Bathing in the public restrooms
● Entering staff areas without authorization
● Committing any act that would violate any State, Federal or local law, ordinance
or regulation, or the Newburgh Enlarged City School District policy “Public
Conduct on School Property.”

–Ben Gocker, Director

The Board of Education’s full policy regarding Conduct of Patrons in the Library is available upon request.

Policy at the Newburgh Free Library is set and approved by the Board of Education of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District (NECSD).

View NFL Policies

Newburgh Free Library Strategic Plan

2022-2026 Central Library Strategic Plan

• Acquisition of collections and databases, shared remotely with all member libraries and available in–house to central reference staff to assist them in supplying reference service to the region.
• Piloting new services and formats on behalf of all members.
• Marketing and promotion of services including reference and research assistance in collaboration with RCLS.
• Evaluation and consultation on database acquisition with committee of consortium members.
• Consultation with System and consortium members on marketing and promotion of resources.
• Identification and implementation opportunities for coordinated training on resources.

Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Policy

Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form

Request for Reconsideration of Electronic Library Materials Form

Request for Reconsideration of Exhibits or Displays

Request for Reconsideration of Exhibits or Displays