Behavior Guidelines

Greenfield Public Library is a resource available to all. The library maintains a safe and healthy atmosphere in which patrons, volunteers, and staff can be free from harassment, intimidation, and threats to their safety and well-being. In order to protect all library users’ right of access to library facilities, to ensure the safety of users and staff, and to protect library resources and facilities from damage, the library governing authority, in this case the Board of Trustees, may impose reasonable restrictions on the time, place, and/or manner of library access.

Patrons and staff are expected to follow the policies as outlined below. Failure to adhere to any library rule or policy may result in the restriction of library privileges by the Library Director of desingees. Failure to comply with the Library's established rules and policies may also result in removal from the premises and explusion from the Library for a period of one day to indefinitely or in arrest or prosecution depending upon the seriousness of the violation. Any restriction on Library privileges or removal or expulsion may be appealed in writing to the Board of Trustees

Category A (Library Specific Violations)

1. Disruptive behavior, such as creating loud noises, loud talking, screaming, or banging on computer keyboards.

2. Using profane or obscene language.

3. Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children (see also Greenfield Public Library Children’s Room Policy; please also see our Teen Policy for addition guidelines).

4. Chewing, spitting, or rolling cigarettes inside Library facilities or on Library grounds.

5. Bringing in garbage and/or articles with a foul odor. All bags and other articles are subject to inspection by security and other authorized personnel. The Library reserves the right to limit the number and size of items brought into the library.

6. Leaving packages, backpacks, luggage, or any other personal items unattended. These unattended items are subject to inspection, confiscation and disposal by security and other authorized Library personnel.

7. Using or parking wheeled devices inside the Library. These restrictions do not apply to ADA assistive devices, wheelchairs, walkers, and baby strollers.

8. Lying down or appearing to be sleeping in the library; having feet on furniture; monopolizing/obstructing space to the exclusion of others, or blocking aisles, exits or entrances.

9. Entering the Library without a shirt or shoes, or removing one’s footwear or shirt while in the library, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the Library environment. Appropriate attire must be worn in the Library at all times (e.g. shirt, pants, and shoes.)

10. Having offensive body odor or personal hygiene so as to unreasonably interfere with other library visitors’ or staff ability to use the library.

11. Using restrooms for bathing, shampooing, shaving or doing laundry; engaging in personal grooming such as nail clipping in public areas.

12. Moving Library furniture; more than one person in a chair.

13. Bringing animals other than service animals necessary for disabilities.

14. Distributing literature, soliciting business or contributions, or conducting surveys not authorized by the Library except for ballot question petitions and public office nomination signature solicitations.

15. Placing any tables, signs or other structures not authorized by the Library on Library property.

16. Parking in the Library’s public parking lots during the hours the Library is open while not inside the Library or participating in programs on Library grounds.

Category B (Serious Library Specific Violations)

17. Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

18. Smoking cigarettes, and other tobacco or marijuana use, including but not limited to tobacco substitutes and electronic cigarettes, inside Library facilities or on Library grounds.

19. Possessing alcohol.

20. Entering the library or Library grounds while under a trespass order.

21. Using abusive language; or racial, ethnic or sexual epithets.

Category C (Violations Toward Person(s) or Property)

22. Stealing, damaging, or altering Library property (valued under $250)

23. Stealing or damaging the personal property of another Library user (valued under $250)

24. Damaging or defacing Library materials.

25. Using false identification to obtain a Library card, or using another person’s Library card without permission.

26. Verbally or physically harassing other Library visitors or staff (i.e. engaging in deliberate or repeated behavior that is aggressive and/or hostile), including stalking, prolonged staring, lurking.

27. Sexual harassment of staff or patrons (behavior characterized by the making of unwelcome and inappropriate sexual remarks or other advances)

28. Engaging in any other behavior that would constitute a misdemeanor under applicable law.

Category D (Serious Violations Toward Person(s) or Property)

29. Carrying firearms or dangerous weapons of any type.

30. Assault, fighting, pushing, shoving, challenging to fight, threats or threatening.

31. Verbally or physically threatening harm or injury to other Library visitors or staff.

32. Offensive touching, obscene acts such as sex acts, and indecent exposure.

33. Selling, using, or possessing illegal drugs.

34. Interfering with another person’s right to use the Library or with the Library staff’s performance of their duties, including but not limited to screaming, fighting, pushing, shoving, or throwing things.

35. Stealing, damaging, or altering Library property (valued at $250 or above)

36. Stealing or damaging the personal property of another Library user (valued at $250 or above)

37. Trespassing in nonpublic areas.

38. Refusing to leave Library property after being issued a trespass notice.

Enforcement

Enforcement of the above rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff and/or Greenfield Police Officers are authorized to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. A Safety Enforcement Matrix is used to guide authorized personnel in determining a fair consequence for a violation of the rules.

Violations of law and/or these Rules of Conduct may result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including the use of Library computers, equipment or study/conference rooms. A violation of law may also result in arrest and prosecution.

Authorized Library staff may issue a Trespass Order based on personal observation or upon the sort of civilian reports that would ordinarily be relied upon by police officers in the determination of probable cause.

Full details regarding the issuance of a trespass can be read here.

To allow for uninterrupted public service, Library telephones are for staff use only.

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees 03/06/2026
To be reviewed yearly, or as needed.