Albert Wisner Public Library
Patron and Visitor Code of Conduct
A public library is created for the use of everyone in the community. The public library provides a place for reading, study and enrichment. All staff members have the responsibility to keep the Albert Wisnery Public Library as pleasant an environment for the public as possible. This includes discouraging and addressing behavior that disrupts others.
This Code of Conduct is not intended to be a complete list of prohibited conduct. Albert Wisner Public Library reserves the right to take action against any conduct or behavior which can reasonably be deemed offensive, disturbing or in violation of other Library policies. The Library staff is authorized to expel for a period not to exceed three days, without a due process hearing, any patron and visitor (“visitor”) who does not follow the rules below or who fails to comply with reasonable requests of Library staff. Law enforcement will be contacted if a visitor does not exit the Library building or grounds when told to do so by Library staff. Visitors who violate this policy may be banned from entering the Library for a period of time determined by the Board of Trustees, after the visitor has been given an opportunity for a due process hearing by the Board of Trustees.
GENERAL
• Patrons and visitors (“visitors”) shall not engage in any activity which violates federal, state or local law.
• Visitors must respect the Library and its property. Visitors shall not deface nor mar any items of the Library’s collections, nor deface, mar, or in any way damage Library furnishings, walls, machines or other Library property inside or outside the building.
• All Library materials removed from the building must first be checked out. Theft or attempted theft of Library materials, artwork and any other items on display is illegal and will be reported to law enforcement authorities.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen personal property.
• Discrimination and harassment, as set forth in the Library’s Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy, will not be tolerated and may result in the loss of Library privileges.
• Smoking, vaping, and the use of alcohol or illegal drugs is prohibited both in the building and on Library grounds.
• With the exception of service animals, Library visitors are prohibited from bringing animals into the Library. Animals shall be always attended and kept under control while on Library grounds.
• Visitors are expected to be dressed appropriately while on the Library grounds; shirts and shoes are required.
• Solicitation for any purpose is not allowed on Library property.
• Weapons, including concealed weapons, are prohibited on the Library grounds. Because a library is a designated sensitive location, a concealed carry permit does not apply on Library grounds.
• To protect visitor privacy, photography and recording are not allowed in the Library building without prior permission granted by the Library Director.
INSIDE THE LIBRARY BUILDING
• Visitors are expected to talk quietly.
• All group work must be done with respect for other users. Groups may be asked to relocate if their activity disturbs others.
• Cell phone use is permitted in the Library only when the conversation is conducted quietly. Lengthy conversations should be conducted outside, in the lobby, or in the lower level Gallery.
• Visitors shall not disturb the use of the Library by other visitors, nor interfere with Library employees’ performance of their duties. Running, fighting, roughhousing, vulgarity or displaying any disruptive behavior is not permitted in the Library. Sleeping, stalking, littering and loitering is not permitted inside the Library or outside on Library grounds.
• Eating is prohibited in the Library except in the lower level Gallery. Food is not permitted at art exhibit receptions nor at other group gatherings, unless expressly allowed as part of a Library-sponsored program. Drinking from containers with secure tops or lids is allowed, except near Library equipment and computers. All Library users shall properly dispose of their trash and recyclable materials in the receptacles provided.
• Large sports equipment (e.g., bicycles) shall not be brought into the Library. Smaller sports items may be brought inside but not used.
• Video-only security cameras are positioned throughout the building for the physical safety of visitors, staff and the contents of the Library building. Adjusting, disabling, or blocking or attempting to disable or block any security camera is prohibited. The full Security Camera Policy is posted on the Library’s website.
CHILDREN
• Library staff members are responsible for assisting visitors with their information needs. Parents/caregivers, not Library staff, are responsible for supervising their children while in the Library or on Library grounds. The Library takes no responsibility for the safety of children left unattended.
• Parents are expected to be aware of the Library’s hours of operation and to pick up children prior to closing. If a child is waiting to be picked up at the time the Library closes, the Warwick Police Department may be contacted to provide supervision for the child.
• Computers in the Children’s room are for use by children up to the age of 12. All others must use the computers in the Adult section of the Library.
OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY BUILDING
• Overnight parking in the parking lot is prohibited.
• Skateboarding and rollerblading are prohibited in the Library parking lot and anywhere on Library grounds.
• Companion animals must not be left in vehicles in the parking lot in extreme heat or cold without proper ventilation or protection from the temperature. In addition, when the temperature reaches or exceeds 77 degrees Fahrenheit, companion animals must not be left in vehicles even when vehicle windows are left open. In such weather, Library staff will attempt to locate the owner of the vehicle with a companion animal inside. If those efforts fail, the staff will call the Warwick Humane Society or the Warwick Police Department.
Board Adopted: 8/18/2009, last updated: 7/14/25Effective 7/23/25