POLICIES
Patron Conduct Policy
The Ayer Library strives to provide a welcoming and safe environment conducive to the use of library resources, and is intended for the use of all members of the public. Accordingly, the Library’s expectations for patron conduct are guided by two essential principles for the safety of patrons and staff:
Patrons must not interfere with another person’s right to use the library.
Patrons must not interfere with library employees’ performance of their duties.
Your cooperation with the Library staff who must interpret and apply this Policy will help promote excellence in library service for everyone. Patrons are expected to comply with reasonable directives from library staff. Library staff reserve the right to ask any person to leave the Library when, in the staff’s judgment, that person is exhibiting unlawful, abusive, harassing, threatening, or inappropriate behavior, or creating a disturbance which interferes with other patrons. Library users who violate this Policy may also be subject to the suspension or revocation of their library privileges, exclusion from the Library, and/or legal action. For the comfort and safety of patrons, volunteers, and staff, and the protection of library property, disruptive behavior will not be allowed.
In the application of these principles, we offer the following guidance:
Use of false identification to obtain a library card, or use of another person’s library card without permission are against state law (MGL Ch 266 Sec 99).
Damage to Library property and theft of Library materials is a criminal offense (MGL Ch 266 Sec 100). Legal guardians can be held liable for damage done by a child under 18 (MGL Ch 231 Sec 85G).
Creating a disturbance or engaging in disruptive conduct—including unreasonable noise levels from yelling, loud talking, audible music, etc—is prohibited (MGL Ch 272 Sec 41).
Caregivers are responsible for the supervision of their children and are requested to curtail excess noise, running, and other behavior that disturbs other patrons or puts those minors at risk. The library is not childproof and supervision of minors is necessary to ensure the prevention of accidents.*
All children under 11 years of age must be attended and adequately supervised by a responsible caregiver who is at least 16 years old.*
Adults without a child present who are not actively using or searching the youth collections or seeking help from staff are not allowed in youth spaces or programs.*
Verbally or physically threatening or harassing other visitors, library staff, or volunteers—including but not limited to stalking, staring, touching, offensive language, violence, threats of violence, and possession of weapons—is prohibited.
For the comfort and safety of Library personnel and patrons and the protection of Library property, patrons may not smoke, vape, or use tobacco or marijuana products; be intoxicated or under the influence of illegal drugs; sell, use, or possess illegal drugs; or sell alcohol, cigarettes, or marijuana (MGL Ch 270).
Food and drink are permitted, but never in the Nutting Room or while using Library technology.
Bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, or similar types of equipment, with the exception of equipment used by persons with disabilities, are not allowed in the building.
Only service animals and animals associated with Library programs are allowed in the building.
Entering the Library barefooted, without a shirt, with offensive body odor or personal hygiene, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the Library environment is prohibited.
Bringing in garbage, articles with a foul odor, or articles which, alone or in their aggregate, impede the use of the Library by other users is prohibited.
Patrons are responsible for their personal property. Items should not be left unattended. The Library is not responsible for any lost or stolen material.
Entering areas posted “Staff Only” without permission is prohibited.
Patrons may not use restroom facilities in any way that prohibits others from accessing them, including bathing, shampooing, or doing laundry.
Furniture should be kept where it is placed by Library staff and used as intended.
Library patrons must utilize personal electronic equipment (laptops, personal music players, etc.) in a way that does not interfere with other patrons’ use of the Library. The Library requires the use of earphones at a reasonable sound level.
Lying down or appearing to be sleeping in the Library; having feet on furniture; or blocking aisles, exits, or entrances is prohibited.
Computer and Internet use are subject to the Library's Internet Policy.
No commercial solicitation or canvassing of any kind is permitted at the Library without the written permission of the Library Director.
The Library allows the collection of signatures for nomination papers, petitions, etc. in the Library building, subject to conditions set by the Library Director or their designee, as long as the collectors do not violate MGL Ch 272 Sec 41, which prohibits disturbing people in a public library "by making noise or in any other manner." To this end, the Library Director designates the lobby and walkways as areas in which signatures may be collected, and requires that the person(s) collecting signatures may neither interfere with the ongoing activities of the library, nor prevent library users from freely entering or leaving the building. Nomination papers should not be left unattended in any public building as it could be construed as using public funds (such as a table or town-owned pens) to support a candidate. No nomination papers may be left unattended at the Library.
*See our Safe Youth Policy for more information
Any patron violating any of the above rules may be denied access to the Library by the Library Director or Director’s designee. Patrons whose privileges have been revoked may apply in writing to have the decision reviewed by the Library Director or the Board of Trustees.
Approved by the Ayer Library Board of Trustees on December 14, 2023