Patron Rights and Responsibilities
Policy approved by Library Board
9/20/2023
It is a patron's responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior to protect their individual rights and the rights and privileges of other patrons. The Bayfield Carnegie Public Library supports the rights of individuals to:
Use the library without discrimination
Receive friendly, courteous and respectful service
Have free and equal access to information
Use the library without a threat to privacy
Who May Use the Library
A. The library will serve all residents of the community and the library's service area. Service will not be denied or abridged because of religious, racial, social, economic, or political status; or because of mental, emotional, or physical condition; age; gender; or sexual orientation.
B. Library materials may be freely checked out if the patron possesses a valid Bayfield Carnegie Library or Northern Waters Library member library card and is in good standing.
C. The use of the library may be denied for due cause. Such causes may include, but are not limited to, failure to return library materials or to pay fines and fees, destruction of library property, disturbance of other patrons, or any other illegal, disruptive, or objectionable conduct on library premises.
Who May Get a Library Card
A library card is available to any area resident age six or older. Children under 16 require a parent or guardian’s signature to obtain a card.
If a person loses their library card, they should notify the library as soon as possible and request a replacement. It is encouraged that all patrons bring their library card with them if they intend to check out items.
A short-term visitor card is available with proper photo identification and contact information.
Unaccompanied Minors
The Bayfield Carnegie Public Library encourages visits by young children, and it is our desire to make this important visit both memorable and enjoyable for the child. However, library staff will not assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the library.
Therefore, it is library policy that all children under the age of six must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the library. Also, if the young child is attending a library program, we require the parent/responsible person to remain in the library throughout the program.
Youth Behavior
Children of all ages are encouraged to use the library for homework, recreational reading, and program attendance. Library staff realizes that the library will be noisier at busy times and that children by nature are active. However, children (whether with parents or not) who are being continually disruptive will be given a warning that they must settle down or will be asked to leave the library. If after a second warning the child continues to be disruptive, they will be asked to leave the library. If the child needs to contact a parent, they may do so and then wait with a staff person until the parent arrives.
Adult/ Young Adult Behavior
Patrons of the Bayfield Carnegie Library Public Library have the right to use library materials and services without being unduly disturbed or impeded by other library users, and both patrons and staff have the right to a secure and congenial environment. If a patron creates a public nuisance, that patron may be restricted from the library and from the use of the library facilities. Those who are unwilling to leave or do not leave within a reasonable amount of time, after being instructed to do so by the staff, will be subject to law enforcement involvement.
Any behavior that disrupts or hinders public use of the library is prohibited on library property. This includes, but is not limited to, loud or boisterous behavior, verbal or physical harassment, running, and fighting.
Seating at library tables and chairs is limited to the number of persons for whom the furniture was designed. Sitting on tables is not allowed.
Smoking, chewing tobacco, and vaping are not permitted in the library.
Food and beverages are not allowed at the computer terminals.
Bicycles are not permitted in any library public area or entryway. Bicycles must be parked in a bike rack when available. Roller-skating and skateboarding are not permitted in the library or its entryway. Wagons and strollers may not be left obstructing a corridor, hallway, aisle, entry, or exit.
Selling non-library related products or services, or soliciting donations is not permitted in the library unless authorized by the Library Director.
Taking surveys, circulating petitions, distributing leaflets, and other similar activities are permitted in the library only when authorized by the Library Director.
Service animals are permitted in the library. All other animals are not permitted except as part of a library-sponsored program. Animals may not be left unattended outside on library property.
Parents or other legal guardians are responsible for the behavior of their minor children on library property.
The violation of federal or state laws or local ordinances will not be permitted on library property. Theft, vandalism, and mutilation of library property are criminal offenses and may be prosecuted.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs is not permitted on library property. Exceptions may be made for a library-sponsored program authorized by the Library Director.
Patrons may silently use cell phones, but not take or make voice calls.
Library telephones should not be considered for personal calls.
Up to two people may use a computer station simultaneously.
Sleeping on the library premises is not permitted.
Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building.
Modifications to library property and space, including moving furniture and shelving, and changing illumination may not be done without the consent of library staff.
Personal items left unattended on the library premises may be removed if they appear to be abandoned.
Failure to comply with these rules may result in the loss of library use privileges on a temporary or permanent basis.