The Grafton Public Library, a public entity established by the citizens of Grafton to meet a range of needs, is designed to be a safe and comfortable place for all members of the public to use. Visitors are expected to observe the rights of other patrons and staff members. The Library Code of Conduct is intended to protect the rights and safety of Library visitors, to protect the rights and safety of Library staff, and to preserve and protect the Library's materials, resources, facilities, and property. Reporting disturbing behavior to a Library staff member is the responsibility of every visitor; correcting behavior is the responsibility of Library staff. Visitors must refrain from confronting Code of Conduct violations; ask a Library staff member to intervene, instead.

All Library visitors are expected to:

  1. Refrain from behavior that is intrusive, harmful or offensive to other patrons;
  2. Conduct themselves in a manner that does not interfere with other people's ability to use the Library or the ability of Library staff to perform their duties; and
  3. Conform to general standards of public behavior on the premises, including Library grounds.

The following behaviors are specifically prohibited:

  • Creating a disturbance by making noise, talking loudly, or engaging in other disruptive conduct. [MGL Ch 272 Section 41]
  • Threatening behavior including, but not limited to: teasing, harassing, and bullying; jostling, roughhousing, and throwing things; violence, threats of violence, and possession of weapons. [MGL 272 Sec 28, 29, 29B, 31]
  • Damaging or defacing Library materials or property. [MGL Ch 266 Sec 100]
  • Parents are liable for damage done by children under 18 years of age. [MGL Ch 266 Sec 100]
  • Theft of Library materials, use of false identification to obtain a Library card, or use of another person's Library card without permission. [MGL Ch 231 Sec 99, 99A]
  • Possession, sale and/or public consumption of drugs and alcohol; [MGL Ch 94C, Sec 1] Note that alcohol may be served at Library fundraising events for adults, with proper permissions, if all required licenses and certifications are secured.
  • Smoking or vaping in the Library or on Library grounds. [MGL Ch 270 Sec 22]
  • Bringing animals into the Library, except for licensed guide or service animals, without permission of the Library Director. [MGL Ch 270 Sec 22]
  • Engaging in any activity in violation of federal, state, local or other applicable law, or in violation of Library policy.

Additionally, personal conduct should be appropriate to a public space:

  • Treat Library staff members, yourself, other visitors, and Library property with courtesy and respect.
  • Trespassing into areas clearly designated as "Staff Only" is forbidden.
  • Conversations that are disruptive in content and volume are not appropriate.
  • Shoes and shirts are required, and it is courteous to remove hats, hoods, and sunglasses indoors.
  • Per our Unattended Child Policy, only children ages 13 and older may use the Library without an adult in attendance, provided the child is able to use the Library independently, without supervision. Children ages 13-18 left unaccompanied must be able to contact a guardian in case of emergency. While in the Library, parents and caregivers are responsible for the safety and behavior of their wards.
  • Personal devices including but not limited to cell phones, iPods, cameras, computers and laser pointers may not be used in a manner that will disrupt other users of the Library. Earplugs (free) and headphones (fee) are available upon request for more sensitive visitors.
  • Use of video or audio recording equipment in a disruptive manner is prohibited. We respectfully request that reporters or other media personnel notify Library staff of any intent to capture images or sound within the Library in advance, and as a courtesy to seek permission from each person to be photographed or recorded.
  • Food and drink is permissible to the extent it does not infringe on another's use of the Library or damage property or equipment. Beverages are available for sale in the Friends CafĂ© as a fundraiser for the Friends of the Library.
  • Waste and recycling receptacles are provided for your convenience; please clean up after yourself.
  • Public restrooms should be left in clean and orderly condition for the next user. Please notify a staff member if a restroom needs attention.
  • Except for young children with their parent(s) or disabled persons with their caregivers, only one person may occupy a restroom at a time.
  • Violating other Library patrons' privacy by campaigning, soliciting, or petitioning in the Library is not allowed.
  • Take responsibility for personal possessions by keeping valuable items with you. Do not leave laptops, phones, purses, backpacks or other belongings unattended. Library staff members are not able to secure or watch over your belongings.
  • Bicycles and scooters should be secured by lock in the bicycle rack outside. Skateboards, roller blades, scooters, and similar equipment may not be used in the Library or on Library grounds.
  • Library staff reserves the right to warn or suspend visitors in violation of Library policy:
    1. For minor infractions, such as public misconduct, the procedure is to give a verbal warning and a copy of the Code of Conduct, followed by a written warning followed by expulsion for the remainder of the business day. A staff member will meet with the returning visitor to follow up on the Code of Conduct and behavior expectations.
    2. For violations of local, state or federal law, the procedure is immediate expulsion followed by suspension for one week to one year.
    3. Repeat violations may result in loss of Library privileges for one week to one year.
  • If a patron refuses to leave when asked, police may be called to escort the patron from the premises.
  • Should a visitor's Library privileges be suspended, a copy of a No Trespass letter (Appendix A) will be filed with local law enforcement. (MGL Ch 266, Sec 120)
  • Illegal activity will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Should any patron be dissatisfied with the reasonable accommodations offered, they may follow the appeals process as outlined on the library's website https://graftonlibrary.org.

Adopted, Grafton Public Library Board of Trustees, April 8, 2015
Reviewed: January 22, 2020; November 16, 2022