Appropriate Library Use Policy

Purpose:

The Boston Public Library is proudly open to all; a space for everyone, shared and used by the community for many different reasons and in many ways. We believe in an inclusive community propelled by curiosity, connection, and the pursuit of knowledge.

The Library expects each of our facilities to be clean, comfortable, and safe places for community use. The Library is responsible for establishing rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of Library patrons, staff, and volunteers, and for preserving and protecting the Library’s property. The Library and Library staff do not tolerate hate speech directed at staff or anyone in Library spaces.

Policy:

To ensure our commitment to equity, inclusion, and access, the Appropriate Use Policy applies to all. It applies everywhere the Library provides service, including on Library property, in the community, through our website or social media, and by phone or email. Library staff will enforce this policy in a consistent manner.

While at the library, we expect that you:

  • Be safe
  • Respect other patrons and library staff
  • Respect library materials and property
  • Comply with requests from library staff
  • Obey the law

All designated children’s spaces are reserved for use by children under the age of 13, their caregivers, and those retrieving material from the collection.

All designated teen spaces are reserved for teens (13-18 and current high school students), and those retrieving material from the collection.

Violations of this policy and/or law may result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including access to Library buildings and the use of Library computers and other equipment.

If you have a question or concern about this policy or our Library spaces, please speak to a Library staff member or contact ask@bpl.org

The following actions are examples of conduct not allowed on Library property:

Unsafe or Disruptive to Library Use Examples (including but not limited to):     
  • Activities or behaviors that may result in injury or harm to yourself or others.
  • Excessive or unnecessary noise that disturbs others or impedes library service (please note, not all library spaces are quiet spaces). 
  • Unwanted conversation or personal interaction with staff or others, including but not limited to: inappropriate personal comments, sexual advances, or physical and/or verbal harassment. 
  • Inadequate clothing for public space including no shoes and/or no shirt. 
  • Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children, including leaving children alone or in the care of others who cannot provide adequate care. (please see the Safe Child Policy for further detail) 
  • Bringing animals into the library, except for service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All disruptive animals will be asked to leave the Library. 
  • Littering. 
  • Distributing literature, gathering signatures, soliciting donations, or conducting surveys inside a Library facility or on Library grounds. 
  • Interfering with or blocking the free movement of staff or others. 
  • Conducting unauthorized tours on Library property.
Inappropriate Use of Library Services or Property Examples (including but not limited to):     
  • Entering nonpublic/staff areas without permission. 
  • Entering or remaining in the Library outside Library operating hours, or camping on Library grounds. 
  • Moving Library furniture without prior staff approval. 
  • Leaving personal items unattended. 
  • Consuming food or beverages outside of designated areas. 
  • Using restrooms for loitering or bathing, shampooing, and/or laundry. 
  • Using skateboards, roller skates, bicycles, motorized or non-motorized scooters inside the Library or on Library grounds. Bicycles are not permitted inside the Library. 
  • Bringing in any item or items that block access to or use of Library spaces or creates space and accessibility concerns. Staff may ask patrons to move or remove items.
  • Inappropriate use of Library property, including computer hardware and software, printers (see Library Policy, BPL Internet Access Policy), copiers, phones, and other equipment.
Noncompliance with Staff Examples (including but not limited to):     
  • Failing to comply with a reasonable staff request to adjust behavior to comply with Library policy, including being asked to leave the library. 
  • Failing to exit at closing or during an evacuation.
Illegal: Observable Behavior Prohibited by Law Examples (including but not limited to):     
  • Engaging in any activity in violation of applicable law. 
  • Verbally or physically harassing other patrons, volunteers, or staff, including stalking, offensive touching, and obscene acts such as sex acts and indecent exposure. 
  • Threatening other patrons, volunteers, or staff - verbally, physically or in writing, including all forms of electronic media. 
  • Carrying firearms and/or dangerous weapons of any type. 
  • Selling, using, or possessing illegal drugs or selling cigarettes, alcohol, or marijuana. 
  • Use or consumption of alcohol, marijuana, or tobacco. Vaping and smoking are not permitted. 
  • Gambling. 
  • Assault, fighting, or challenging to fight. 
  • Damaging or stealing personal or Library property, including computer hardware and software, printers, copiers, phones, and other equipment.

To ensure the safety of all at the Library, bags and other personal items are subject to inspection by security and other authorized personnel. The Library reserves the right to limit the size and number of items brought into the Library to protect staff and patron safety and ensure accessibility.

Library staff, contractors, and/or law enforcement officers may intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Failure to comply with given instructions may result in 1) withdrawal of a person's permission to remain on Library property and/or 2) issuance of a Notice of Trespass from Library property and services for a period of one day to indefinitely, as provided in policies and procedures issued by the Trustees of the Boston Public Library. A criminal law violation may also result in arrest and/or prosecution.

Administrative Review and Appeal of Notices of Trespass

An individual who has received a Notice of Trespass may, within 30 days, request an administrative review of the trespass order. An administrative review must be made in writing and through the President’s Office. Requests may be mailed to 700 Boylston Street, c/o The President’s Office, Boston, MA 02116.

The Boston Public Library Board of Trustees has the authority under state law to establish reasonable rules regarding the Library and to exclude any person who willfully and persistently violates those rules. Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff and/or security staff will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Failure to comply with the Library’s established rules, regulations, and policies could result in removal from the premises and expulsion from the Library for a period of one day to indefinitely, or in arrest or prosecution. Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including the use of Library computers and other equipment. Expulsions may be appealed in writing to the President’s Office. Requests may be mailed to 700 Boylston Street, c/o The President’s Office, Boston, MA 02116.

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