Library Policies

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The Syosset Library is dedicated to providing a friendly, respectful, safe, and enjoyable environment for all library users. The library’s expected rules of behavior are intended to protect the rights and safety of library patrons and staff members, preserve library materials, facilities and property, and provide for the library's secure and efficient operation.

Library patrons may only engage in activities that are associated with typical appropriate public library use which respects the rights of other patrons using the building as well as staff members in the performance of their duties.

In order to ensure a safe and appropriate atmosphere for the benefit of all, the following rules shall apply:

1. Disruptive behavior is not permitted in the library or on library property. This includes disorderly conduct that interferes with the use of the library by patrons as well as the staff’s performance of their duties and incudes, loitering, talking loudly on a cellphone, the misuse of library furnishings, or behaving in a manner which can reasonably be expected to disturb other library users.

2. Unwanted conversation, staring, and following another person around the library with the intent to annoy that person are considered harassing behavior and will not be tolerated. Furthermore, offensive or abusive language and gestures, violence, and threats of violence are immediate grounds for expulsion from the library.

3. Persons committing theft, vandalism, or other illegal acts in the library or on library property will be subject to prosecution.

4. Smoking or vaping of tobacco, marijuana, and other products is not be permitted in the building, or within one hundred feet of the entrances and exits of the library.

5. Inappropriate physical contact may result in legal action.

6. Possession of firearms, explosives, and other weapons are banned from the library.

7. Adult patrons who are not engaged in library activities in the Children’s Room or using materials from the Children’s area may be asked to relocate to other areas of the library.

8. The library reserves the right to examine all packages, briefcases, and any other containers before patrons and/or staff enter or exit the building in order to maintain a safe and pleasant environment for library staff and patrons. Any personal items that appear to be infested or have a foul odor that disturbs other patrons are prohibited. Personal belongs may not be left unattended as they can be stolen or tampered with. Please keep your belongings with you at all times. The library is not responsible for items that are lost, stolen, or damaged on library premises. Items left unattended may be removed from the building and library property.

9. Visitors with disabilities may ask library staff for reasonable accommodations.

10. Not wearing appropriate attire. Examples include, without limitation, not wearing a shirt, shoes or equivalent body or foot covering.

11. Possessing bodily hygiene so offensive as to create a nuisance or interference with the use of the library by other patrons or the performance of duties by library staff.

12. Soliciting or selling of any kind, distributing and/or posting literature, campaigning, canvassing, or poll taking for any reason in the building or grounds of the library, without the prior approval of the library director.

13. Bringing animals into the library, other than authorized service animals.

14. Eating and drinking are not permitted near library computers.

These rules have been adopted for the comfort and protection of all those using the library, its grounds, materials and services. The Board of Trustees understands that it cannot create a rule for all situations, therefore, library staff may need to intervene in situations that (1) present a danger to the safety of persons or property; (2) interfere with the rights of others; (3) constitute disturbing or inappropriate uses of the library; or (4) involve the commission of illegal acts. Rules will be enforced by library staff and we ask your cooperation in maintaining a pleasant atmosphere. If a patron is confronted with the violation of any of these rules, they should immediately inform a staff member. Expulsion from the library and/or loss of library privileges may result from violations of the Code of Conduct.

Adopted: December 13, 2022

Date: November 15, 2022                                                                      Date: December 13, 2022