Empowerment, Enlightenment, Empathy
Code of Conduct
To allow people to use and enjoy the Library we have established a Code of Conduct. Where applicable, these rules also apply to the exterior Library property.
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In general, behavior that violates the law, behavior that interferes with the use and enjoyment of the Library by others, and behavior that interferes with Library employees in the performance of their duties, is prohibited. Smoking, sleeping, carrying a weapon (unless authorized by law), and disruptive behavior will not be allowed. In cases like these, the police daprtment may be notified.
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Public health codes must be observed. Library customers must be fully clothed and wear shoes.
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Although an attempt is made to keep noise levels low, customers can expect a completely quiet environment only in the Mildred I. Olsen wing which houses the library’s reference collection.
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Children under the age of seven must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or caregiver over the age of eleven.
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Opening and closing times as posted are to be observed by the staff and customers. The Mildred I. Olsen wing closes fifteen minutes prior to the Library’s posted closing time. All computers are turned off ten minutes prior to closing.
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Restrooms may not be used as a laundry or changing room.
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Except to assist a customer who has a disability, animals may not be brought into the library.
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Use of the Library’s program room is restricted to programs sponsored by the Library and/or the Friends of the Library.
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The Library Director must authorize the distribution and/or posting of materials. Material must be submitted for review and approval.
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Solicitation within the library is prohibited unless the Library Board of Trustees has approved such sales.
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All library materials must be returned in the same condition as when first received. Replacement charges are assessed for damaged library materials. All library materials must be checked out at one of the circulation desks. Each adult borrower assumes responsibility for materials checked out on his/her library card until the library has been notified that the card has been lost or stolen. A parent or guardian of borrowers who are younger than 18 years of age assumes responsibility for materials they check out.
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Overdue fines are charged for late return of materials. The Library Director is authorized to employ a collection agency with the approval of the Library Board and to seek other legal remedies, such as referral to the Ridgefield Park Municipal Court to enforce Ridgefield Park Ordinance 23-85, which exists to ensure the return, or replacement cost of overdue materials. Library privileges will be temporarily suspended until the borrower meets financial obligations of $10.00 or more; or if library materials are more than 60 days overdue.
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Replacement cost for library materials that are overdue by more than six months are automatically added to the borrower’s library card account and the material is considered lost. Such added charges must be paid before the library card can be used again or before the borrower can sponsor another person for borrowing privileges. Materials borrowed from other Bergen County Cooperative Library System members are subject to the lending library’s policies.
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Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building.
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Separate policies exist that govern personal computers, Internet access, use of the children’s department by adults, use of the adult department by children.
Children's Section Code of Conduct
The Children's Department is for children ages infant - 6th grade or 11 years old. 7th grade, 12 years old and over must use the teen/adult rooms.
A parent/guardian, or responsible caregiver, or older sibling (ages 11 and over) must accompany children under the age of 8 years old for their safety and comfort while using the library.
No child under the age of 8 may use the computers in the children's department. There are special computers in the Early Literacy Room for children 7 years and under.
Visitors of all ages are subject to the same rules and consequences. No patron is allowed to engage in inappropriate behavior in the children's department. Examples include but are not limited to the following: yelling, inappropriate language and sounds, bullying, and harassing patrons and staff members. Children engaging in this behavior will be asked to leave the library and a parent may be notified if the behavior persists.
Children ages 8 and over can sign up for a computer for 1/2 hour sessions.
The Early Literacy Room is for children 7 years old or younger and must be supervised by an adult or tween (ages 11 or over).
Food and drink is only allowed in designated "Snack" tables.
Children are to use "inside" voices while in the children's department.
Children or adults are not permitted to take photos of any type while in the library.
Children and/or adults are expected to clean up after themselves.
Cellphones are to be used only in the designated "Snack" areas.
Young Adult Section Code of Conduct
Young Adults (Grades 7-12) are allowed to come to the library without the presence of an adult. The Young Adult section is part of the Adult area of the library, and is open to 7th Grade and above (6th Grade and Under may use the Children's Area). However, there are 3 Core Rules that Young Adults are expected to follow in order to maintain enjoyment of the library space:
Respect the Patrons -- we are not a "shushing library". However, all library patrons can expect a welcoming environment. In order to maintain this, YAs are expected to refrain from offensive, harmful, or extremely loud language; refrain from insulting and bullying one another; refrain from any physical action that may upset, harm or distract other library patrons. Yelling, throwing, or running across the library is unacceptable.
Respect the Space -- YAs are not allowed to leave any garbage behind when they have completed their time at the library. All garbage in an area must be cleaned before leaving the building. Exiting and entering the building constantly is discouraged. Only 4 chairs are allowed per table. If space is being taken up from a YA who is not working or partaking in library activities, they may be asked to free the space for other library patrons.
Respect the Librarians -- librarians are here to assist YAs with their work, and to provide enrichment through library programs, volunteering opportunities, resources and reading materials. Harassment of a staff member (including insulting, name-calling, or back-talk) is not acceptable.
A general, easy way to remember these rules: if it is not acceptable in school, it is not acceptable in the library. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in expulsion from the library, or, if necessary, a revoking of library privileges for a period of time as determined by the Library Director. Sometimes, parents of YAs causing disturbances may be called to be notified of their behavior. If a parent cannot be notified, and the behavior persists, then the police department maybe called.