The Board of Trustees of the White Plains Public Library is committed to ensuring that the Library is welcoming and respectful of all.
The Board is authorized to establish this Code of Conduct for the well-being of Library staff, patrons, resources, and facilities. The Library Director is authorized by the Board to interpret and enforce this Code in the best interest of Library users and staff.

EXPECTATIONS

Agree that the Library is a shared space, in use by a wide range of people with different experiences, backgrounds, needs, and purposes.

Treat everyone with respect, and expect to be treated with respect from Library staff and users. Respect is the due regard for a person’s rights, identity, feelings, aspirations, and traditions.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

• Committing or attempting to commit any activity that constitutes a violation of any federal, state or local statute, or ordinance.
• Engaging in sexual conduct or lewd behavior on Library premises, as defined under New York Penal Law (New York State Penal Code, Section 245 Public lewdness).
• Using controlled substances on Library premises (New York State Penal Code, Section 220).
• Smoking or other use of tobacco, such as vaping, inside Library buildings or within 100 feet of Library property (New York State Public Health Code, Section 1399).
• Drinking alcoholic beverages on Library premises.
• Committing acts of violence, threats of violence, harassment, bullying, name-calling, sexual harassment, and unwanted or inappropriate touching.
• If you experience violence of any kind, or are threatened in any way, contact Library staff.

USE OF THE LIBRARY

The Library is a community space.
Expect varying levels of noise and activity depending on the area of the Library and how it is being used. Different behaviors and activities are acceptable in some parts of the Library that are not acceptable in others. See a Library staff member for assistance in finding a suitable location if a space is needed for conversation, use of a phone, meetings, quiet study, or other uses.

The Trove serves children from birth through Grade 6 and their families. The Edge serves youth in Grades 7-12. Adults are welcome to use the Trove if they are accompanying a child or actively engaged in using the collection; likewise, adults are welcome to use the Edge if they are actively engaged in using the collection. The Hub provides reference service to teens and adults.

Treat Library property, equipment, and furniture with care.
Covered beverages are allowed throughout the building. Please clean up after yourself. Garbage and recycling bins are available throughout the building; support our recycling program by using the correct bin.

Do not solicit, distribute, or post materials unless they have been approved by the Assistant Director.

Be responsible for your personal belongings. The Library is not responsible for any items left unattended and they may be removed by Security.

This Code of Conduct is not intended to be a complete list of expected behavior. The Library Board, the Library Director, and Library staff reserve the right to take appropriate action if a user’s behavior is deemed to be offensive or disturbing to other Library users or staff. This could result in expulsion from the building and the loss of Library privileges. If you have been banned from the Library or had your privileges suspended, you can request a hearing from the Library Director or designee thereof.

Related policies: Unattended Child Policy, Service Animals, Customer Service.

Revised and adopted by the White Plains Library Board of Trustees on 7/12/23.

PDF Version: WPPL Policy Code of Conduct 07-12-2023.pdf