Memorial Hall Library provides free and equitable access to resources, staff, and spaces within a welcoming environment where everyone can connect with one another and the world. No one may disrupt or interfere with others’ use or enjoyment of the library, including its facilities, services, and programs, inhibit or interfere with the work of library staff, or create risk of harm to themselves or others or of damage to library, patrons, or staff property.

Patron Use Expectations

Comply with:

• local, state, and federal laws
• public health and safety guidelines
• library signage and policies

The following are examples of expectations, but are not intended to be a complete list:

• Respect the rights of others to use the library without disturbance. Refrain from talking loudly, roughhousing, using profanity, or engaging in other behaviors that could reasonably be expected to disturb others (MGL, Ch. 272, Sec. 41).
• Speak with a staff person if there is a concern about a patron’s behavior, a policy, or a procedure.
• Use library property as intended. Damaging or altering library facilities, collections, or technology is not permitted (MGL, Ch. 266, Sec. 100).
• Harassment of any kind is not permitted, including but not limited to actions which target groups or individuals based on race, creed, color, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, physical appearance, physical or mental ability, socioeconomic level, education level, and any other legally protected characteristics. 
• Appropriate attire, including shirts and shoes, is required.
• Use headphones with any device with audio output. 
• Cell phones or other electronic devices should be set to vibrate or on silent. Keep conversations short and refrain from talking loudly.
• Do not leave personal property unattended.
• Smoking, vaping, consuming alcohol, and using or selling any controlled substance inside the building or within 25 feet of any entrance is not permitted (MGL, Ch. 270, Sec. 21-22).
• Outdoor recreational equipment must be stored outside. 
• Service animals are permitted in the building. A service animal is a dog, or a miniature horse trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability (MGL, Ch. 272, Sec. 98A).
• Snacks are allowed in the building except in Memorial Hall, the Makerspace, or at any public computer. 
• Beverages in covered containers are allowed in the building except in Memorial Hall and on the counters in the Makerspace. 
• Clean up after yourself. Trash and recycling receptacles are located throughout the building.
• Quiet conversation and group study are permitted in all areas of the building, except for Level 2, which is a Silent Study area
• Children under 10 years old (MGL, Ch.119, Sec. 39), and vulnerable adults unable to care for themselves, must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver defined as an adult or mature adolescent, over the age of 13 years. 
• Due to the equipment found in the Makerspace, elementary age children and younger must always be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver over the age of 18.
• During times when school is not in session, the Teen Room is reserved for students in 6th-12th grade, to students being home-schooled who are of similar age, and to teenagers through age 18. Adults & younger children may always browse the collection and borrow items.
• Patrons must leave promptly at closing.

Enforcement of Policy

All staff members can address matters that require attention. This includes communicating policy violations and consequences to visitors, including giving patrons a copy of this and other relevant policies. Additional enforcement actions include but are not limited to:

• A verbal warning 
• Request to immediately leave the premises
• Communication with parents/guardians for those under 18 years old 
• Request for police assistance
• A written warning from the Director or their designee
• Issuance of a “No Trespass” order that prohibits access to library property
• Patrons whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Library Board of Trustees.

Approved: Board of Library Trustees, Feb 12, 2014 Updated: Oct 8, 2014; June 24, 2015, October 12, 2016, September 13, 2017, January 8, 2025