The Medford Public Library encourages persons of all ages to use its facilities and resources for research, reference, study, reading, and browsing. Good public service requires that the Library environment be conducive to study, reading, and research as well as allow youth to explore and create within the bounds of library programming. This necessitates the willingness of all library users to be considerate of the rights of others to work safely and without disruption.
Failure to promptly comply with staff directives (whether documented policy or not), will result in suspension of library privileges at staff discretion.
Food will not be allowed in the Library, except at designated times or in designated rooms. Beverages cannot be alcoholic in nature and must be in covered containers at all times. Those who bring beverages into the library will be liable for any damages caused by leaks or spills.
The following activities are inappropriate to the library setting and are prohibited:
Smoking (Mass. General Laws Ch. 270, Sec. 22)
Creating a disturbance by making noise, talking loudly, or engaging in other disruptive conduct (MGL, Ch. 272, Sec. 41)
Interfering with another person’s right to use the library or with the library staff’s performance of their duties
Threatening behavior including, but not limited to: violence, threats of violence, and possession of weapons; bullying behavior–including cyberbullying (MGL, Ch. 275, Sec. 2)
Bringing animals into the library except those needed to assist persons with disabilities and/or with regards to library programs (MGL, Ch. 272, Sec. 98A)
Using audio equipment so that others may hear it; cell phones may be used in a manner that is not disruptive to others. Overtly loud phone conversations, ringtones or apps should not be used in the library
Misusing the restrooms (e.g. using it as a laundry or bathing facility)
Soliciting or canvassing of any kind (see Fundraising Policy for local non-profit exceptions)
Entering areas posted “Staff Only” without permission
Leaving a child under the age of 10 unattended (without someone 14 years or older) in the library (MGL, Ch. 119, Sec. 39)
Running
Skateboarding, snowboarding, or roller skating on library property
Sleeping or lying on furniture or the floor in a way that blocks egress, presents a safety hazard or prevents other patrons from using an area of the library
Spitting (MGL, Ch. 270, Sec. 14)
Those who damage or deface library materials or property will be prosecuted. (MGL, Ch. 266, Sec. 100) Parents can be held liable for damage done by a child under 18. (MGL, Ch. 231, Sec. 85G)
Theft of library materials, use of false identification to obtain a library card, or use of another person’s library card – without permission – are against state law and will be prosecuted. (MGL Ch. 266, Sec. 99A)
Unattended items (such as bags, backpacks, bikes/scooters, or laptops) may be regarded as suspicious and removed.
The library does not accept responsibility for any lost or stolen items.
Parents/Caretakers are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their young children.
All persons are required to wear clothing that covers their upper and lower body. Shoes are required.
All patrons must leave promptly at closing time.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ONE OR MORE OF THE LIBRARY’S ESTABLISHED POLICIES MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION OF LIBRARY PRIVILEGES.
**For patrons experiencing hygiene/health issues severe enough to impact access or use of the Library by the general public (i.e. vomiting, excessive coughing, noticeable fleas or lice, clothing stained with urine or feces, etc.), an effort will be made by staff to connect the individual with the City’s social services department. Once this effort has been made, the patron in question will be asked to leave the Library until the issue has been resolved.