Patron Code of Conduct

The Cherry Hill Public Library welcomes the community to the library for reading, studying, using library materials and services, participating in library events, and conducting other customary library business.  The library strives to provide an atmosphere conducive to the safe and orderly use of the facility and requests the cooperation of patrons in refraining from behavior that disrupts library services.  Parents or guardians, not the library staff, are responsible for the safety, care, and supervision of their children at the library.

For the safety of our patrons and our staff, the following activities are not allowed in the library:

• Eating or drinking except in designated areas, although covered drinking containers are permissible on hard surfaced areas (excluding the computer lab).
• Smoking on any library or township property, which includes the entire indoor area, the terrace, and areas outside the library and parking lots (by township resolution).
• Carrying a weapon into the library unless authorized by law. 
• Bringing animals into the library except those needed to assist a patron with a disability or for a special library event.
• Leaving a child under the age of ten unattended in the library without supervision See our Unattended Children Policy. [link]
• Talking loudly, making noise, or engaging in other disruptive behavior, including the use of loud, obscene or abusive language.
• Using a personal audio or communications device so that others can hear it.  .  Confine telephone conversations to the lobby areas on each floor or outside.  Please turn your cell phones to vibrate when entering the building.
• Interfering with another person’s use of the library or with the library staff’s performance of their duties.  Also see our Anti-Harassment Policy [link].
• Improper attire, including going without shoes and/or a shirt.
• Damaging library property or stealing library materials.
• Soliciting.
• Photography or filming on the library premises without the permission of the Library administration and all those photographed.
• Obstructing the entrance area of the library, either inside or outside the building
• Engaging in any illegal activity not otherwise listed.

Persistent or severe violations of the Library’s rules may result in the suspension of library privileges, including the right to enter or use the facilities and/or to borrow materials.  The Library Director is authorized to promulgate procedures for enforcing this policy.

The Library reserves the right to:

• Inspect all backpacks, bookbags, satchels, and briefcases.
• Limit the number of persons who may sit together.
• Impose time limits on the continuous use of library resources, including reference materials, computer equipment, public telephones, and study rooms.

Approved February 23, 2005