BRPL: Rules of the Library

The Boca Raton Public Library may be used for reading, studying, or using the Library's materials, services, or equipment. All uses of the Library are subject to the following rules:

ALCOHOL
The use of alcohol in the Library building or on the grounds is prohibited, with the exception of special events that are approved, licensed, and insured.

ANIMALS
Animals, other than animals trained for services purposes for the disabled, are prohibited in the Library building.

ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT
The use of athletic equipment, including, but not limited to, balls, rollerblades, or skateboards, is prohibited in the building or entryway.

BICYCLES/GROCERY CARTS
Bicycles and grocery carts are prohibited in the Library building.

HARASSMENT
Harassment is prohibited. Harassment is deliberate and repeated behavior that is not welcome and creates a hostile environment, including but not limited to, use of abusive language or fighting.

NOISE
Loud talking, shouting, whistling, and singing are prohibited, whether in person or on a cell phone. Use of electronic equipment in the Library building which is audible to others is prohibited.

OFFENSIVE BEHAVIOR
Library patrons must wear shirts and shoes. Patrons whose personal hygiene is unreasonably offensive so as to constitute a nuisance by substantially interfering with other patrons' use of the Library shall be required to leave the Library building.

PERSONAL PROPERTY
Patrons are responsible for their own personal property. Personal items should not be left unattended. The Library is not responsible for any personal property brought into the Library.

RUNNING
Running and jumping are prohibited.

SLEEPING
Sleeping in the Library building or on the grounds is prohibited, except for infants or toddlers under the supervision of a Library patron.

STAFF AREAS
Patrons are allowed only in public areas of the building unless accompanied by a staff member.

TELEPHONE
Library telephones may be used only by Library staff.

THEFT/DAMAGE TO PROPERTY
Stealing, damaging, or altering any property of the Library is prohibited by law. Damage can include, but not be limited to: cutting or removing pages or articles from books or magazines, hacking or altering computer settings, writing in books, magazines, on furniture or walls.

UNATTENDED CHILDREN
Parents are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their children. Leaving children under the age of eight (8) in the Library building or upon Library grounds unattended by an adult is prohibited.

Library users observed by a staff member violating Library rules will be asked verbally to cease the violation. If a patron does not comply with the request, he or she will be asked to leave the building. If he or she refuses, Police Services will be called.

After the third instance of receiving a verbal request from staff to cease the violation, the user shall receive a written notice from the Manager of Library Services specifying the nature of the violation. Any future violation of the same rule shall result in a two-week suspension of Library privileges. Subsequent violations will result in a one-month suspension and then a three-month suspension of Library privileges.

Library users receiving a notice of suspension may within ten (10) working days appeal the ruling by written correspondence to the Manager of Library Services. The Manager of Library Services will respond to the appeal within ten (10) working days. If the appeal to the Manager of Library Services is not satisfactory, the Library user may, by written communication, make a final appeal to the Deputy Director of Recreation Services [Library and Recreation]. The Deputy Director shall respond to the user within fourteen (14) working days.

Any criminal activity, including theft or attempted theft of Library materials, will immediately be reported to the police.

September 2011