Library Use Policy

William Jeanes Memorial Library

Library Use Policy

The mission of the William Jeanes Memorial Library is to be a resource center that serves the diverse and changing needs of the community by providing materials, programs, and services for education, enrichment, and enjoyment.

The William Jeanes Memorial Library and Nicholas and Athena Karabots Center for Learning provides public library services to the 17,000 residents of Whitemarsh Township. Neighbors from other communities are welcome to enjoy our rich array of programs and the ever-changing collection.

Service will not be denied to anyone who visits the library (on site, by phone, or virtually) because of religious, racial, social, economic or political status, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

Library users must respect the rights of others and may not harass or annoy others or behave in a manner that reasonably could be expected to disturb other persons. Library users may not engage in disruptive/destructive behavior that interferes with the use of the library by other persons or that interferes with a library employee’s performance of his or her duties.

To help us provide a welcoming environment for all, please note the following when you are in the Library:

 

  • Speak quietly to those around you. In addition, cell phones, portable audio devices (with headphones) or other entertainment or communication devices are permitted as long as they do not disturb others. Be conscious of the noise level of your conversations in order to respect others using the library. Patrons must abide by the instructions of the Library staff if asked to modulate their volume.

 

  • Personal property is your responsibility. Do not leave laptops, purses, or other valuables unattended.

 

  • Patrons are responsible for Library fines. Failure to pay fines, fees, or other charges (including printing costs) due in accordance with the Library’s standard schedules will result in suspension of borrowing privileges.

 

  • Verbally or physically harassing or threatening other patrons, volunteers, or staff including stalking, staring, lurking, offensive touching, and obscene or inappropriate acts will not be tolerated.

 

  • Staff and Library email addresses and phone numbers may not be used for non-Library business.

 

  • Engaging in any activity in violation of Federal, State, local or other applicable law, or Library policy such as being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs and selling, using, or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs is strictly prohibited, excluding library functions where alcohol may be served.

 

  • Respect posted non-public areas of the Library.

 

  • Patrons should refrain from interfering with library employees’ performance of duties.

 

  • Please respect the Library’s posted closing times. Staff will give all patrons a notice 10-15 minutes prior to closing, and patrons are requested to please conclude business, bring items to the Circulation Desk for check-out, or log off public computers.

Note: In order to properly complete your library card application, please try to apply at least 15 minutes before the posted closing time.

 

  • Respect library property. Mutilating, damaging, defacing, or stealing library property is prohibited by law.

 

  • You are welcome to bring a snack, as light snacks and beverages (with lids) are permitted in designated areas. Trash receptacles and recycling bins are provided for your convenience. Only beverages with lids are permitted near the computers.

Note: Peanut or other food allergens may be present in the Library. Parents of minors with allergies shall monitor their children at all times.

 

  • Running, rollerblading, fighting, shoving, and throwing are prohibited. They are dangerous and could result in someone getting hurt.

 

  • Dress properly. This means a shirt and shoes. No wet swimsuits, cleats or Heelys, please.

 

  • Shoes must be kept on at all times. Feet should remain on the floor, not on chairs or tables.

 

  • Leave your pets at home. Animals needed to assist the disabled are permitted. Animals left in cars, even with the windows down, will be reported to the Whitemarsh Township Police.

 

  • Breathe fresh air. The library and the grounds are a smoke-free environment.

 

  • Please refrain from using profanity.

 

  • Children’s furnishings and toys in the children’s area are reserved for children’s use only.

 

  • Staff may inspect bags and other articles that could be used to conceal library property.

 

  • Lock bicycles and other wheeled devices on the designated rack outside the Library (exceptions include wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers). Using wheeled devices including skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, scooters, and shopping carts in the Library is prohibited. Wheeled bags—such as those used to transport files and program materials—are permitted.

In most cases of inappropriate behavior a verbal warning will be given by a member of the Library staff. If the behavior continues, the patron may be asked to leave the Library.

Please abide by this policy. Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff and/or Whitemarsh Township police will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors.

Revoking Library Access

Failure to comply with the Library’s established rules and policies could result in removal from the premises and expulsion from the Library for a period of one day or longer. The Library Director may deny access for a period of up to one year or permanently for any violation that significantly disrupts the operation of the library or significantly interferes with a patron’s or patrons’ right(s) to use the library. The Library Director has the right to ban anyone from the library who defies this policy. Illegal activities will be reported to the Whitemarsh Township Police Department.

Before denying access to any person, the Director shall inform the person of the reason and period of time he or she is being denied access, and give the person a reasonable opportunity to state his or her response to the proposed denial.

The Director shall confirm the denial by written notice to the person. A note will be placed in the patron’s record.

A person denied access may appeal to the Director within five (5) days of the date of notice. If the Director affirms the decision to deny access, the person denied such access may appeal the denial in writing to the Library Board, c/o 4051 Joshua Road, Lafayette Hill, PA 19454, within ten (10) days of the date of notice. The appeal shall state the reasons why access to the library should not be denied.

An appeal to the Library’s Board of Directors shall not stay the Director’s denial. The Board of Directors may affirm, modify, or reverse the Director’s denial. A person who has been denied access permanently may re-apply to the Board of Directors for access after a period of one year. The petition shall set forth the reasons the person believes reinstatement is justified.

The Board of Directors may deny, grant, or grant with conditions the petition for reinstatement.

The Library as a Meeting Space:

Tables are provided in the Library for small group work. The Community Room in the Children’s area and the Board Room are for library events or meetings. The Board Room, if not in use, may be used as a quiet room. Under some circumstances, library staff has the right to open the Community Room to patrons during hours when the Library is crowded. This decision may only be made by a staff member who is available to supervise the room.

Please see our Meeting Room Use Policy here.

 

A Note about Children:

For children, the library can be an exciting place of discovery and fun. You can help us make it a safe one, too, by doing the following:

  • Keep children age 8 and under with you at all times. Children under the age of 12 should not be left without a parent/guardian somewhere in the library.
  • Library staff is not responsible for restricting children from access to library materials or services.
  • Please ask a library staff member if you are unsure of our closing time before dropping off your child(ren). Police will be notified when a child under the age of 12 is left at closing. In some cases, the child will be sent to the police station to wait for his/her parent/guardian to pick him/her up.

Please see our Young Children Policy here.

 

Revision approved by the William Jeanes Memorial Library Board of Directors
5/30/17







CLOSING AT 6:00 PM ON TUESDAY 2/11

We'll be closing early this evening so that staff and patrons may travel safely ahead of the storm.

Please call the Library or visit the website Wednesday morning before heading over.

 

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