• Hours
    • Monday9:30 am - 8:30 pm
      Tuesday9:30 am - 8:30 pm
      Wednesday9:30 am - 8:30 pm
      Thursday9:30 am - 8:30 pm
      Friday9:30 am - 4:30 pm
      Saturday9:30 am - 4:30 pm
      SundayClosed During the Summer
  • Location
    • 550 East Broad Street
      Westfield, NJ 07090
  • Call Us
    • (908) 789-4090
  • Language
    • English
    • Español
    • Polish

Westfield Memorial Library

The Westfield Memorial Library connects and engages all residents to make our community a better place to live.

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Rules of Conduct

RULES OF PATRON CONDUCT

Purpose: To ensure that all people who use and work at the Westfield Memorial Library can do so in a comfortable, welcoming, appropriate and safe environment. The Library Director and Board of Trustees have established these Rules of Patron Conduct to maintain an acceptable standard of conduct on the library premises and to ensure that the Library facilities provide equitable access to materials and services for all users. Appropriate library conduct includes activities such as reading, studying, properly using library materials or computers and other similar conduct normally associated with a public library. Violations of these Rules of Patrol Conduct may result in the limiting of library privileges.

Overview and Definitions:No individual may engage in inappropriate conduct on the premises of the Westfield Memorial Library, or when using library facilities, or when participating in library programs. Patrons shall be engaged in normal activities associated with the use of a public library while on its premises. Patrons not engaged in reading, studying, properly using library materials or computers and other similar conduct may be asked to leave the premises. Inappropriate conduct includes any individual or group activity which is unreasonably disturbing to other individuals lawfully using library facilities, materials and premises or is otherwise inconsistent with activities such as reading, studying, properly using library materials or computers and other similar conduct normally associated with a public library. When possible, library personnel will educate individuals about the applicable Rules of Patron Conduct before taking stronger measures.

Inappropriate conduct that may result in limiting library privileges shall include, without limitation, the following:

  1. Engaging in any behavior or gestures that a reasonable person would find to be intimidating, profane, obscene, abusive, disruptive, harassing, or threatening in nature to library patrons or personnel including, but not limited to, stalking, prolonged staring or leering, following another with the intent to annoy or disturb, intentionally behaving in a manner that could reasonably be expected to annoy or disturb other patrons, or initiating unwanted conversations.
  2. Interfering with the library personnel’s performance of their duties.
  3. Selling merchandise or services, soliciting, petitioning, surveying, distributing written materials, panhandling or canvassing for any political, charitable or religious purposes on library premises without prior written authorization of the Library Director. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no prior written approval is required to individuals providing bona fide tutoring or instructional services on either a paid or volunteer basis.
  4. Smoking, vaping, or other use of tobacco products. 
  5. Eating is permitted in the library in moderation. All containers must have covers. Eating small snacks is permitted, but patrons may be required to put away larger snacks or meals if, in the opinion of library personnel, it is causing a disturbance to other patrons. Non-alcoholic beverages may be consumed in the library if they are in closed containers. HOWEVER, eating or drinking while using library computers or in spaces designated as free from food is not permitted under any circumstances.
  6. Sleeping, napping or dozing in the library for more than 15 minutes.
  7. Running, skipping, jumping, pushing, shoving, roller skating, roller blading, bicycling, skateboarding or cycling.
  8. Engaging in excessive or disruptive conversations, talking loudly, using personal electronics, cell phones, audio or gaming equipment at such a volume that other patrons can hear it, or making ongoing noise that is unreasonably disturbing to other library patrons. Cell phones should be set to silent or vibrate mode and headphones shall be used while in the library.
  9. Not wearing shoes, shirts, pants or skirts in the library.
  10. Entering or remaining in the library with a bodily hygiene so offensive that it constitutes a nuisance to others.
  11. Moving furniture or equipment without the express consent of library personnel or use of furniture or equipment in any manner inconsistent with the customary use thereof and that may result in damage.
  12. Blocking of aisles with personal items or leaving such items unattended in the library at any time. Items may be removed from the library if they reasonably appear to be abandoned or have been left unattended for 30 minutes or more.
  13. Interfering with the safe and free passage of library personnel or patrons on the library, including but not limited to the placement of objects in hallways, aisles, flooring or the parking lot in a manner that impedes the free passage of such persons about the library.
  14. Bringing animals into the library except those needed to assist a patron with a disability authorized under the law.
  15. Using the library’s computer network in an unauthorized manner or displaying offensive or profane materials from the computer network to other patrons.
  16. Misusing the restrooms, including, but not limited to, using the restroom for purposes such as laundry, bathing, or shaving.
  17. Leaving a child age ten (10) and under unattended by a parent, guardian or caregiver on library premises including the Youth Services Department (see Addendum concerning the conduct and supervision of minors).
  18. Loitering in or around the Youth Services Department without being a parent, guardian or caregiver of a child using the Youth Services Department.
  19. Engaging in any other activities that are inconsistent with those activities normally associated with the use of public library including reading, studying and using library materials or computers. 

In addition to limiting library privileges, the following activities may result in penalties under the law:

  1. Committing or attempting to commit any activity that would constitute a crime or a violation under Federal, State or municipal law or ordinance.
  2. Possessing, selling, distributing, displaying or using any dangerous weapon as that term is defined in N.J.S.A. $20:11-1(c) upon library premises or using or threatening the use of any other object in such a manner that it may be considered a weapon. Any individuals carrying a weapon must have a concealed weapon permit on their person.
  3. Engaging in any physically intimidating or assaultive behavior. Making any threats of violence or engaging in any physical harm to library personnel or other patrons. The library has a policy of zero tolerance for threats and acts of violence or physical harm. Any person engaging in such behaviors will be immediately required to leave the library premises.
  4. Possessing, selling, distributing, consuming or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or controlled substance.
  5. Trespassing by entering or remaining on library premises after having been notified by library personnel not to do so and entering or remaining on the library premises during the period in which an individual has been banned.
  6. Entering non-public areas of the library without permission.
  7. Engaging in any sexual contact, activities or conduct.
  8. Stealing, vandalizing, destroying or intentionally damaging library materials, furniture, equipment or property.

Addendum concerning the conduct and supervision of minors: Westfield Memorial Library welcomes children. Parents, guardians and caregivers are responsible for children’s safety and behavior while in the library whether the parent, guardian or caregiver is present or not. Library personnel are not equipped, and it is not the library’s role, to provide long- or short-term childcare. The library assumes neither responsibility nor liability for the actions, care, supervision or safety of children. For the safety and comfort of children, a responsible adult or an older responsible individual must accompany children age ten (10) and under when they are in the library including the Youth Services Department. This responsible individual must supervise, guide and control the behavior of children under their care at all times. 

Library personnel will attempt to contact the parent, guardian or caregiver when a child is unattended, neglected or ignored, and (1) the child’s behavior is disruptive or inappropriate; (2) the child appears to be a danger to herself or himself or others; (3) the child appears to be threatened by others; or (4) the child appears to be ill or upset. In the event the parent, guardian or caregiver cannot be located, library personnel will contact the Westfield Police Department. In the event of an emergency, library personnel will call 911. 

Library personnel will attempt to contact the parent, guardian or caregiver of any unattended children age twelve (12) and under when the library closes. If a parent, guardian or caregiver cannot be located within 15 minutes, the Westfield Police Department will be contacted. Two library personnel will wait with the child until the police arrive. 

Inappropriate Use of the Youth Services Department: Adults are permitted in the Youth Services Department at the Westfield Memorial Library when accompanied by a child or if the adult is reading, studying, or using library materials from the Youth Services Department collections. Any adult not in compliance with these Rules of Patron Conduct will be asked to leave the Youth Services Department. If the adult does not comply with library personnel direction or repeatedly violates these Rules of Patron Conduct, the adult may be banned from the Youth Services Department. 

Library personnel response to violations: Violation of these Rules of Patron Conduct is misconduct that can result in expulsion from the library and forfeiture of library privileges. Minor violations will first result in library personnel attempting to educate or warn individuals about the Rules of Patron Conduct before enforcing them. If an individual continues to violate these Rules of Patron Conduct, library personnel may order that individual to leave the library for the remainder of the day.

However, any conduct that threatens the life or safety of any person or that is damaging to library property, equipment or facilities may result in immediate expulsion from the library. Library personnel are authorized to contact the Westfield Police Department to respond to such situations. Repeat misconduct or severe offenses (even if a single isolated event) may result in individuals being banned from the library from a week to a year. Library personnel will follow the established procedures below and will call the Westfield Police Department for severe or illegal behavior or when individuals refuse to leave when told by library personnel to do so. 

Banning Procedure: After library personnel determine that a person has engaged in severe or repeat misconduct and has determined that the individual involved should be banned: 

  1. The Library Director or Acting Director will issue, or cause to be issued, a written banning letter to the individual involved notifying the individual that they are banned from the Westfield Memorial Library. The letter shall indicate the reasons for the ban and the specific time period of the ban.
  2. The Library Director will note a description of the underlying behavior and the name and description of the banned individual. The Library Director will officially inform all library personnel about the reasons for the ban and the length of the ban. If, after consultation with personnel, the Library Director deems it appropriate to rescind or modify the terms of the ban, the Library Director shall notify the banned individual, all personnel, and the Board of Trustees, in writing, about the decision to rescind or modify the ban and specify the reasons for the rescission or modification. The Library Director shall also notify the banned individual of the process for appealing the ban.
  3. The Library Director will review and may reconsider the decision to ban an individual upon written request of the individual and may shorten or terminate the banning period if information submitted by the individual warrants such modification. Until such time as the banning letter has been reviewed and/or modified by the Library Director or reversed on appeal by the Board of Trustees, the individual shall be banned from the library and may not use the library for any reason whatsoever.
  4. If a banned individual enters the Westfield Memorial Library before the return date listed in the banning letter, library personnel shall contact the Westfield Police Department and the individual may be arrested for trespassing pursuant to N.J.S.A. 20:18-3.
  5. As an alternative to banning a juvenile, library personnel may restrict a juvenile from independent use of the library for a period of 30 days for the first violation, or 90 days for the second violation. The juvenile whose library use is restricted may use the library during the specified period only when the juvenile is accompanied by a responsible parent, guardian or caregiver. The juvenile’s parent, guardian or caregiver must receive notification of the restriction via certified mail. Violations of these Rules of Patrol Conduct may result in the limiting of library privileges.

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    Westfield Memorial Library

    550 East Broad Street, Westfield, NJ 07090
    (908) 789-4090
    Director | Allen McGinley

    Hours

    Monday9:30 am - 8:30 pm
    Tuesday9:30 am - 8:30 pm
    Wednesday9:30 am - 8:30 pm
    Thursday9:30 am - 8:30 pm
    Friday9:30 am - 4:30 pm
    Saturday9:30 am - 4:30 pm
    SundayClosed During the Summer

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    Copyright © 2022 · Westfield Memorial Library · Developed by Renaissance Web Solutions

    • About Us
      • About Westfield
      • Friends of the Library
      • Gifts and Memorials Program
      • History of the Library
      • Holiday Closings 2022
      • Library Board of Trustees
      • Library Curbside
      • Library Policies
      • Mission Statement
      • Positions Available
      • Publications
      • Solar Energy Production
      • Back
    • Circulation
      • Catalog Resources
        • Borrowing
          • Get A Card
          • Loan Periods 
          • Pay Fines
          • Books From Other Libraries
          • Health Literacy Tote Kits
          • Museum Passes
          • Books on Wheels
          • Back
        • Reserve & Renew Items
        • Search The Catalog
        • Back
      • Devices
        • Book Clubs in a Bag
          • Adult Book Clubs
          • Children’s Book Clubs
          • Back
        • E-Readers
        • Kill-A-Watt Devices
        • Mobile Hot Spots
        • Back
      • Back
    • Books & Media
      • Book Recommendations
      • Downloadable Audiobooks
      • Downloadable eBooks
      • Digital Magazines
      • Digital Music
      • Library Apps
      • Local History
      • Movies and Videos
      • Museum Passes
      • Online Book Club
      • Back
    • Events
    • Library Services
      • Adult Services
        • Adult Book Club Kits
        • Adult Events
        • Ask a Librarian
        • Book Match for Adults
        • Book Recommendations
        • Books on Wheels
        • Health Literacy Tote Kits
        • Meeting Room Policy
        • Museum Passes
        • Online Book Club
        • Remote Printing
        • What to Read Next (Novelist)
        • Back
      • Teen Services
        • Book Genie
        • Booklists for Teens
        • Brainfuse: Help Now
        • DMV Practice Test
        • Online Book Club
        • Teen Volunteering
        • Back
      • Youth Services
        • 1000 Books Before Kindergarten
        • 2022 Summer Reading Program
        • Book Genie
        • Booklists for Kids
        • Brainfuse: Help Now
        • Children’s Events
        • Talking to Children about War in Ukraine
        • Tumblebooks
        • Back
      • Back
    • Research
      • Library Tutorials
      • Local History
      • Recommended Websites
      • Research Databases
      • Social Media Tutorials
      • Back
    • Connect
      • Ask a Librarian
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Take Note Newsletter
      • Town of Westfield Code
      • Wowbrary
      • Back