In order to allow all patrons of the Abington Township Public Libraries, which includes the Abington Free Library and the Roslyn Branch Library, to use its facilities to the fullest extent during regularly scheduled hours, the Board of Trustees has adopted the following rules and regulations:
- Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a public library while in the building. Patrons not engaged in reading, studying, or using Library materials may be required to leave the building.
- Patrons shall not engage in any illegal activity while on Library grounds. Township police will be involved if illegal actions occur.
- Patrons shall not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs on Library grounds.
- Patrons shall respect the rights of other patrons and shall not create noise that disturbs others. Cell phone usage is discouraged in the Library. However, calls may be taken or placed from the Library lobby.
- Patrons shall not engage in loud, noisy, profane, obscene or abusive speech, gestures, and/or conduct. Patrons shall not harass staff or other patrons. Harassment consists of unwelcome verbal, physical, or visual conduct that is based upon a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, race, ancestry, religion, national origin, age, physical condition or handicap, medical condition, disability, mental status, veteran status, or other protected status.
- Abusive behavior towards other patrons or staff will not be tolerated and those conducting such behavior will be asked to leave. If the patron refuses to leave, the police will be called.
- Patrons shall not interfere with the use of the Library by other patrons or interfere with Library employees' performance of their duties. Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to, soliciting, panhandling, selling, and sleeping.
- Patrons shall not smoke, or use tobacco, tobacco products or electronic cigarettes in the Library.
- While food and beverages may be purchased from the vending machines located in the Abington Free Library, patrons shall not consume outside foods such as meals and hot foods. Outside foods are limited to snacks only. No food of any kind is permitted in the Shorday Room or at the Roslyn Branch.
- Materials that are property of ATPL must be checked out on a valid library card.
- Patrons shall not deface or mar books, magazines, newspapers, recordings, or other items that are part of the Library collection, nor shall they deface, mar, or in any way destroy or damage Library furnishings, walls, machines or other Library property.
- Patrons shall not be permitted to enter the building without a shirt or other covering of the upper body, without pants or a covering of the lower body, or without shoes or other footwear.
- Patrons whose bodily hygiene or excessive use of scented products is so offensive as to constitute a nuisance to Library staff or patrons may be required to leave the building.
- Each patron shall be responsible for any fines, fees, or other charges due in accordance with the Library's standard schedules. Failure to pay these fines will result in a suspension of borrowing privileges and may result in other actions implemented by the Executive Director.
- Patrons shall not bring pets or animals into the Library other than service animals.
- Children 10 years old and under may not be left alone in any part of the Library without an accompanying adult (see Safe Children Policy).
- Restrooms are for public use and are not to be used to shave, bathe, or wash clothes or hair. Bathrooms are not a space to be used for private phone calls. Bathrooms in the Children’s Department are for use by children and their caretakers only and for patrons who are attending a library program in the Community Room.
Any patron not abiding by these rules and regulations of the Library may be required to leave the Library premises. Any patron who violates the Library rules and regulations may be denied the privilege of access to the Library by the Library's Board of Trustees, on recommendation of the Executive Director. Any patron whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Board of Trustees.