Premises Policies
Code of Conduct
Welcome to the Ossining Public Library! The library strives to provide a safe, comfortable, pleasant, and clean environment for the community. We want everyone to enjoy the library and to have a productive experience. To do so requires everyone's cooperation. Therefore, everyone can help by following the rules listed:
Be considerate of other library users and library staff:
• Public health codes must be observed.
• Appropriate attire to a public building, including footwear, must be worn on library property.
• Food must be limited to the café area, except at library-sponsored programs and in meeting rooms in accordance with the Meeting Room Use policy.
• Drinks in closed containers are allowed throughout the building except at computer terminals.
• Patrons must keep noise to an appropriate level so that it does not interfere with the library’s mission and other patrons’ use.
• Only service animals or animals used in library programs are permitted in the building.
• Patrons whose odor impairs the ability of other users to use the library may be required to leave the building.
• Patrons may not loiter in entrances, doorways or steps.
• Patrons must leave the library at designated closing times.
• Library staff is not responsible for locating, paging or delivering messages to library users.
Patrons must abide by all library policies.
For everyone’s safety:
• Running is not allowed on library property.
• Skates, rollerblades, Heelys, scooters (unless medically necessary), skateboards, etc. may not be used on library property.
• Bicycles must be parked in the bike rack outside the front entrance. You must provide your own lock.
• Personal property may not obstruct aisles, walkways or seating.
• The library is not responsible for the care of unattended children. Children under the age of 10 must be in the company of a person at least 14-years-old at all times. Those who accompany children are responsible for their behavior.
• Patrons are not allowed behind public service desks, in library offices or in any staff area without prior authorization.
Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:
• Illegal behavior of any kind
• Carrying firearms or other weapons, except those carried by law enforcement officers while on duty.
• Disorderly conduct, which may include:
• Brawling or fighting
• Language or behavior that is offensive, abusive, or obscene
• Boisterous, inappropriate, or disruptive behavior
• Cursing
• Harassment
• Any form of sexual misconduct, including but not limited to, exposure, offensive touching or sexual harassment of other patrons or staff.
• Behavior that threatens others.
• Possession of illegal drugs or alcohol on library property.
• Being under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol while on library property
• Use of tobacco products in the building and adjacent library property.
• Vandalism, destruction or tampering of library property or the property of other patrons.
• Removal or attempting removal of library materials or property from the building without authorization.
• Failure to adhere to copyright laws.
• Sleeping, eating, or lounging on library furniture.
• Disturbing other patrons’ use of the library.
• Speaking on cell phones or walkie-talkies, except in designated areas.
• Soliciting, distributing materials, petitioning or selling on library property, except as authorized by library policy.
The Ossining Public Library:
• Is not responsible for any personal property. Personal items left in the library may be discarded.
• May inspect all backpacks, book bags, satchels and briefcases, or require the production of identification for security of the library and its patrons.
• May limit the number of persons who can sit together to ensure the use and enjoyment of the library by its patrons.
• May impose time limits on the use of library resources, including reference materials, computer equipment, public telephones and study rooms.
This policy applies to conduct with respect to all library property, including all library buildings and grounds. Any patron failing to comply with this policy or other library policy, rule or regulation may be required to leave the library property and/or be denied the privilege of access to the library’s materials and resources. Violations of library policies may result in civil or criminal consequences, as appropriate.
We thank you in advance for adhering to the Ossining Public Library’s policies. Your cooperation will allow all patrons to enjoy and benefit from using the library’s resources.
Adopted May 19, 2008 by the Ossining Public Library Board of Trustees
Unattended Children Policy
The Ossining Public Library welcomes children of all ages, and encourages them to make use of the resources that the library has to offer. The library staff strives to ensure that the library is operated in a safe manner. The objective reality, however, is that the library is open to the public and may present hazards for unattended children. The responsibility for the care, safety and behavior of children in the library and on library property rests with the children’s parents, guardian or other responsible caregiver. The library and its staff are not responsible for the care, safety and behavior of children in the library or on library property or for any consequences resulting from the children being in the library or on library property.
Children under age of ten must be accompanied and supervised continually by a parent, guardian or other responsible caregiver of at least fourteen years of age who is able to attend to the children's care and safety and ensure appropriate behavior. A parent, guardian or other responsible caregiver must remain with the child at all times, unless the child is attending a program exclusively for children. During the program the parent, guardian or caregiver must remain in the building. If an unaccompanied child under the age of ten is found in the library, the library staff will attempt to locate his/her parent, guardian or other responsible caregiver in the library. If the parent, guardian or other responsible caregiver cannot be found, the police may be contacted. Library staff will not provide transportation for children left unaccompanied in the library.
If an unaccompanied child aged ten or older is asked to leave the library due to violations of Library policies, rules, regulations, or directives or an unexpected library closing, the library staff will attempt to locate his/her parent, guardian or other responsible caregiver. If the parent, guardian or other responsible caregiver cannot be found, the police may be contacted. Library staff will not provide transportation for children left unaccompanied in the library.
All children in the library must follow the library's rules and are expected to use the library in a manner that does not interfere with its purpose or other patrons’ use of the library. Children whose behavior is disruptive may be asked to leave the library and may have their library privileges suspended.
The library staff will not provide food, transportation or money to children. They will not take responsibility for a child in the event of a medical emergency.
The library sometimes does not open as scheduled, or closes without advance notice, due to weather or other emergencies. Parents or guardians may not receive notice of an unexpected closure. However, parents or guardians of unattended children must be aware that the library staff will not be responsible for unattended children.
Violations of this policy may result in a loss of library privileges.
Adopted May 19, 2008 by the Ossining Public Library Board of Trustees
Regulations for the Use of Meeting Room Spaces by Outside Organizations
The Ossining Public Library contains rooms that are available to community groups and individuals upon request. These rooms are available for educational, recreational, and civic purposes provided that such use does not interfere with Library services or programs or place an undue burden on Library resources. Failure to comply with any part of this policy may result in future denial of meeting room use.
FACILITIES
The Theater/Performance Space can seat up to 250 people. This room is suitable for presentations, lectures, performances and meetings, and may be reserved by groups of 25 or more.
The Conference Room can seat up to 50 people. It is suitable for small group meetings and presentations.
The Children's Program Room can seat up to 100 people. This room is suitable for meetings and presentations.
EQUIPMENT
Groups are welcome to bring their own audio/visual and lighting equipment. If a group wishes to use Library equipment, arrangements must be made in advance. Some equipment requires special training to operate. The Library, at its discretion, may require an extra fee for providing staff to operate equipment during a program.
Please see attached list of equipment.
ELIGIBILITY
The Ossining Public Library serves the residents of the Ossining Union Free School District, and is funded through local taxation. Therefore, only groups and organizations based within the District or that provide substantial services to its residents may request meeting space. Individuals who live, work, or attend classes in the District may also request space.
Rooms are allocated in the order they are requested. Priority will be given to Library programs.
Within these parameters, the following rules apply:
• Library staff may observe all meetings and programs.
• Fundraising events and sales may not take place on Library property unless the event is primarily for a public purpose.
• Refreshments may be served if so noted on the application. However, no hospitality services or custodial assistance will be provided in connection with food service, and groups will be responsible for topical cleaning and the removal of all food and trash. The Library reserves the right to charge additional fees if refreshments are served.
• Groups may use the kitchen for an additional fee. There are no facilities for cooking.
• Smoking is not permitted in the Library or on Library property.
• Activities for minors, age 17 and under, must be supervised by responsible adults.
• Alcohol may be served with the express permission of the Library Director and in accordance with the following provisions:
The Library Director must approve the request. Factors considered for the approval include:
• The nature of the event
• The number of attendees
• The time of day
• Library funds may not be used to pay for alcohol.
• No one under the age of 21 may consume, possess or be served any alcoholic beverages, even with the consent of his/her parent or guardian.
• The serving of alcoholic beverages will end one hour before the scheduled close of the event. During the Library's regular hours of operation, the serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages is limited to the lower level.
Individuals or groups who violate state or local laws or this policy may be prohibited from attending and/or hosting future events at the Library where alcoholic beverages are available.
The organization must indicate its intent to serve alcoholic beverages in the Meeting Room Application as part of the description of the event and complete the Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement.
The organization must provide proof of insurance in the amount of $1,000,000, naming the Library as a covered entity for the purposes of the event. If a third party will be serving the alcoholic beverages, then this party also must provide proof of insurance and hold all necessary licenses.
The following activities or programs are not permitted:
• Solicitation of names and addresses of attendees for business purposes, distribution of commercial literature or business cards, or sale or distribution of merchandise.
• Religious sectarian meetings and worship services.
• Partisan campaigning or political fundraising by any group or individual.
Individuals' private parties, receptions or meetings.
Any use not specifically covered herein, or as to which there is an ambiguity, shall be subject to review by the Library Board of Trustees, who shall make the final decision.
HOURS OF USE
Rooms will be available during the posted hours of the Library, and programs should end at least 15 minutes prior to closing time.
Room availability outside of Library hours is subject to the Library's ability to arrange appropriate staffing. The cost of this staffing is reflected in the fee schedule.
RESERVATIONS AND CANCELLATIONS
Advance reservations are required and must be made no earlier than three months and no later than one week prior to the date of the event.
All groups and organizations must complete the Meeting Room Application and Hold Harmless Agreement. Applications are available on the Library website and at the Library Information Desk. The individual who signs the application must be at least 18 years of age and be in attendance when the meeting room is in use. S/he shall be responsible for the conduct of the group, payment of bills, and for protection of Library property in connection with the meeting. The Library shall be promptly reimbursed by the signing party for any expense or damage resulting from the use of the facility.
The Library encourages use of meeting rooms for diverse events and groups and seeks to give all eligible organizations an opportunity to use its services. Therefore, no group or individual may reserve a room more than 12 times in a 12-month period.
Reservations must be cancelled 14 days in advance for full refund of fees, 7 days in advance days for a half refund and if less than 7 days, all fees are forfeited.
The Library reserves the right to cancel any reservation, with 7 days' notice and full refund, if a Library event/program needs the room. The Library reserves the right to cancel prior meeting room reservations without notice in the event of emergency such as snow closings or unsafe building conditions. All fees will be refunded or activities re-scheduled.
FEES
Please see the current schedule of fees. Fees for room use are expected to be paid within 48 hours of reservation. Groups that intend to use a meeting room before or after regular Library hours must make prior arrangements with the Library.
SECURITY
For after-hours events with an estimated attendance of more than 100 people, the Library may require the organization to hire an independent security guard.
LIABILITY
The Library allows the use of its facilities with the understanding that the Library accepts no responsibility for the personal safety of any person, either inside or outside the building, during that use. The Library is not responsible for damage, loss, or theft of personal property. All users agree to indemnify and hold the Library harmless from any loss, damage, liability, costs and/or expense including but not limited to attorney fees, that may arise during or to be caused in any way by such use of the Library facilities. They also agree to compensate the Library for any damages to the meeting room(s) or other property of the Library caused by, or resulting from, the use of the meeting room.
The Library reserves the right to require a Certificate of Liability Insurance form from an insurance company acceptable to the Ossining Public Library showing minimum limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, which includes the Ossining Public Library as an additional insured, and providing contractual liability for the hold harmless and indemnification agreement, which is acknowledged in this policy. Where required, the Certificate of Liability must be produced prior to the use of a meeting room. Though the Ossining Public Library may waive the insurance requirement, the Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement shall not be waived.
PUBLICITY
Use of the meeting rooms does not imply endorsement, support, or co-sponsorship by the Library for the activities that take place in the meeting rooms or the beliefs or views of the groups sponsoring the events. Publicity for events in the Library should clearly identify the sponsoring organization. Telephone queries regarding the events may not be directed to the Library. Neither the name nor address of the Ossining Public Library may be used as the official address or headquarters of an organization.
For programs not sponsored by the Library, all advertising and publicity material must be submitted to the Library Director for approval two weeks prior to distribution and/or publication. Groups or individuals using the meeting rooms may not imply that the event is sponsored, co-sponsored, or endorsed by the Library in any such advertising or publicity material, and a disclaimer may be required.