The Library Board of Trustees has established standards of acceptable behavior that will protect patrons, staff, and the equipment and materials in the library and will allow everyone to enjoy the library’s resources. Any activity that interferes with the rights of other patrons to use the library, that would result in physical, emotional, or mental injury to oneself or others, or that could result in damage to the library’s facilities, equipment, or materials is considered disruptive and unacceptable. 

The library reserves the right to require anyone who violates the behavior policy to leave library property for the remainder of the day or evening. Depending on the severity or frequency of the violation, library privileges may be suspended for a specified period of time and may include Notice of Trespass from library properties (see Suspension of Library Services for guidelines). Unlawful activities will be reported to the police and, when appropriate, violators will be subject to arrest. 

The following activities are not allowed at the Chicopee Public Library: 

• Any activities prohibited by federal, state, or local laws 
• Consumption of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco or illegal drugs and the use of vaping devices
• Creating a disturbance by making noise, using profanity, talking loudly, or engaging in other disruptive conduct (MGL, Ch. 272, Sec. 41) 
• Interfering with another person’s right to use the library 
• Interfering with the Library Staff’s performance of their duties 
• Threatening behavior, including but not limited to, verbal abuse, violence, threats of violence, and possession of weapons 
• Bringing animals into the library except those needed to assist a disabled person. (MGL, Ch. 272, Sec.  98A) Service animals must be leashed and under physical control of the handler at all times
• Eating and/or drinking except in designated areas 
• Projecting sound with audio devices 
• Misusing the restrooms (i.e. using them as a laundry or washing facility) 
• Soliciting or canvassing of any kind. 
• Entering areas posted “Staff Only” without permission. 
• Running in the building or climbing on furnishings. 
• Damaging or defacing library materials or property. (MGL, Ch. 266, Sec. 100) 
• Theft of library materials, use of false identification to obtain a library card, or use of another person’s  library card without his/her permission (MGL, Ch. 266, Sec. 99A) 
• The use of skateboards, roller blades, scooters, bicycles, or any other similar device in the Library  building or on Library property, including sidewalks and the parking lot 

In addition: 

Everyone is required to be fully clothed, including shirt and footwear, for program attendance and within the  Library building. 

Parents/guardians are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their young children, age 10 and under,  while using the library. Parents may be liable for damage done by a child under 18 (MGL Ch. 231, Sec. 85G). Parents/guardians will receive written notice if their unattended child (up to age 18), has violated the Patron  Behavior Policy and has been suspended from the library for more than one day. 

The library is not responsible for lost or stolen items. 

Library staff may address any other behaviors which interfere with the use and enjoyment of the Library by  other patrons or which interfere with Library staff in the performance of their duties. 

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees, March 3, 2003
Amended by the Library Board of Trustees, April 11, 2022