The use by individuals or organizations of the Library’s facilities for displays and/or exhibits, other than those which pertain to the Library, is not a right but a privilege which is subject to review by the Board of Trustees.

The Library Director may grant the privilege of placing exhibits and displays in the Library, subject to the following conditions:

1. No poster, display, pamphlet, brochure, leaflet or booklet shall be exhibited, displayed, or placed in the Library for distribution without permission from the Library Director.
2. No outside organization or individual shall be permitted to display or exhibit any materials, leaflets, or posters which advocate the election or defeat of a candidate for public office, or which advocate an affirmative or negative vote for or against proposition, whether political or otherwise.
3. No outside organization or individual shall be permitted to place in the Library any box, receptacle or canister which solicits donations, nor shall any poster or display be permitted which advocates or solicits consideration of any product or item sold by any commercial or charitable enterprise without permission from the Library Director. However, posters announcing bazaars or programs sponsored by any local educational, religious or fraternal organization may be displayed provided there is room for such displays and they are of reasonable size. Such displays shall be on a first-come, first- served basis.
4. Wherever possible, displays or exhibits shall incorporate books or materials from the Library’s collection which have a relationship to the subject of the display.
5. The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, or possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed in the Library are done so at the owner’s risk.

The Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library owns a Mason & Hamlin BB Piano to be used primarily for Library and Friends of the Library performances. The piano is located on the stage in the East Meeting Room. It will be kept locked and covered when it is not in use.

Guidelines for the use of the piano are as follows:

1. The piano may be used by groups that have booked the meeting room, that have arranged for such use in advance, and where the use of the piano is considered by the Library to be an integral part of their program.
2. Each application for use of the piano will be considered separately and approved by the Director or the Director’s designee.
3. Applicants wishing to have the piano tuned for a program beyond the regular tuning schedule may request that the Library employ its regular tuner/technician to tune the piano.  The applicant will compensate the Library in advance for this service.  The piano must be tuned to equal temperament/standard pitch with no historical (non-equal) temperaments.
4. The piano is not to be used for casual amusement or as a practice instrument for individuals.  It may, however, be used for musical recitals or programs where the application has been approved, where no admission fee to such recital or program is required, and where such recital or program is completely open to the public.
5. Professional musicians may reserve the meeting room to practice on the piano before a concert to become familiar with the piano’s action and tone based on the availability of the meeting room, otherwise, the piano is not available for practicing or for piano lessons.
6. The cost for any repair for damage to the piano will be the responsibility of the applicant.

The Board of Trustees of the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library wishes to affirm its belief in the following basic policies with regard to programs offered by the library to the community:

1. As a responsibility of library service, the subject matter of library programs will be determined with consideration given to the interest, information and enlightenment of all of the people in the community.  In no instance will a program be excluded because of the race, nationality or religion of the participants or because of the political views expressed.
2.  The administration of the library will take care to present the widest possible variety of views concerning problems and issues of our times, international, national and local.  No point of view should lack representation because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
3. This policy on the part of the library applies not only to speakers and live productions but also to films or recordings used by the library staff in activities presented by the
   Library in the public interest.
4.  Libraries must challenge censorship of activities in the library just as they protect the printed word against such attacks.

Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library has adopted this Public Behavior in the Library Policy for the safety and comfort of all who use the Library.  For the purpose of this policy, the Library is defined as the building, grounds and parking lot.  Accordingly, the Library Board of Trustees has established procedures and rules, in accordance with Section 262 of the Education Law of the State of New York, by which patrons and visitors may enjoy the Library’s facilities and services.

The Board of trustees of the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library views the use of the Library and its facilities as essential to the fulfillment of the Library’s mission.  As such, the Board subscribes to Article IV of the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which states that facilities should be made available to the public served by the Library on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.  Accordingly, the Public Behavior in the Library Policy and the Rules of Conduct herein should be observed by all Library users and shall be applied without discrimination and in the best interests of all.

Library users who violate the Rules of Conduct may be subject to suspension of their Library privileges, exclusion from the Library, and/or legal action.  A copy of the Rules of Conduct is posted on the public bulletin board of the Library.

Rules of Conduct

For the most effective use of the Library, patrons are expected to observe rules of common courtesy.  Patrons who are not courteous to others will be asked to stop the discourteous behavior or leave the Library.  Discourteous behavior which will not be tolerated in the Library includes but is not limited to:

Harmful, Disruptive, or Destructive Behavior:

• Engaging in conduct that interferes with other Library user’s ability to reasonably use the Library
• Using loud, abusive, obscene or threatening language or actions
• Interfering with other Library users’ reasonable expectations of privacy
• Creating unreasonable noise such as loud, boisterous talking or using personal electronic equipment without headphones or at a volume that is audible to others
• Cell phones should be on vibrate mode or turned off when entering the building.  Talking on cell phones should be limited to the lobby or outside the main entrance
• Throwing, running, climbing or playing sports
• Using Library materials, equipment, furniture, fixtures or the facilities in a destructive, abusive or potentially damaging manner, in a manner likely to cause personal injury to any person or in any other manner inconsistent with the customary use thereof
• Carrying weapons or weapon-like items on the Library premises
• Using skateboards, bicycles, or rollerblades in the building, on the sidewalks or in the parking lot
• Soliciting, petitioning, or distributing materials or canvassing on Library premises
• Disobeying the reasonable direction of the Library Director or the Director’s designee

Illegal Activities:

• Committing or attempting to commit any activity that constitutes a violation of any federal, state or local statute or ordinance
• Engaging in sexual conduct or indecent behavior on Library premises, as defined under New York Penal Law
• Using controlled substances on Library premises
• Smoking or other use of tobacco inside the Library
• Consuming alcoholic beverages on Library premises

Other inappropriate behavior:

• Bringing animals, other than service animals, inside Library buildings without the prior permission of Library staff
• Prolonged or chronic sleeping
• Using Library restrooms for bathing, shaving, washing hair, or other matters of personal hygiene
• Entering the building without shirts and/or shoes
• Exhibiting personal hygiene which disrupts others from using the Library
• Loitering on Library grounds
• Parking vehicles on Library premises when not using the Library
• Exhibiting any other condition or action which in the judgment of the Director disrupts the operation of the Library or its use by others or which endangers the health, safety, or welfare of Library users or employees

Response to Infractions

The Library Director or the Director’s designee shall be responsible for the enforcement of these Rules of Conduct.  Unacceptable behavior on the part of the Library user can result in loss of Library privileges.  Depending on the severity of the violation, the Library will institute discipline ranging from a verbal warning, through denial of specific privileges, such as use of Library computers, to denial of the right to use the Library for a specified time period.

The Director or the Director’s designee may either direct the trespasser to cease and desist the violation or vacate the premises.  Upon the refusal of such person to obey the directive, the Director or the Director’s designee is hereby authorized and directed to make a complaint to the appropriate law enforcement agency and to sign any information as necessary charging said trespasser with the appropriate violation of the Penal Law.  In situations where the Director or the Director’s designee feels that the health, safety, or security of Library users is threatened, any and all appropriate action may be taken including, but not limited to, calling the police for assistance.  In the event of inappropriate behavior by a minor, the child’s parent or guardian may be notified by the Library at the discretion of the Director.  At the first opportunity, the Director or the Director’s designee shall follow the established procedures for recording the facts and circumstances surrounding the enforcement of this policy by completing an Incident Report Form.

The Library shall indemnify and save harmless the Library Director or the Director’s designee, and any Library personnel, from any action, claim or proceeding instituted against such person arising out of the enforcement of these rules and regulations by such Library personnel.

In addition to all of the foregoing summary remedies against the trespasser and/or person in violation of law and these rules and regulations, the Library Director may thereafter, in his/her sole discretion, take the following action with respect to the following categories of persons:

• District residents may have their privileges to use the Library’s facilities and/or services suspended for a period not to exceed one year.  All other Library users may be subject to the same restrictions.  The Library Director may, at his/her discretion, notify other agencies of actions taken.
• Employees are subject to the provisions of this policy, applicable portions of the Civil Service Law, New York State “employment law”; the Education Law; and pertinent personnel policies adopted by the Library’s Board of Trustees and may be disciplined, censured, suspended without pay or discharged accordingly.

Appeals Procedure

Appeals relating to suspension of Library service privileges and/or revocation of their privileges to enter upon Library premises shall be made to the Board of Trustees.  Appeals by Library staff subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Law, Education Law and personnel policies, to the extent relevant, may be made to the Board of Trustees.

Each person, not an employee of the Library, shall have the right to submit a written notice of appeal to the Board of Trustees within thirty (30) days of any action taken by the Library Director which suspends borrowing privileges or revokes the right to enter the Library premises.  The board of Trustees, or their designee, shall convene a hearing within thirty (30) days of submission of such a notice of appeal, at which time and place the aggrieved shall be afforded the opportunity to present evidence, testify and cross examine witnesses.  Within fourteen (14) days of such a hearing, the Board of Trustees shall render a decision in writing.

It is the desire of the Library Board of Trustees that Library facilities have the widest possible use of citizens of the District without interfering in regular Library operation.  Programs are to be of community interest, generally and broadly educational, cultural or recreational, wholesome in nature and in strict compliance with provisions of all federal, state and local laws as well as regulations of the police, health and fire departments for the use of public halls and fields.

1. Library sponsored programs and activities shall have precedence in assignment of facilities.
2. Organizations meeting regularly in the Library building must renew their reservations annually before June 30^th; otherwise they will not be carried on the reservation chart for the ensuing year.  ALL MEETINGS MUST BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.  The name of a responsible Library district resident who is at least 18 years of age and a member of the organization must appear on every application in the event that the officers are not local residents. Any request for use of Library facilities must be received at least 48 hours in advance during regular business hours.  Groups using the meeting room must guarantee an average attendance of 15 persons at each meeting.  It is not economical to arrange custodial staff for smaller groups.  If the group’s attendance falls below the minimum for three consecutive sessions, its contract will be cancelled.  The right to revoke at any time is reserved by the Library Board and its representatives. Organizations shall immediately notify the Meeting Room Secretary   in the event they decide to cancel or postpone.  Such notification should be received no later than 5 P.M. No reservations are final until the application is approved by the Library Board and returned to the applicant.
3. Library facilities are available between 9:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as well as Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Use is contingent upon other events scheduled and Library staffing.
4. The Library board of Trustees assumes no responsibility for personal property left on the premises or for any personal injuries received.
5. Organizations receiving permission to use the Library Building or grounds must be responsible for the conduct of members, presenters, participants and spectators attending functions under their sponsorship.  The applicant and his group will be financially responsible for any damage or loss that may accrue from use of facilities by his organization.
6. Organizations composed of minors must have at least one adult supervisor in complete charge at all times.
7. Each organization meeting regularly in the Library is requested to submit a complete list of officers each year as soon after their election as possible, giving names, addresses, telephone numbers and the beginning and termination of the term to be served.
8. Individual organizations are responsible for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Qualified interpreters, auxiliary aids and other accommodations must be made available when requested.
9. Smoking is strictly forbidden in the Library building and it is expressly forbidden to bring onto or consume within Library premises any intoxicating beverage or illegal substance.  Individual organizations are responsible for policing themselves.
10. Any Library equipment (audio-visual, coffee pots, etc.) needed for a particular meeting must be requested at the time of application or no later than 48 hours prior to the meeting.  The use of any other equipment, electrical or otherwise, by an organization must be checked with the Library Facility Manager in advance of the meeting.
11. The Library building and grounds may not be used for private commercial ventures of any kind.  Admission may not be charged by any group meeting in the Library nor may fundraising take place.  Nothing may be sold, given away, exhibited or posted without permission.  Nothing may be hung on walls, doors, etc.
12. Organizations are expected to assist in the general cleaning up of rooms used by them.  Any equipment must be left in running order.  Kitchens, when permission is granted for use, must be left as found.  Any furniture moved should be returned to its usual place.  All litter must be picked up.  In general, Library property should be left in order for the next group.
13. Announcement of any meeting in the Library must neither affirm nor imply that the Library is sponsoring the meeting.  Publicity, other than that circulated to organization members, must be reviewed by the Library administration before distribution.  Use of the Library’s meeting rooms does not mean endorsement by the Library or the group using it or of the program presented.

For your children’s safety and comfort, the Library asks that all children in grade 5 or under be accompanied and supervised by a parent or responsible caregiver (age 16 and over) while using the Library.

• Parents or caregivers, NOT the Library staff, are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their children while using the Library.
• The Library does not assume responsibility for children’s safety or behavior when they are in the Library.  Children must obey all Library rules.  Parents should be aware that children in grade 6 and up that are exhibiting disruptive behavior may be told to leave the Library.
• Libraries have sudden emergencies that cause them to close without advance warning or programs may be canceled or end early.  Parents should advise their children on what to do in these unexpected circumstances.
• Parents should be aware of Library hours and program ending times.
• Library staff will attempt to contact parents or a responsible caregiver if children in grade 5 or under are left unattended.  If parents or responsible caregivers are unavailable, proper authorities will be contacted.
• Teenagers are considered adult users.  However, they are the legal responsibility of their parent/legal guardian and should have an emergency contact available.

In any situation involving the safety of children and specifically whenever the parent/caregiver or police are contacted, staff will complete an Incident Report.