Behavior Policy For Patrons

The Belmont Public Library belongs to the people of Belmont and is open to all. It is a shared space for learning, community, and education. It’s intended for use by many different people for a wide variety of reasons. It has something for everyone. 

The Board of Library Trustees has established guidelines for positive and respectful behavior in the Library to support an atmosphere where everyone can enjoy and benefit from the library’s resources. Our goal is to safeguard the library’s collections, ensure the safety of all patrons and staff, and promote a welcoming environment for all.

We encourage the sharing and exploration of different points of view in a spirit of respect. Please note that the opinions expressed by patrons are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Library, its staff, the Trustees, or the Town of Belmont.

To help everyone have a safe and enjoyable experience, we ask that hallways remain clear for emergency and wheelchair access, that children’s and teen spaces be used primarily by those age groups, and that cell phone use be limited to designated areas. Library staff may inspect bags, briefcases, backpacks, or similar items as needed, and we appreciate patrons’ cooperation and understanding. 

It’s ok to enjoy food and drink at the library, but please abide by our Food and Drink Policy

Behaviors that interfere with the positive use and enjoyment of Library resources are not permitted, including:

• Causing distracting noise (MGL, Ch.272, Sec. 41)
• Using alcohol, or drugs on library property. 
• Smoking (MGL Ch. 270, Sec. 22) or any other use of tobacco products. This includes, but is not limited to, electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes), electronic vaping devices, personal vaporizers (PV), or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) which simulate tobacco smoking. 
• Changing diapers outside the designated changing area
• Being without a shirt or shoes
• Excessive public displays of affection 
• Sleeping in the building or on the grounds
• Moving furniture 
• Soliciting, distributing leaflets, or panhandling
• Leaving personal belongings unattended
• Loitering
• Using sports equipment (like bicycles, scooters, sports balls, rollerblades, or skateboards) inside the library
• Bringing animals, other than service animals (MGL, Ch.272, Sec. 98A)
• Damaging or misusing materials, or engaging in theft (MGL, Ch. 266, Sec. 100)
• Participating in illegal activity or encouraging others to break the law, including but not limited to using false identification (MGL, Ch. 266, Sec 99a)
• Infringing on the rights of others—staff or patrons
• Acting in a threatening, harassing, or abusive manner
• Using offensive or disruptive behavior / language, towards staff or other patrons
• Bringing weapons—or items that look like them—into the facility    

If behavior creates a disruption or safety concern, a friendly reminder or warning may be given—staff may ask the patron to pause the behavior or step outside. For repeated or serious infractions, we may issue a removal request or suspend library privileges, subject to appeal to the Board of Library Trustees. Legal violations may be referred to law enforcement.

Children in the Library

We cherish our younger visitors and strive to make the library a supportive space for learning and discovery. Families and caregivers are encouraged to support children’s enjoyment by:

1. Encouraging children to follow the same respectful guidelines as all patrons. (MGL, Ch. 231, Sec. 85G)
2. Supervising children at all times, as staff are not responsible for unattended minors per the Safe Child Policy.

Approved May 20, 2008
Amended February 17, 2009

Amended June 15, 2010
Amended April 20, 2017

Amended September 16, 2025