(En Español: Código de Conducta)
1. Customers must follow all reasonable requests of the library staff.
2. Respect for everyone shall be maintained at all times. Behavior that is racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic or otherwise disrespectful towards others is not allowed.
3. Members of the public will not interfere with the legitimate rights of other library users.
4. Customers using the library Wi-Fi, computers, or printers must follow the library's Computer and Internet Policy and Printing Policy.
5. Parents/caregivers are responsible for supervising their children while in the library and ensuring that library rules and regulations are obeyed. Children under the age of 8 may not be left unattended in the library (MD ANN Code, Family Law 5-801). Maryland law requires that a caregiver be at least 13 years old.
6. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted, except for Library Foundation fundraising events.
7. Tobacco use and smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, are not permitted. Open fire, including the use of candles, is prohibited in the library. Smoking is not permitted within 25 feet of the building.
8. Only service animals are allowed in the library. Animals may not be tied or unattended on library property. (Anne Arundel County Code, Article 12, Title 4, Subtitle 8-801,9-905).
9. Only organizations approved by the AACPL Chief Executive Officer or Board of Trustees may sell goods, solicit funds or use the library parking lots or grounds during non-operating hours.
10. The time, place and manner of First Amendment activities such as petitioning, picketing, proselytizing or protesting may be regulated by library staff. Such activities may be relegated to library grounds.
11. Library materials must be checked out before they are taken out of the building. Personal belongings may be examined by staff before customers and staff members leave the building.
12. No person shall be allowed to possess, use or threaten the use of any weapon or other object in such a manner that it may be considered a weapon in library buildings or on library property, except those carried by authorized law enforcement agents. Exceptions may be made by the branch manager for library programs or for meeting room groups.
13. Failure to comply with the library's established regulations may result in suspension of library privileges. Suspension may be appealed to the AACPL Chief Executive Officer in writing.
Policy approved by the Library Board of Trustees, May 18, 2023