Newport Public Library

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Behavior in the Library

Behavior in the Library (PDF)

The Newport Public Library (“the Library”) is committed to maintaining a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for all patrons and staff. To support this commitment, the Library has established rules of conduct intended to promote a pleasant public space while protecting Library staff, patrons, facilities, equipment, and materials.

In the absence of stated policy, patrons and visitors must follow the reasonable instructions of Library staff at all times. 

Disruptive Behavior and Illegal Activity

Patrons are expected to engage in activities generally associated with appropriate Library use and we ask all patrons to treat each other and Library staff with respect and avoid behavior that disrupts others or interferes with normal Library operations. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  1. Any illegal activity, including, but not limited to, fighting, indecent exposure, use or possession of drugs, alcohol, or weapons.
  2. Harassing, intimidating, or menacing Library users or Library staff, including verbal abuse, physical actions, or threats of sexual violence.
  3. Loud and boisterous behavior, including using profanity.1
  4. Solicitation or canvassing in any form.
  5. Showing obvious signs of intoxication.
  6. Running, jumping, pushing, or throwing things in the Library.
  7. Playing in or with the public elevator.
  8. Taking photos, videos, or recordings of the Library building or of Library users without permission of Library staff.
  9. Playing audio equipment so that others may hear.
  10. Using a cell phone for verbal communication in non-designated areas. At no time is the use of the speaker function allowed in any part of the Library.
  11. Participating in teleconferencing calls in non-designated areas of the Library.
  12. Theft and/or destruction of Library materials or property, including removing Library materials from the building without properly checking them out.
  13. Misuse of or defacing Library furniture, including having one’s feet on the chairs or tables and the spinning of chairs.
  14. Entering non-public areas of the Library or using Library equipment or facilities without permission.
  15. Any activity which could cause damage to the building, materials, or equipment is considered disruptive and unacceptable.
  16. Failure to comply with all reasonable instructions from Library staff.

Sanitary Library Spaces

To maintain a clean, healthy, and welcoming environment for all patrons and staff, the Library requires that its spaces be used in a sanitary and respectful manner. Violations of these standards include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, cannabis, vaping, or the use of any other tobacco product in any part of the Library or within 25 ft. of its entrances.2
  2. Exhibiting a level of personal hygiene that interferes with the ability of other patrons to use, work in, or enjoy the Library.
  3. Entering or remaining in the Library building without shoes or clothing covering both the upper and lower torso.
  4. Sleeping in the Library.
  5. Eating in the Library (except in designated areas). Covered non-alcoholic beverages are permitted.
  6. Misusing the restrooms. This includes using them as laundry or as bathing facilities.

Recreational Equipment and Animals

  1. The use of sports or recreational equipment inside the Library is prohibited.
  2. Bicycles, tricycles, motorized recreational scooters, or shopping carts are not permitted inside the building.
  3. The use of skateboards, hoverboards, roller skates, and rollerblades inside the Library is prohibited.

These items may be carried into the Library but must remain in the owner’s possession and must be stowed in a manner that does not obstruct access to Library spaces or aisleways.

  1. Animals are not permitted in the Library, except for service animals assisting a person with a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or animals authorized as part of a Library program.

Children and Supervision

Parents and legal guardians are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their children. Leaving a child under age 8 unattended in the building is prohibited.

Video Surveillance

  1. The Library utilizes video surveillance systems to enhance the security of Library premises, property, patrons, and staff.
  2. Video footage will only be released to law enforcement or pursuant to a subpoena or court order, or as otherwise required by law.

Any person who violates these rules may be asked to leave the Library for a specified period of time. Depending on the seriousness of the violation or the number of prior offenses, the individual may be issued a no-trespassing order.

Revised by the Newport Public Library Board of Trustees on January 15, 2026.

1RI General Laws11-45-1 Disorderly Conduct

2RI General Laws 23-20.10-3 Prohibition of smoking in public places; RI General Laws 21-28.11-22 Personal use of cannabis; Newport City Ordinance 8.28.010