Code of Conduct for Library Patrons
The purpose of the Cragin Memorial Library is to provide information to the people of Colchester and to serve their cultural, educational, and recreational needs. To successfully further these ends the Library requests that patrons follow these rules for the safety and comfort of all:
- Parents must supervise their children. The staff is not responsbile for the safety of unattended children. Children under the age of 8 must be supervised at all times. For more info on this policy, click here.
- Neither smoking or eating in the Library is permitted. Smoking is also not allowed on Library grounds.
- Soliciting in the Library is not permitted.
- The Library staff reserves the right to expel any person using disruptive or abusive language, behaving in an unacceptable way or disobeying Library rules, or performing any improper or illegal acts.
- Guide dogs for the handicapped will be admitted. NO other animals will be allowed in the Library.
- Defacing, damaging and destroying library property is prohibited by law; offenders will be held responsible for damages and their library privileges may be suspended.
- Patrons are encouraged to report disruptive individuals to the staff as soon as possible.
- Noise and other actvities are to be kept at a level which will not disturb other users in the Library.
- Theft of Library materials or property is classified as Larceny according to the Connecticut General Statutes Sec.53a-119(12). Such offenses are classified as Class A, B, or C misdemeanors depending o the value of the property removed from the premises. All incidents of theft or destruction of Library property will be prosecuted.
- Library equipment such as the photocopier and public computers may be used by patrons. The telephone may only be used in emergencies.
To the Parents of Colchester Students:
We are pleased that the library has become a popular community place for visitors of all ages. The staff strives to provide a genial environment for browsing, reading, study and computer use. We also are available for research, homework assistance and material selection.
Unfortunately, during the academic year many students who come to the library after school are not pursuing library related activities. We have experienced a myriad of disciplinary problems, including vandalism, theft, destruction of property, profanity, smoking, alcohol use, fighting and threatening and harassing behavior towards younger children and senior citizens. On many occasions we have called the police to assist us with these disruptive students.
The Code of Conduct for Library Patrons states, "The Library staff reserves the right to expel any person using disruptive or abusive language, behaving in an unacceptable way or disobeying Library rules, or performing any improper or illegal acts". We will be strictly enforcing the Code of Conduct in the coming school year. Students who are asked to leave the library due to their behavior will lose their library privileges for six months. If this expulsion is violated, they may be subject to arrest for trespassing.
We sincerely want the library to be a place of safety and comfort for all visitors. Please speak with your child about appropriate behavior. Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to seeing you and your family at the library.