The Forbes Library is a tax-supported community agency which is available to all. Everyone using this facility will receive impartial, helpful, and friendly customer service. The library maintains a safe and healthy atmosphere in which patrons and staff can be free from harassment, intimidation, and threats to their safety and well-being. In order to protect all library users’ right of access to library facilities, to insure the safety of users and staff, and to protect library resources and facilities from damage, the library governing authority, in this case the Board of Trustees, may impose reasonable restrictions on the time, place, or manner of library access.

Patrons and staff are expected to follow the code of behavior. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in the limitation of library privileges by the library director or designees.

  1. Patrons and staff will treat everyone with respect.
  2. Food Policy
    1. Covered beverages and neat food consumption are allowed in the library.
    2. No food or drink is allowed in the Coolidge Museum, the Hampshire Room or at designated tables.
  3. The building and grounds are tobacco-free and smoke-free. Vaping and e-cigarettes are prohibited.
  4. Disruptive behavior is not permitted. The library staff determines what conduct constitutes disruptive behavior.
  5. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied and supervised at all times by a parent or caregiver. Librarians, staff and volunteers are not responsible for children who are unattended. See Unattended Child Policy
  6. Canvassing, selling, soliciting or distributing materials is prohibited except when written permission to do so has been obtained in advance from the library director with the exception of election-related signature gathering which is permissible on the grounds as long as it does not interfere with the building. 
  7. Blocking of entrances, exits, or aisles is not permitted.
  8. Only service animals are permitted inside the library. No animals may be left tethered or unattended.
  9. Library materials must be checked out before removing them from the building.1
  10. Destruction or defacement of the library building, property, or library materials is punishable by law.2
  11. Dangerous weapons are not allowed on library property.

Approved by Board of Trustees 1/17/2005. Last updated 10/24/2019