Circulation Policy | Juvenile

In observing the principles of equal access to information and materials for all users,The Blauvelt Free Library does not monitor, censure, or restrict access to print, audio, digital, or disc format materials for its juvenile members (anyone under 18 years of age).

Guidance on selection of materials by children is at the discretion of the parent or guardian. We encourage parents and guardians to discuss any restrictions directly with their children.

For more information, please read our policy on Free Access to Libraries for Minors.


ALA Bill of Rights

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI. Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.


Patron Conduct

Listed below are our policies for patron conduct. We rarely have to enforce these rules, as we have excellent patrons who are paragons of reasonable conduct. We only list them here to clearly define what we consider inappropriate behavior.

The following conduct is strongly discouraged, and may result in temporary or permanent dismissal from the library:

  1. Accessing pornographic content on our public computers
  2. Defacement or misuse of library property
  3. Rude or disorderly behavior toward other patrons or staff, including the use of profanity
  4. Leaving children unattended
  5. Screaming, yelling, running, climbing, or jumping
  6. Offensive personal hygiene

 


No Smoking, Vaping or Use of E-Cigarettes within 100 Feet of Library Grounds

The Blauvelt Free Library is dedicated to providing a smoke-free environment for both visitors and staff. In compliance with New York's new prohibition on smoking on the grounds of public institutions – schools, libraries, et al – we have officially implemented a NO SMOKING* POLICY on library property and/or within 100 feet of our front and rear entrances, effective as of July 1, 2019. As per the law:

Smoking shall not be permitted and no person shall smoke within one hundred feet of the entrances, exits or outdoor areas of any public or association library as defined in subdivision two of section two hundred fifty-three of the education law; provided, however, that the provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to smoking in a residence, or within the real property boundary lines of such residential real property [effective June 19, 2019].

The prohibition applies to all staff, visitors, and other persons in and around the library building and grounds not covered by the residence exception above. Additionally, we feel that smoking and second-hand smoke pose a health risk and create an unpleasant environment for non-smokers, especially children and the elderly.

Although the law does not address vaping yet, we think it proactive to restrict the “smoking” of e-cigarettes and use of vaping paraphernalia to the same 100-foot ban. Studies indicate that vape “juice” contains carcinogenic compounds that can scar and constrict air sacs in the lungs. Please note that persons in violation of this law (including library employees) may be subject to a civil penalty of up to $2,000. Use of security camera footage may be employed in enforcing this policy.

* “Smoking” is defined in Public Health Law §1399-n(8) as “burning of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, or any other matter or substance which contains tobacco.”