Ligonier Valley Library Policies
Supporting Access, Respect, and Community
The Ligonier Valley Library is committed to providing a welcoming space that encourages learning, discovery, and connection. Our policies help support this mission by creating a safe, respectful, and accessible environment for all who visit.
Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
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 which 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.
VII. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.
Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019.
Patron Code of Conduct
The Ligonier Valley Library Association (the “Library”) welcomes all patrons who, by their presence, acknowledge their responsibility to maintain an atmosphere conducive to the best use of the Library and its services. Our goal is to enable all Library visitors to enjoy an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Each person, regardless of age, can help by respecting the rights of others and complying with Library rules while on Library property. Thank you for your cooperation.
Conduct that disrupts the normal functioning of the Library, includes but is not limited to:
- Communicating threats of harm to any person or property
- Destroying, stealing, or vandalizing Library property or threatening to damage property
- Engaging in activity prohibited by local, state, or federal law
- Displaying obscene or sexually explicit materials or Internet sites in violation of Section 5903 Title 18 of the PA Constitution
- Being under the influence or having possession of alcohol and/or controlled substances
- Using tobacco or nicotine products
- Bringing in firearms, knives, or weapons except as authorized by law
- Engaging in or soliciting any sexual activities
- Using offensive or abusive language
- Using the Library without outer clothing, footwear, and/or inattention to personal hygiene
- Leaving personal belongings unattended
- Monopolizing Library space, equipment, or staff time
- Leaving children under the age of 12 unattended
- Loitering or sleeping
- Moving or misusing Library furniture
- Soliciting for services, money, items, or signatures, except for Library-related activities
- Bringing pets or animals other than service animals inside the Library
- Bringing bicycles, skateboards, or other wheeled vehicles into the Library unless they are used in facilitating one’s use of the Library
- Consuming food or uncovered beverages unless participating in a Library program where food/beverages are served
- Distributing or depositing flyers, pamphlets, literature, or other items that have not been approved by the Library
- Hiding books on display or purposefully inserting flyers, pamphlets, or other literature into books intending to influence personal beliefs
- Harassing, interfering, or violating another’s privacy
If disruptive conduct persists, Library staff has authority to ask patrons whose behavior monopolizes their attention and/or restricts others’ use of the Library to leave. Patrons involved in criminal behavior against the Library will be prosecuted. Repeat offenders will be denied use of the Library. Return to the Library and reinstatement of revoked privileges are by Director’s permission only.
Approved and adopted by the Ligonier Valley Library Association Board of Trustees October 17, 2022