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Home > About Us > Policies > Library Rules

Library Rules

Library Rules of Conduct

Arlington Public Library is proud to be a welcoming space to all, shared by the community and used by many different people for many different purposes. The library is responsible for establishing rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of patrons, volunteers and staff, and for preserving and protecting the library’s materials, equipment, facilities and grounds.

If you believe a rule has been broken, please inform a staff member. Staff have the final say on what is permissible.

The following are prohibited in the Library:

  1. Alcoholic beverages
  2. Animals (except service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act)
  3. Behavior that interferes with the normal operation of the Library or the use of the Library by others
  4. Community health risks, including but not limited to open sores, lice, communicable disease, etc.
  5. Damaging library materials or property, or removing them without permission
  6. Failing to adequately supervise children or others requiring care, including leaving children under age 11 unattended
  7. Harassing or threatening patrons, volunteers or staff
  8. Inadequate attire, including lack of shoes and shirts
  9. Inappropriate use of restrooms for grooming, bathing, or washing clothes
  10. Leaving personal items unattended
  11. Obstructing or monopolizing any library space, including sleeping for extended periods of time
  12. Odor on a person or their belongings that disturbs other library patrons, staff, or volunteers
  13. Smoking or vaping, or use of any tobacco products
  14. Soliciting or distributing literature except in designated areas
  15. Use of library computers/internet access in violation of Virginia Code[i]
  16. Use of library equipment to infringe on copyright protections of materials[ii]

[i] Virginia Code1 §18.2-374.1:1 (child pornography), Virginia Code §18.2-372 through §18.2-374 (obscene materials) or §18.2-377 (obscene materials)

[ii] Title 17, U.S. Code

Please Note:

• As a community space, various noise levels and activity should be expected while visiting the Library. Library staff will make the final determination of what is appropriate.
• Library staff reserve the right to prioritize library-related use of spaces.
• The Library may limit personal belongings to what can be placed under a chair or table. The Library is not responsible for and may dispose of personal belongings left unattended inside or outside the facility.
• Library staff may wake anyone who appears to be sleeping for wellness checks.

• Considerate consumption of snack food or a covered beverage is allowed in the Library, unless otherwise noted. Proper disposal of containers is required.
• Any person who fails to comply with staff directives, whether documented policy or not, may be asked to leave and could have future access to the Library limited or suspended.
• The Library works in partnership with the Arlington County Police Department to keep its facilities, patrons and staff safe.

Adopted 6/20/1995 Arlington Public Library Leadership Team; last revised 12/7/2023

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