Rules of Conduct

Welcome to the Talbot County Free Library (TCFL). We value our patrons and strive to treat them with courtesy and respect. We hope you find the library a comfortable and welcoming place. Please be considerate of the rights of others as you use this public facility.

The following are prohibited at all branches of the Talbot County Free Library:

• Engaging in any activity prohibited by law.
• Disruptive or unsafe behavior including any conduct that interferes with the use of the library by others or with the functioning of the library staff.
• Use of loud, abusive, threatening, or insulting language.
• Use of obscene or pornographic Internet sites.
• Sexual harassment or misconduct.
• Activities that may result in damage to library property.
• Sleeping and offensive bodily hygiene/odor.
• Animals, except for service dogs and animals used for educational programs.
• Rollerblading or skateboarding.
• Petitioning, soliciting or selling merchandise.
• Use of cell phones anywhere except the library lobby. Please set your cell phone on vibrate.
• Food and drink, except in the lobby or meeting room.
• Leaving children under the age of eight unattended in the library at any time. (See Maryland Annotated Code, Family Law, 5-801.) The State of Maryland requires that a caregiver be at least thirteen years old.
• Having more than four people seated at a table.

The Talbot County Free Library reserves the right to prohibit persons who do not abide by the library's Rules of Conduct from using its facilities and premises. Library personnel may ask persons who are exhibiting inappropriate behavior to modify their behavior. Noncompliance may result in the individual being banned from the library premises or in arrest and prosecution.

Approved by the Talbot County Free Library Board, March 24, 2010.