Appropriate Library Use Policy

The Thomas Crane Public Library strives to be a clean, comfortable, and safe place for all  visitors to enjoy. To this end, the Library has established the following rules of conduct to  protect the comfort and safety of visitors and staff, and to preserve and protect Library property. 

The Thomas Crane Public Library is a tax-supported City of Quincy agency which is available to all, regardless of age, residence, race, gender, sexual orientation, education, socioeconomic status or religion. The Thomas Crane Public Library’s Board of Library Trustees has established the following set of guidelines in order to: protect all library users’ right of access to library facilities; ensure the safety of users and staff; and protect library resources and facilities from damage. 

Violation of the following code of behavior, governing the use of the Thomas Crane Public Library by the public, may result in termination of library privileges and/or exclusion from the Library.

Respect for the rights of other Library users and Library staff shall be maintained at all times.

Category A (Library Specific Violations) 

  1. Disruptive behavior, such as creating loud noises, loud talking, screaming, or banging on  computer keyboards. 
  2. Using profane or  obscene language. 
  3. Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children (see also Thomas Crane Public Library  Safe Child Policy). 
  4. Chewing, spitting, or rolling cigarettes inside Library facilities or on  Library grounds. 
  5. Bringing in garbage and/or articles with a foul odor. All bags and other articles are subject to  inspection by security and other authorized personnel. The Library reserves the right to limit  the number and size of items brought into the library. 
  6. Leaving packages, backpacks, luggage, or any other personal items unattended. These unattended items are subject to inspection, confiscation and disposal by security and other  authorized Library personnel. 
  7. Using or parking wheeled devices inside the Library. These restrictions do not apply to ADA assistive devices, wheelchairs, walkers, and baby strollers. 
  8. Lying down or appearing to be sleeping in the library; having feet on furniture;  monopolizing/obstructing space to the exclusion of others, or  blocking aisles, exits or entrances. 
  9. Entering the Library without a shirt or shoes, or removing one’s footwear or shirt while in the  library. or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the Library environment.  Appropriate attire must be worn in the Library at all times (e.g. shirt, pants, and shoes.)
  10. Having offensive body odor or personal hygiene so as to unreasonably interfere with other  library staff or visitors’ ability to use the library.
  11. Using restrooms for bathing, shampooing, shaving or doing laundry; engaging in personal  grooming such as nail clipping in public areas. 
  12. Moving Library furniture; more than one person in a chair. 
  13. Bringing animals other than service animals necessary for disabilities.
  14. Distributing literature, soliciting business or contributions, or  conducting surveys not authorized by the Library except for ballot question petitions and public office nomination signature  solicitations. 
  15. Placing any tables, signs or other structures not authorized by the Library on Library  property.
  16. Parking in the Library’s public parking lots during the hours the Library is open while not  inside the Library or participating in programs on Library grounds; Parking in the Library’s  public parking lots for more than two hours per day; 

Category B (Serious Library Specific Violations) 

  1. Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.  
  2. Smoking cigarettes, and other tobacco or marijuana use, including  but not limited to tobacco substitutes and electronic cigarettes, inside Library facilities or on  Library grounds. 
  3. Possessing alcohol.
  4. Entering the library or Library grounds while under a trespass order. 
  5. Using abusive language; or racial, ethnic or sexual epithets.

Category C (Violations Toward Person(s) or Property) 

  1. Stealing, damaging, or altering Library property valued under $250
  2. Stealing or damaging the personal property of another Library user (valued under $250).
  3. Damaging or defacing Library materials
  4. Using false identification to obtain a Library card, or using another person’s Library card  without permission.
  5. Verbally or physically harassing other Library visitors or staff (i.e. engaging in deliberate or  repeated behavior that is aggressive and/or hostile), including stalking, prolonged staring,  lurking. 
  6. Sexual harassment of staff or patrons (behavior characterized by the making of unwelcome and inappropriate sexual remarks or other advances)
  7. Engaging in any other behavior that would constitute a misdemeanor under applicable law. 

Category D (Serious Violations Toward Person(s) or Property) 

  1. Carrying firearms or dangerous weapons of any type.
  2. Assault, fighting, pushing, shoving, challenging to fight, threats or threatening.
  3.  Verbally or physically threatening harm or injury to other Library visitors or staff.
  4. Offensive touching, obscene acts such as sex acts, and indecent exposure.
  5. Selling, using, or possessing illegal drugs. 
  6.  Interfering with another person’s right to use the Library or with the Library staff’s  performance of their duties, including but not limited to screaming, fighting, pushing,  shoving, or throwing things. 
  7. Stealing, damaging, or altering Library property valued at $250 or above.
  8. Stealing or damaging the personal property of another Library user (valued at $250 or  above). 
  9. Trespassing in nonpublic areas.
  10. Refusing to leave Library property after being issued a trespass notice.

Enforcement 

Enforcement of the above rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff  and/or Quincy Police Officers are authorized to stop prohibited activities and behaviors.  Failure to comply may result in: 

  • Being asked to leave for the day, or
  • Issuance of a Trespass Order from Library property for a period of 30 days to five years,  depending on the nature and seriousness of the violation and whether it is a first or repeat  offense. 

A violation of law may also result in arrest and prosecution. 

Violations of law and/or these Rules of Conduct may also result in the restriction and/or  termination of Library privileges, including the use of Library computers, equipment or study/conference rooms.

Authorized Library staff may issue a Trespass Order based on personal observation or upon the  sort of civilian reports that would ordinarily be relied upon by police officers in the  determination of probable cause. 

Administrative Review 

Expulsion from Library facilities may be appealed in writing to the Library Director, except  when a criminal case is pending for violation of a trespass order. Trespassed persons shall  include in the appeal any written documentation they seek to have considered in the review  process. A trespass order remains in effect pending administrative reviews. 

Adopted by Vote of the Library Board of Trustees, February 12, 2007; Amended February 11,  2008; Amended October 18, 2010; Amended May 12, 2014; Amended September 21, 2015; Amended March 14, 2022; Amended March 24, 2023.

Borrowing Policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure fair and equitable services for all patrons by outlining the rules and regulations associated with the borrowing of library materials.

Museum Pass Policy

The Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library provide passes and coupons for free or discounted admission to museums and zoos in the greater Boston area. Reserve a museum pass online.

Museum Pass Policy At-A-Glance
  • To reserve a pass or coupon, you must be a Quincy resident aged 18+ with a valid library card.
  • You may reserve a pass/coupon up to two weeks in advance.
  • There is a limit of one pass/coupon per person at one time.
  • If a pass is not returned on time, there will be a $20 overdue charge.

Interlibrary Loan Policy

The library provides interlibrary loan to obtain materials not available from Old Colony Library Network libraries. Submit your request online or in person at any location.

Interlibrary Loan Policy At-A-Glance
  • This service is available to all registered Old Colony Library Network borrowers
  • All requested items must be picked up and returned at a Quincy library location
  • Items may be borrowed for 14 days; renewals may be requested but cannot be guaranteed
  • Customers are responsible for any charges levied by a supplying library for materials lost or damaged while charged out to them. No refunds will be made for lost and paid interlibrary loan materials that are subsequently found

Bulletin Board & Materials Distribution Policy

The library’s maintains bulletin boards for the posting of materials, as well as designated areas (such as literature racks and spaces on countertops and tables) for the passive distribution of printed materials. Information and events appropriate for posting and distribution include cultural events, educational opportunities, social services, and civic and governmental information.

Bulletin Board & Materials Distribution Policy At-A-Glance
  • Materials may be posted or distributed by non-commercial organizations and governmental agencies engaged in educational, cultural, civic, intellectual, or charitable activities.
  • Bulletin board space is provided for announcements of dated non-recurring Quincy events; other event announcements will be considered, space permitting.
  • Materials may be posted or distributed for up to two months, space permitting; each notice will be marked with the date it was posted. When materials are removed, they will be discarded.
  • Because of space limitations, the Library cannot guarantee that all eligible materials will be posted or distributed.
  • Unauthorized items posted or left will be removed and discarded.
  • Materials should generally be no larger than 8-1/2” x 11” but larger materials will be considered, space permitting.
  • Organizations or individuals interested in posting or distributing materials may either bring the materials to a library information desk for approval or mail them to the Main Library.
  • Name and contact information of the group sponsoring or benefiting from an event, and the date and location of the event, must be included in materials posted or distributed.

Collection Development Policy

The Thomas Crane Public Library provides a collection of materials and resources in keeping with its mission and values. The purpose of this policy is to help patrons and staff understand how and why materials are added to or removed from the library’s collection.

Archives & Special Collections – Collection Development Policy

The Archives and Special Collections at Thomas Crane Public Library is committed to the collection and preservation of documents, objects, artifacts, and archival and ephemeral materials of or related to the rich history of the City of Quincy and its inhabitants, and the Thomas Crane Public Library system, and in providing access to patrons and researchers.

Computer & Internet Use Policy

The library provides public use computers and Internet access at all locations, subject to its Computer & Internet Use Policy.

The Thomas Crane Public Library affirms the rights and responsibilities of parents and legal guardians to guide and monitor their minor children’s access to all library materials and resources, including those available via the Internet. For more information, please read our Statement on Children & the Internet.

Computer & Internet Use Policy-At-A Glance
  • In order to assure equitable access for all users, daily time limits may be enforced for each user
  • All computers except Main Library Media Room computer are available on a first come, first served basis and may not be reserved in advance
  • All computers are turned off 15 minutes before closing; users must be ready to end their computer sessions at that time
  • Users must log in using their own library card number and PIN. Using someone else’s login information, with or without their permission, is not allowed and may result in termination of computer privileges
  • Headphones must be used when listening to audio content, and volume must be low enough so that others cannot hear it
  • Whether or not they are in use, computers designated for children up to age 12 are for the exclusive use of children and their accompanying caregivers, and computers designated for teens are for the exclusive use of young adults aged 13-18
  • Computer users must refrain from viewing material that is inappropriate for a public area or that creates a hostile environment for other users or library staff, including pornographic or sexually explicit images, whether on library computers or their own portable devices. Display of material that may be deemed obscene and/or unlawful under federal or state law is not permitted
  • All users of library computers or portable devices are expected to use them in a quiet, responsible, and courteous way; to respect the privacy of other users; and to follow all of the library’s policies, guidelines, and procedures

Mobile Device In-Library Use Policy

In support of its mission to connect people to the online world, the Thomas Crane Public Library provides free mobile devices, such as laptops, for in-library use. 

Customer Service Policy

The library strives to consistently exceed customer expectations with friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive staff; with balanced, current, and accurate resources; and with clean, safe, and accessible buildings. We recognize that each customer is important, with unique needs, and we provide equal consideration and respect to all. 

  • The library offers the same quality of service to all customers, regardless of age, race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, educational background, religious affiliation, physical limitations, or any other criteria
  • The library will provide resources and services in the most equitable and accessible way possible
  • Library staff will treat all customers in a courteous, friendly, and nonjudgmental manner
  • Customers needing assistance will always take precedence over other library tasks
  • Library staff will work together to fulfill a customer request or offer a suitable alternative
  • All interactions and transactions between customers and library staff are confidential
  • Customer complaints about the quality of service received will be referred to the appropriate supervisory staff person or to library administration

Freedom to Read Statement

The library adheres to the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement.

Library bill of Rights

The library adheres to the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.

Gifts & Donations Policy

The Thomas Crane Public Library welcomes gifts of library materials, money, or tangible property of any kind that promote the mission of the Library.

Generally, the library does not accept gifts for permanent display or preservation that would not be purchased or otherwise added to the collection, or any gift that would incur excessive expense or administrative support. The library reserves the right to decline any gift that the Board of Trustees, at its sole discretion, deems to be not in the best interests of the library to accept.

Gifts and donations become the property of the library and no restrictions on the library’s ownership, possession, use, or disposition of the gift shall be effective other than restrictions approved by the express vote of the Board of Trustees and memorialized in writing. The donor or his/her lawful agent must complete a gift agreement before a tangible gift can be accepted. 

Donor Recognition Policy

The Thomas Crane Public Library provides appropriate, equitable and consistent ways to publicly recognize and acknowledge donors for their gifts and contributions in support of the Library, in keeping with the Library’s mission and reputation as a public entity. 

Health Emergency Policy

In order to ensure the continuation of its core public service activities, the Library has established this protocol in the event of an epidemic or library health emergency.

Study & Conference Room use Policy

The Library has a variety of study and conference rooms with capacities ranging from one to 12 persons. Rooms may be booked up to four weeks in advance, and may be used by walk-ins if not previously reserved. Rooms can be booked online or by calling (617) 376-1300 x3.

  • Rooms are available only to non-profit community groups and individuals for small group work or other tasks, which may not be easily accomplished in other areas of the library.
  • Rooms are available from opening until 15 minutes before closing time.
  • All rooms are available only for group use (two or more people), except for the 2nd Floor Media Room and the Richardson Study Rooms.
  • Reservations may be made up to four weeks in advance. Individuals/groups may reserve one room up to two times in a week. Rooms may be reserved for up to two hours in a day.
  • Reserved rooms will not be held more than 15 minutes past the time reserved and may be assigned to the next applicant after that time.
  • Room users must check in at a public service desk upon arrival for access to a room and will be required to provide positive identification.
  • Rooms shall not be used for entrepreneurial or commercial purposes, for the solicitation or development of business, for profit or for fundraising, or direct campaign activities for individual candidates or ballot measures.
  • No food or unlidded drinks are allowed in the rooms. Rooms must be left clean and in the same condition as found.
  • Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult or child aged 14 or older.
  • Room activities must not interfere with or disturb library staff or users. Music and other noise must be kept to a level acceptable to the library.

Meeting Room Use Policy

In keeping with its mission to facilitate lifelong learning, provide opportunities for cultural enrichment, and foster a sense of community, the Thomas Crane Public Library welcomes public use of its meeting rooms for meetings and events that are free of charge and open to all residents of Quincy, City of Quincy Departments, and Quincy based community organizations. Meeting rooms are made available as a public service and booking a room in no way constitutes an endorsement of the program or philosophy of the group or the individuals using the facilities.

All groups wishing to book a larger meeting room must first review the complete Meeting Room Use Policy and then apply through the Library’s booking system.

Photography & recording Policy

This policy provides regulations for photography, video and sound recording on Library property. These activities may not interfere with the operations, programs, and activities of the Library, infringe on the privacy rights of Library users, or violate any other Library policies.

Video Surveillance policy

The library strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for its users, staff, and property while protecting individual privacy rights. In order to discourage inappropriate and illegal behavior and enhance the ability to identify and apprehend offenders, security cameras have been installed in certain areas of the library.

Privacy Policy

The library recognizes that library users must not feel constrained in their use of library resources because they fear invasion of personal privacy. We are committed to protecting the privacy of our users regarding information sought or received and materials consulted or borrowed, including database and Internet search records, circulation and interlibrary loan records, reference questions, and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, or services.

Privacy Policy At-A-Glance
  • The library collects personally identifiable information about its users only for the purpose of providing or improving library services
  • The library will not disclose library records to any agency of local, state, or federal government or to any individual, except for the following:
    • At the request of or with the consent of the individual user who is the subject of the record or information or upon presentation of a user’s library card.
    • In accordance with such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized by federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power.
    • For the purposes of interlibrary cooperation and coordination, and for library administrative purposes.
  • The library cannot guarantee the security and privacy of any Internet transaction, including email and e-commerce transactions
  • Protecting the privacy of children is especially important to the library. We urge parents to supervise their children’s use of the Internet and to instruct children never to give out personal information (name, address, telephone number, password) online

Exhibit and Display Policy

The Library makes designated spaces available to individuals and organizations for the exhibit of art works and documents, artifacts and other ephemera. Those interested in using exhibit or display space may submit an online application form or call the library’s administrative office at 617-376-1300 x6. Please review the full policy before submitting an application.

Exhibit and Display Policy At-A-Glance
  • Exhibits and displays must be of an educational, cultural, or civic nature
  • Exhibits and displays may not be for entrepreneurial or commercial purposes, for business solicitation, profit, or fundraising
  • All exhibit and display applications will be considered in terms of the library’s mission to provide educational and cultural enrichment, on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Applications may be made up to one year in advance and no less than one month in advance
  • Exhibits generally run for a calendar month and are limited to four weeks per calendar year per individual or organization

Policy on Programs in the Library

The Library develops and presents programs that further its mission and strategic goals and reflect the Library’s commitment to equitable and inclusive access to information and services.

Safe Child Policy

While library staff strives to create a safe and comfortable place for children, the library is a public building, and as such it can be a dangerous place for children alone. Library staff are not responsible for supervising children and cannot know if children are leaving the building with parents or with strangers. Young children unattended at closing time could be left alone just a few feet from a busy street. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for monitoring their children’s safety, activities, and behavior while visiting the library. 

Social Media & Website Policy

The library uses social media to foster communication with library users and publicize library programs, services and events. 

Volunteer Policy

The library’s volunteer program is designed to support and enhance library services and provide citizens with opportunities to serve their community. Volunteers perform valuable ancillary work that extends but does not substitute for the work of paid staff. 

Policy on Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) requests

The library requests CORI information for prospective and current library volunteers, in accordance with the recommendations of the Mass. Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.