User Guidelines, Rules & Regulations

A place for all of us

Marrickville Library Service provides a special place for all of us.  It is an important hub where the community can learn something new, pursue a hobby, meet friends or just quietly reflect.  We all have a right to enjoy the library in a safe and civil environment.

Together we can help make our libraries special by following the Library User Guidelines, Rules & Regulations as described in this pamphlet.

Behaviour code

Library users are required to behave and respect other users' rights to a safe and welcoming environment.

Users should:

• be considerate of others
• be polite to others
• respect cultural differences
• respect the rights of all library users and staff

Unacceptable behaviours include:

• drug/alcohol intoxication
• verbally or physically abusing, assaulting, intimidating or harassing library staff and/or users.

Theft, vandalism, carrying a weapon and other criminal offences will be referred to the NSW Police by library staff.

Internet / Computer access

Library Members are entitled to internet / computer access for one hour per day.  Your library card must be shown and other people are not allowed to use your card.  If you have overdue books or have outstanding fines, internet privileges are suspended.

The supervision of children

Library staff do not supervise children in the library.  Unattended children may leave the library at any time, hurt themselves, or be approached by strangers.  Libraries are busy public places, and staff cannot judge which members of the public present as a possible danger to children. 

Library staff will attempt to contact parents or care providers If children under eight or who are in distress are found without adult supervision.  If parents or care providers cannot be reached or ignore the Library User Guidelines, Rules & Regulations on the supervision of children, Library staff will contact the NSW Police and or NSW Department of Community Services (DOCS) to ensure child safety.

Food and dress code

Library users are required to dress in a manner that is appropriate and not likely to cause offence.

Users should:

• wear footwear at all times
• keep food and drink away from computers
• consume hot food outside the library
• remember that bare chests and skimpy clothing may cause offence

Additional guidelines

It is prohibited to:

• bring animals into the library (assisted care animals permitted)
• bring bikes, balls, skateboards, roller skates and scooters into the library
• distribute literature in the library
• undertake soliciting or selling in the library
• take photos or bring cameras into the library

What library staff can do

The NSW Library Act empowers library staff to:

• direct any person to leave the library
• exclude any person from the library for up to one year

The NSW Library Act 1939 (Revised 2005) and Regulations (2005) are available at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au or from library staff. 
All criminal matters will be referred to the NSW Police.

Need help?

If you consider another person's conduct to be inappropriate, offensive or threatening please seek help from a library staff member.
If you have any questions about the Library User Guidelines, Rule and Regulations or other matters ask a staff member.

Your obligations

• Marrickville Library Service asks for your co-operation in maintaining an environment for study and for the enjoyable use of our libraries.
• Your library card must be shown to borrow materials and to make a computer booking.
• Visitors shall not interfere with other visitors's use of the Library or with Library employee's performance of their duties.
• Internet computers are not to be used for illegal, actionable or criminal purposes, nor are they to be used to access inappropriate material that contain sexually explicit content or that degrade a specific gender, ethinic or racial group.