Code of Conduct

Kensal Rise Library (KRL) is a welcoming and inclusive space for all members of hte community. We are committed to providing free access to information, promoting literacy, supporting lifelong learning, and fostering the health and well-being of our community (KRL Purpose).

To maintain a safe and respectful environment, we ask that all patrons – including volunteers and trustees – adhere to the following guidelines.

General Behaviour

Expected Behaviour: all library users are required to:

• Treat Library staff, volunteers and other users with respect and courtesy.

• Refrain from using abusive, threatening or violent language or behaviour.

• Comply with all library policies, including Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy and Safeguarding Policy.

Unacceptable Behaviour: the following behaviour is strictly prohibited:

• Verbal abuse: Shouting, swearing, or using derogatory, discriminatory or threatening language.

• Physical Intimidation or Violence: physical threats, assault or intimidation, such as standing too close, shaking fists or other aggressive gestures.

• Harassment: Any form of behaviour that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

• Bullying: behaviour that is repeated and intended to hurt someone either physically or emotionally, often aimed at certain groups, for example because of race, religions, gender or sexual orientation.

• Vandalism: Misuse or damage to library property, including books, equipment or furniture.

• Disruption of Library Services: Engaging in actions that significantly disrupt the normal operations of the library or other patrons’ use of the space.

Reporting Unacceptable Behaviour by Volunteers on Duty

• If the behaviour or language of a patron or visitor causes another patron or volunteer on duty to feel significantly uncomfortable, anxious or concerned then the volunteers on duty will verbally remind the patron of the Library’s Code of Conduct and will ask them to stop.

• Formal Warning: If the behaviour continues, the volunteers on duty will inform the patron that their behaviour will be reported to the board of trustees.

Enforcement: Library volunteers are empowered to:

• Ask patrons to leave the premises if their behaviour is causing other patrons and/or volunteers on duty to feel significantly uncomfortable, anxious or concerned.

• Notify the police if a patron refuses to leave or poses a serious threat.

Use of Library Resources

• Please be considerate when using computers or electronic devices. Ensure audio is not disruptive to others by using headphones.
• Return books and all other items used in the library to the correct place.

• Users are encouraged to contribute a small donation if not students or on benefits.

Eating and Drinking

• Users are asked to restrict their consumption of food and drink to the tables so as to avoid any spillage or damage to books, computers or other library property.

• Volunteers are welcome to make themselves tea and coffee and to use the kitchen facilities to prepare and store food for lunch, etc. .

• Where appropriate, volunteers may wish to offer library users a coup of tea, coffee or water.

Noise and Environment

• Keep noise to a minimum. Audio from devices should not be audible to others. .

• Maintain cleanliness by disposing of rubbish in bins and clearing personal belongings from study spaces.

• Phones must be set to silent mode. Phone calls are not encouraged within the library premises and users should be mindful of other library users. Phone calls should not be made in the Dave Williams Room when it is being used for quiet study, reading or work

Theft and Vandalism

• Any vandalism, theft or misuse of library property (furniture, equipment and books) may result in a user being asked to leave the library, the cancellation of library membership and/or police involvement.

Compliance with Opening Hours

• Patrons must adhere to library opening hours and vactate teh premises promptly when requested by volunteers.