The Kinderhook Memorial Library will serve all residents of the community and the Mid-Hudson Library System without charge. Service will not be denied or abridged because of religious, racial, social, economic, or political status; mental, emotional, or physical condition; age; sexual orientation; or gender identity.
The use of the Library may be denied for due cause. Such cause may be failure to return library materials or to pay penalties; destruction of Library property; disturbance of other patrons; or any other disruptive, objectionable, or illegal conduct on Library premises. It is a patron’s responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior in order to protect their individual rights
and privileges and the rights and privileges of other patrons. If a patron creates a nuisance, that patron may be restricted from the Library and from the use of the Library’s facilities. Those who are unwilling to leave or do not leave within a reasonable amount of time after being instructed to do so by staff, will be considered to be trespassing and subject to the law.
The Kinderhook Memorial Library encourages the use of the Library by young children and it is our desire to make this important visit both memorable and enjoyable for the child. Library staff is not expected to assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the Library. Therefore, it is Library policy that all children under the age of ten must be accompanied and supervised by a
parent or designated responsible person while in the Library or on Library grounds. Also, if the young child is attending a Library program, we require the parent/responsible person to remain in the Library or on Library grounds, as appropriate, throughout the program unless otherwise noted in the description of the program.
In order to ensure constructive use of the Kinderhook Memorial Library facilities, materials, and services, as well as the personal comfort of all patrons, the Board of Trustees has established the following rules for use:
- Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a public library while in the building.
- Reasonable quiet is expected; no patron may disturb others using the Library. Patrons are encouraged to report disruptive individuals to the staff.
- Misconduct such as the use of foul or threatening language or gestures; public drunkenness or drug usage; sale or exchange of alcohol or drugs; persistent loud talking or laughing; running, pushing, or fighting; and other disruptive, offensive, or illegal behavior may result in expulsion from the premises and suspension of Library privileges.
- Smoking is not permitted on Library property.
- Only animals assisting the handicapped are permitted in the building.
- Patrons shall not be permitted to enter the building without footwear or without a shirt or other covering of their upper bodies.
- A patron who deliberately alters a Library computer or database or destroys computer equipment will forfeit all Library privileges and will be subject to financial liability for damages.
- A patron who vandalizes, steals, or destroys any Library materials, equipment or building components will forfeit all Library privileges and will be subject to financial liability for damages.
- Patrons shall comply with all rules and regulations established by New York State, Columbia County, the Town or Village of Kinderhook, and the Library during periods of public health emergencies or a declared epidemic or pandemic, and must wear a face mask that covers the nose and mouth while inside the Library or on Library grounds. These rules will be prominently displayed at all library entrances.
Patron concerns should be brought to the attention of the Library Director.
Revised and Approved May 8, 2006
Revised and Approved November 10, 2014
Revised and Approved November 11, 2020