Children Safety Policy and Procedures
Approved June 4, 2024
The Washington Township Public Library welcomes library use by children. The happiness and safety of young children left alone in the library is a serious concern. Staff members are available to assist children with library materials and services. The Library strives to provide a safe and appropriate environment for visitors of all ages. However, the Library is a public building with staff trained to provide public library services. The Library is not equipped, nor is it the Library’s role, to provide long- or short-term child care. The Library is not responsible for children who are left unattended on Library premises.
It is not the Library’s intention to seek out unattended children, but rather to have a reasonable response prepared if situations arise.
General Behavior
- Children, like all library patrons, are expected to behave appropriately while in the library. Please refer to the Library Code of Conduct for additional guidelines. Children of any age who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves may not be left alone in the library or on library grounds at any time and must have adequate supervision from an appropriate caregiver.
- Children who behave in a manner that is disruptive or interferes with the operation or use of the library will be asked to leave the library until they can behave in a manner that is safe and no longer disruptive.
- If an unattended child age 12 or older behaves in a disruptive manner or interferes with the operation or use of the library, the child’s appropriate caregiver will be notified and asked to remove the child from the library immediately. If the caregiver cannot be located or refuses to do so, the Washington Township Police will be contacted.
Guidelines
- Parents and caregivers, not the Library or Library staff members, are responsible for the safety, behavior, and supervision of children at all times. At no time will the Library or Library staff stand in loco parentis or in place of a parent or caregiver.
Definitions
Appropriate Caregiver: Refers to a parent, guardian, or caregiver age 15 or older.
Supervision Guidelines
The following guidelines apply to an appropriate caregiver accompanying or leaving a child in the library:
- Children under the age of 6 must remain under the direct supervision of an appropriate caregiver at all times. Direct supervision means within sight or conversation distance.
- Children ages 6–11 may be under the indirect supervision of an appropriate caregiver, but the caregiver must remain in the library at all times and within a reasonable distance to monitor the child’s behavior and safety.
- Children age 12 and older may use the library unsupervised provided they follow the Library Code of Conduct, which is available on the library website and posted throughout the library.
- An appropriate caregiver must arrive at the library no later than 15 minutes before closing to pick up a child age 12 or older. If an appropriate caregiver cannot be contacted after closing, the Washington Township Police Department will be called.
- The Library is not responsible for a minor’s selection of library materials. The Library believes it is the right and responsibility of an appropriate caregiver to determine what materials are appropriate for their child.
Children and Programming
- Children under the age of 6 must have direct supervision from an appropriate caregiver while attending a program.
- An appropriate caregiver must remain in the vicinity of the program location or in the Children’s Room while a child ages 6–11 attends a program.
- Children of all ages are expected to behave in a safe and respectful manner while attending library programs.
Children and Computer Use
- Parents and guardians of minor children, not the Washington Township Public Library, are responsible for their children’s use of the internet through the Library’s connection. While Library staff may assist parents in identifying appropriate resources for children, the Library does not restrict access to materials.
Code of Conduct
The Washington Township Public Library Board of Trustees has adopted the following Code of Conduct to protect the rights of library users and staff, ensure safety, and protect library resources and facilities from damage.
The following activities are prohibited:
I. Activities Prohibited by Law
- Fighting, causing loud noise, or using offensive language in a public place
- Theft
- Theft of library materials
- Vandalism
- Smoking any tobacco product
- Possessing, distributing, consuming, or being under the influence of controlled substances or alcoholic beverages
- Criminal harassment of staff or the public
- Engaging in sexual activity, contact, assault, lewdness, exposure, or any inappropriate sexual activity in a public place
II. Loud, Disruptive, or Unsafe Behavior
Behavior that unreasonably interferes with another person’s use of the library or with staff performing their duties is prohibited, including:
- Creating excessive noise
- Running
- Making verbal or physical threats
- Offensive bodily hygiene that constitutes a nuisance to others
- Preventing others from using library buildings, materials, or services
- Following or stalking another person with intent to annoy or disturb
- Misusing restrooms, including using them as laundry or washing facilities
III. Illegal Use of Library Computers
Distributing, downloading, reproducing, viewing, or printing illegal materials on library computers is prohibited, including obscene materials or items depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child, as defined under New Jersey law.
IV. Food and Drink
Eating or drinking in the library building is prohibited.
V. Soliciting
Unauthorized buying, selling, or soliciting on library grounds is prohibited.
VI. Business Activities
Conducting a for-profit business by meeting customers within the library or using library resources as a business office is prohibited when such use interferes with others’ use of the library.
VII. Non-Library Use of the Building
Using the library building for non-library purposes, including playing games or sleeping, is prohibited when such use interferes with others’ use of the library.
VIII. Animals
Animals other than service animals are not permitted in the building.
IX. Supervision of Children and Dependents
Caregivers and attendants must remain available for the personal or special needs of those in their care. Children under the age of 11 may not be left unattended on library premises. Please refer to the Unattended Children Policy.
X. Study Tables and Workstations
Patrons may not exceed the number of people who may reasonably sit together at library study tables or computer workstations.
XI. Appropriate Dress
All library patrons must be dressed appropriately at all times, including wearing shoes, pants or shorts, and a shirt while in the library building.
XII. Photography and Videography
Photographing or videotaping without prior permission from Library Administration and those being photographed is prohibited.
XIII. Weapons
Carrying a weapon in the library is prohibited unless authorized by law.
Library users who fail to observe this Code of Conduct or other library rules and regulations may be asked to leave the building or may be subject to arrest. Any library user who violates the Code of Conduct may be denied access to the library by the Board of Trustees upon recommendation of the Library Director. Any user whose privileges have been denied may request a review of the decision by the Board of Trustees.
Revised April 2005 and February 2015.
Library Programming Policy
Purpose
The Washington Township Public Library sponsors a wide variety of public programs in accordance with its mission to meet the cultural, educational, recreational, and informational needs of Washington Township residents. The Library’s investment in public programming recognizes that people learn in many different ways and that diverse programming enables the Library to reach new audiences.
Program Planning
Library-initiated public programs are planned in accordance with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and, as such, topics, speakers, and resource materials are not excluded from programs because of potential controversy. The Library strives to present programs representing a variety of opinions and viewpoints. Sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the program’s content or the views expressed by participants, just as the purchase of materials for the collection does not constitute endorsement of those materials or their creators.
Library staff use the following criteria when planning programs:
- Relevance to community needs and interests
- Presentation quality
- Presenter background, reputation, and qualifications
- Budget
- Availability of program space
- Connection to community programs, exhibitions, or events
- Relation to library collections, resources, exhibits, and other library-sponsored programs
Library programs must be non-commercial. However, speakers may distribute business cards after a program concludes. Product sales at library programs are generally prohibited except for the following:
- Writers, performers, and artists may sell their own work at library programs
- The Friends of the Library may sell items at programs they sponsor
Community Participation
The Library welcomes opinions and suggestions from the community regarding programming. Anyone with a question or concern about a library program should first discuss the matter with a library staff member. Individuals wishing to continue a request for reconsideration of a library program must submit a formal written request to the Library Director. Concerns will be reviewed and a response will be issued to the patron.
If the patron wishes to pursue the matter further, concerns may be submitted in writing to the Library Board no less than one week prior to a scheduled Board meeting. The Library Board will review the written communication, staff decisions, and concerns, and will respond to the patron after the review process is complete.
Program Availability
Library programs are generally offered free of charge and are open to all unless a specific age group is indicated by the nature of the program. For certain series, such as Lifetime Learning, Yoga, and Tai Chi, the Library may charge a registration fee to offset costs.
When space, seating, or materials are limited, preference may be given to Washington Township residents. If attendance exceeds safe occupancy limits, admission may be limited in accordance with fire and building code safety standards.
Policy Applicability
This programming policy applies to all Library-organized and co-sponsored events offered to the public by the Washington Township Public Library. The policy does not apply to meetings or programs offered by outside organizations using library premises.
Acknowledgements
Portions of this policy are adapted from the Princeton Public Library “Policy and Procedures Manual” and the American Library Association interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.
Appendix: The Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services:
- Library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people in the community. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
- Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
- Libraries should challenge censorship in fulfilling their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
- Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
- A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
- Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public should do so on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting use.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on November 7, 2017.
Meeting Room Policy
The Washington Township Free Public Library welcomes the use of its meeting rooms by local community nonprofit organizations that agree to observe library rules and whose activities do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Rooms are available regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of group members.
Meeting rooms may not be used for profit-making ventures or by representatives of for-profit companies or organizations to market, advertise, or sell goods and services.
Priority for room use will be given to:
- Library-sponsored events and activities
- Municipal functions
- Local community nonprofit organizations
Room Reservations
To reserve a meeting room, applicants should visit the Library website at wtpl.org and book a space online.
Additional reservation requirements include:
- A current certificate of insurance must be submitted before approval
- The number of meetings for an individual group may be limited based on availability
- Recurring reservations may be approved for up to three months if space is available
- Rooms may only be reserved during library operating hours
- Meetings must end before the library closes
- Groups should notify the library as soon as possible if a meeting must be canceled
Physical Space Rules
- The Large Meeting Room has a maximum capacity of 53 people
- The Small Meeting Room has a maximum capacity of 15 people
- Groups expecting more than 15 attendees should reserve the Large Meeting Room
- The Library reserves the right to move groups to a smaller room if attendance consistently remains below 15 people
Audio-visual equipment is available for group use. Requests for AV equipment must be made in advance, and only Library staff may handle the equipment. Groups may also use their own equipment but must indicate this when applying for room use. The Library is not responsible for incompatible technology.
Programs and meetings must not disrupt normal library operations. All attendees are subject to Library rules and regulations and may be asked to leave if they fail to comply.
The applicant is responsible for maintaining proper order during the event and complying with all applicable state, federal, and municipal regulations. Meetings must have at least one responsible adult age 18 or older present.
Food and beverages are not permitted in meeting rooms unless prior approval is granted.
At the conclusion of an event, the meeting room must be restored to order, including:
- Cleaning tables and chairs
- Vacuuming if necessary
- Proper disposal of garbage
Additional Rules for Meeting Room Use
The following activities and uses are prohibited:
- Private events such as parties, showers, memorial services, or receptions
- Political rallies or campaigns for or against a ballot issue or candidate
- Direct healthcare services, examinations, treatments, or hands-on demonstrations
Meeting rooms may be used for forums, study groups, or informational sessions regarding political or healthcare topics.
The Library’s name or address may not be used as the official address of any group. Advertisements may not imply Library sponsorship, and no event advertisements may be posted in the Library without prior approval from the Director. Permission to use a meeting room does not constitute endorsement of any organization’s policies or beliefs.
Groups using meeting rooms agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Washington Township Public Library, its Board, and employees from any loss, damage, liability, costs, or expenses arising from use of Library facilities.
Damage to Library property beyond normal wear and tear will be charged to the sponsoring group.
Denial of Meeting Room Privileges
Groups that fail to follow these regulations may lose future meeting room privileges. The Library reserves the right to revoke permission for room use or to change a group’s assigned room based on attendance.
The Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend these regulations at any time and to limit the number and frequency of public meetings.
Approved March 1996. Revised March 1997, September 2002, April 2010, July 2017, January 2021, and March 2025.
Notary Public Policy
The Washington Township Public Library offers Notary Public service for the benefit of residents of the community.
Identification Requirements
A valid photo identification is required for all customers seeking notary service. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- Driver’s License
- Non-Driver ID issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission
- Passport
Notary Service Guidelines
The following guidelines apply to all notary service requests:
- The Notary cannot provide legal advice or counseling regarding documents.
- The Notary does not provide services for:
- Wills
- Mortgages
- Deeds
- Birth certificates
- Depositions
- Marriage licenses
- Power of Attorney documents
- Documents must be signed in the presence of the Notary. Documents should not be signed before arriving for the appointment.
- Customers must ensure documents are fully completed before notarization, with no blank spaces other than signature areas. Documents containing blank spaces will not be notarized.
- The Library does not provide witnesses, and witnesses may not be solicited from library customers or staff unless personally known by a library staff member. Witnesses must:
- Personally know the signer
- Present valid photo identification
- Appear in person with the customer
- New Jersey law requires direct communication between the Notary and the customer. Translators may not be used. Documents written in languages other than English will not be notarized at this facility.
- In accordance with New Jersey Notarial Law, the Notary may refuse service if there are concerns regarding authenticity, ambiguity, doubt, or uncertainty related to the customer, document, or circumstances.
Fees
- Notary services are free for residents of Washington Township.
- Non-residents will be charged a nominal fee of $2.00 per notarization.
If you would like an evening notary appointment please contact janice.parish@wtpl.org
Updated November 2024.
Quiet Study Room Policy
The Washington Township Public Library provides a Quiet Study Room free of charge for individuals or small groups of 15 people or fewer who need a quiet space or a place to converse without disturbing others.
Room Reservations
To reserve the Quiet Study Room, please contact the Library at:
- Phone: 908-876-3596
- Email:
Additional reservation guidelines include:
- Use is limited to two hours per day per individual or group
- The room may only be reserved during library operating hours
- All use must end 15 minutes before the Library closes
- The number of meetings for an individual or group may be limited to ensure equal access to the space
- Groups should notify the Library as soon as possible if a reservation must be canceled
Room Use Guidelines
- No admission fees may be charged and no money may be collected during use of the room
- Library-sponsored activities receive priority
- Participants must not disrupt the use of the Library by others
- Individuals using the room are subject to all Library rules and regulations and may be asked to leave if they fail to comply
The applicant is responsible for maintaining proper order and complying with all applicable state, federal, and municipal regulations.
Meetings must have at least one adult present who is 18 years of age or older.
Food is not permitted in the Quiet Study Room.
At the conclusion of the reservation, the room must be restored to order, including sanitizing tables and chairs.
Denial of Quiet Study Room Privileges
Individuals or groups that fail to follow these regulations may lose the privilege of reserving the space in the future. The Library reserves the right to revoke permission to use the room.
The Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend these regulations at any time and to limit the number and frequency of public meetings.
Approved September 2022.
Temporary Exhibit Policy
The Washington Township Free Public Library welcomes the opportunity for groups, organizations, and individuals to temporarily display artwork or collections at the Library. Display space is intended for educational, cultural, civic, or recreational exhibits and is not available for strictly commercial purposes. All exhibitors are subject to the following terms and conditions.
Exhibit Applications
Applications for temporary exhibits must be submitted to the Library Director for approval and should include:
- A description of the exhibit
- Photographs of the proposed exhibit, if possible
Ownership and Responsibility
- Ownership of exhibited artwork remains with the artist
- Exhibitors may not transfer an exhibit to another exhibitor
Exhibitors are encouraged to obtain insurance for their works against damage or theft and must sign a waiver releasing the Library from responsibility for loss or damage. The Library’s insurance policy does not cover exhibitor property. Displays are accessible to the public during open hours and are not supervised or secured by the Library.
Exhibitors are responsible for any damage caused to Library facilities during installation or removal of exhibits. Nothing may be attached to walls without prior approval from Library staff. The use of tape, labels, thumbtacks, or adhesives on Library walls is prohibited.
Exhibit Requirements
- All exhibits must conform to the space limitations of designated display areas
- Exhibits may be displayed in Library-approved spaces for a minimum of one month
The Library will not act as an agent in the sale of artwork or other exhibited items. Prices may not be displayed on exhibits, except for the Art Matters display. Artists may provide contact information and a separate price list.
Advertising and Publicity
Exhibitors must advertise exhibits in their own name and may not imply Library sponsorship. Exhibitors are responsible for removing all publicity materials at the end of the display period.
Removal of Exhibits
Exhibits not removed within the approved timeframe may be dismantled by Library staff without liability or assumption of risk by the Library. The Library does not provide storage space for exhibitor property.
Library Rights and Policy Changes
Library use of display areas takes precedence over all other uses. The Library Director and Board of Trustees reserve the right to accept, refuse, change, cancel, or remove any exhibit at their discretion.
These regulations are subject to review and amendment by the Washington Township Public Library Board of Trustees at any time.
Adopted October 2009.
