Policies
Mission Statement
The Berkeley Public Library supports the individual's right to know by providing free access to information.
The Central Library and four neighborhood Branch Libraries are committed to developing collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of Berkeley's diverse, multi-cultural community.
- The Library supports independent learning, personal growth, and the individual's need for information.
- Helpful and expert staff welcome the opportunity to provide quality library services and programs.
- The Berkeley Public Library -- an institution shaped by Berkeley's traditions, characteristics, and environment -- belongs to the entire community.
- Adopted by the Board of Library Trustees
December 1987
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.
- Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the Library serves. 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 proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
- Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of 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 which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Adopted June 18, 1948. Amended February 2, 1961, and January 23, 1980, inclusion of "age" reaffirmed January 23, 1996 by the ALA Council.
Download the Library Bill of Rights
Internet Access
Free Internet access is available at all locations. The Berkeley Public Library does not filter Internet access. Use of the Library's workstations indicates consent to and knowledge of the Library's Internet use policy. See more information on using the Library's computers.
Privacy
Library computers are in public areas. Please respect others' rights to read and view. If you are bothered by what others are viewing, library staff will attempt to place you at a different station. However, unless a patron is viewing an illegal website, or behaving in a way contrary to our policy guidelines, library staff will not interfere with another patron's right to privacy. "We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted."
Article 3, Code of Ethics of the American Library Association (1995).
Rules of Conduct
These rules of conduct are for the comfort, safety and protection of all library patrons and library staff. Library staff and library security guards will firmly and courteously enforce these rules. We ask your cooperation in maintaining an environment conducive to enjoyable use of the Library for all. Patrons must wear shirt, pants/skirt, and shoes.
The following behaviors will not be tolerated:
- Physical abuse or assault
- Fighting or challenging to fight
- Making violent and threatening statements
Any patron displaying any of these behaviors will be instructed to leave the Library immediately. Police will be called and appropriate legal action will follow. In addition, based on the severity of the situation, a suspension of library privileges for up to one year will be applied.
The following behaviors are also prohibited:
- Using harassing or insulting language
- Leaving children under the age of eight (8) unattended by a parent or authorized adult
- Damaging or destroying library property
- Blocking library entrances, ramps or exits, with animals, bicycles, strollers, etc
- Participating in any activity in the Library or at public entrances/exits which interferes with any person's comfort or safety
- Entering Library with animals other than service animals authorized by law
- Entering Library with and/or riding bikes, skates, scooters, skateboards, etc
- Smoking, eating or drinking
- Lying on the floor or sleeping
- Exuding offensive, pervasive odors
- Disturbing or annoying anyone with loud and/or unreasonable noise
- Blocking and/or monopolizing aisles, tables and chairs with personal items
Any patrons displaying these behaviors will be addressed in the following manner:
- First violation: Initial warning, given copy of Library Rules of Conduct
- Second violation: library privileges suspended for one day
- Third violation: library privileges suspended for seven days
- Fourth violation: library privileges suspended for up to one year
If you observe anyone violating any of these rules of conduct, please inform either a security guard or a library staff member.
Adopted by the Board of Library Trustees 4/88
Revised 8/91, 9/95, 1/97, 9/02, 12/06
Download the Rules of Conduct.