Library Conditions of Use

Introduction

Newcastle Libraries provides free membership to all residents, non-residents, ratepayers, businesses, community groups and visitors to the City of Newcastle.

The library’s vision is to be a service that is anywhere, anytime and responsive to our community’s needs.

The Library actively supports the City of Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan to:

  • Provide quality, stimulating and inclusive leisure, learning and recreation options that enable all people to participate and thrive.
  • Support diverse communities to build strong social and cultural connections through tolerance, participation and inclusion, so that everyone feels welcome in Newcastle and enjoys a sense of belonging and place.
  • Support capacity-building and inclusive digital access to narrow the digital divide and ensure the benefits of innovation are applied equitably across the community.

Purpose

The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure the equity of access for all community members wanting to use the Library service, the collections, the Library equipment (including PCs), the Library WiFi and associated resources.

The guidelines ensure library users and library staff members are provided with a safe and comfortable environment for the enjoyment of all, and that materials and facilities are maintained in good condition.

These guidelines have been established in accordance with the Library Act, 1939 and NSW Library Regulation 2018.

Library Conditions of Use

1. GENERAL

By agreeing to the terms and conditions of entry and of Library membership – all library users agree to:

  • Treat other library users with respect, refraining from physical or verbal aggression and unreasonable, disruptive noise;
  • Treat all staff with respect, refraining from physical or verbal aggression and unreasonable, disruptive noise;
  • Respect all resources, equipment, and facilities, refraining from stealing, damaging, altering or inappropriate use;
  • Respect the laws of copyright and fair use;
  • Respect the laws regarding the use of the internet;
  • Respect the laws regarding the carrying of dangerous weapons, selling, using or possession of prohibited substances or offensive acts;
  • Respect the laws prohibiting smoking in or near our buildings;
  • Respect the laws prohibiting the drinking of alcohol in public places without a permit;
  • Respect for and consider others when using your mobile phone. No phones in designated quiet zones;
  •  Abide by entry requirements for Newcastle Libraries Open+ library locations
  • Abide by the classification rules* applied to library items.

*The library adheres to the legislation and rulings of the Australian Classification Board and the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

2. SEEKING PERMISSION

You must seek permission from the Library prior to undertaking the following:

  • Asking Library users to take part in surveys or sign petitions;
  • The taking of photographs or filming in the Library.

3. PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Please take care not to leave any personal property such as bags, wallets, mobile phones unattended in the Library. Personal property should be kept with you at all times. Newcastle Libraries accepts no responsibility for items left unattended.

4. RESPONSIBILITY FOR CHILDREN AND OTHER DEPENDENTS

Children aged under 10 years and other dependent persons must be appropriately supervised by a responsible person at all times.

Children attending programs and events, including story time and holiday activities, must be supervised by a responsible person at all times.

Young children left alone in the library can become distressed, anxious or disruptive. Any child left unattended in a public library may be classed as a child or young person at risk of harm under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1988, s23, and subsequently may be reported as such to the Department of Community Services under s24 or s27 of the Act.

5. FOOD AND DRINK

Food and drink are permitted in the Library on the strict understanding that the shared public spaces are left clean and tidy.

Food is not permitted in the Local History Library (Level 2, War Memorial Cultural Centre) only bottled water is permitted in this area.

6. UNCCEPTABLE BEHAVIOURS

The following behaviours will not be tolerated in the Library:

  • Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
  • Disruptive, aggressive or discriminatory language or behaviour;
  • Harassment of other Library users and/or staff members;
  • Physical threats or intimidation.

7. CCTV

All branches are fitted with CCTV technology. Footage from these cameras will be provided to NSW Police upon request.

8. COMPANION ANIMALS

The library welcomes assistance animals under the Companion Animals Act. In consideration of other users, all other animals should not be brought into the Library.

Breaches of the Library Conditions of Use

A breach of these guidelines may result in a permanent or temporary exclusion from the Library and its services, including membership privileges and use of the internet.

Under the guidelines, the Library may issue patrons with a warning. Failure to respond to this warning will result in the patron being requested to immediately leave the Library for the remainder of the day or evening. In extreme cases no warning will be given, and the patron will be asked to immediately leave the Library for the remainder of the day or evening.

Patrons who cause repeated disruptions or act outside these guidelines will be deemed to have breached the guidelines and will have their Library use privileges stopped or restricted. In the case of a person under 18 years of age a letter may be sent to their parents or guardians.

The Director MALL determines any breach penalties and any appeals against such penalties.