Service Alert
Pender County Library strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all who visit the library. The following guidelines are meant to ensure that the Library is a safe and enjoyable environment for all and that Library equipment and facilities are protected.
Failure to comply with the Library Use Guidelines may result in exclusion from the Library for the day or permanently. The police may be called when appropriate, for example in response to illegal activities or for refusal to leave when told to do so by library staff.
Library customers may not engage in any action or activity that violates any federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. Weapons of any kind are not allowed.
Visitors to the Library may not:
Strong odors can disrupt the ability of others to enjoy the library and are therefore not permitted. This includes strong perfumes or colognes, body odors, or any other odors that may be smelled from more than approximately three feet away.
Loitering is prohibited outside the Main Library in Burgaw and the Hampstead Branch Library between 10 pm and 7 am. At the Burgaw Library Annex, loitering is prohibited after dark and before sunrise.
Personal property must not obstruct aisles, doorways, stairways, walkways, or ramps. The Library is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen or damaged on Library premises.
Visitors to the library should not have more personal possessions with them than they can comfortably carry without the aid of wagons, carts, wheeled luggage, or similar devices. Exceptions include people with disabilities who require such items for mobility or to transport necessary equipment, as well as families with small children who may need strollers or similar supplies related to childcare. Library management may make additional exceptions on a case-by-case basis, considering the needs of the individual and the overall impact on the library environment.
Children under the age of 10 and/or vulnerable individuals must be attended by a responsible person while using the Library. Young people under 16 or vulnerable individuals may not be left at the Library after closing. "Vulnerable individuals" refers to individuals with mental or physical impairments who are unable to protect themselves from abuse or exploitation or comprehend and comply with Library policies.
Adult use of the children’s area is limited to use by parents and caregivers acting on behalf of children.
Drinks in closed containers such as covered cups or bottles are allowed. Packaged snacks that are consumed by an individual are allowed (crackers, cookies, etc.). No food/meals (such as pizza, fast food) are allowed in public areas unless permission is granted by the manager of the library facility.
Food is permitted in the large community meeting rooms; however, the person booking the room will be liable for cleaning costs for carpets soiled by food or drink spills.
Animals are not allowed in the Library unless they are service animals.
Appropriate dress for a public place is required; shoes and shirts must be worn.
Furniture may not be moved without staff permission, except in community meeting rooms, where furniture may be arranged as needed but must be returned to their default arrangement when one is finished using the room.
Heads, feet and legs must be kept off of tables.
Bathing, shaving, changing clothes, and other unintended uses of restrooms are not permitted.
Adherence to all Library policies is expected.
Using another’s Library account without their permission is prohibited, including use of their card, card number, PIN, and/or any other attempt to use their account.
Original adoption by the Pender County Library Advisory Board, date unknown.
Revised and adopted by the Pender County Library Advisory Board, August 15, 2001.
Revised and adopted by the Pender County Library Advisory Board, May 13, 2024.
Revised and adopted by the Pender County Library Advisory Board, August 12, 2024.
