Library Policies
Rules Governing the Conduct of Patrons of the Santa Fe Public Library
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that library patrons and staff have clear guidelines regarding appropriate behavior at the library and to ensure that we have a safe, welcoming library facility.
The following are not permitted at any Santa Fe Public Library location:
• Committing or attempting to commit any activity that would constitute a crime or violation of federal, state, or local law.
• Verbal or physical harassment or threats to staff or patrons, including abusive or obscene language or engaging in physically intimidating behavior or assault.
• Entering staff-only or closed areas or remaining in the facility/area when asked to leave.
• Smoking, including vaping (any substance, including marijuana and nicotine).
• Eating in non-designated spaces (library programs or events at the library that are approved to have food are exempt).
• Solicitation or panhandling.
• Weapons prohibited by law.
• Possessing, selling, distributing, consuming or being under the influence of any intoxicant, legal or illegal.
• Inappropriate attire or lack of attire (shirts, footwear, and bottoms, such as pants, skirts, shorts, etc., are required).
• Bodily hygiene so offensive as to create a nuisance to others.
• Unattended personal property.
• Sexual misconduct, including the viewing or display of sexually explicit materials on library computers, personal devices or in print form and sexual harassment of patrons or staff.
• Damaging, mutilating, or misusing library property, including furniture, fixtures, library materials, etc.
• Tampering with or intentionally damaging library computer hardware or software.
• Using library technology such as computers, internet access and Wi-Fi for prohibited activities (including but not limited to stalking, harassing, defaming, spamming, or accessing sexually explicit materials).
• Taking photographs or videos without the permission of the subjects.
• Leaving children under the age of 9 unsupervised.
• Animals (except service animals, as strictly defined by ADA, which defines a service animal as a trained dog, emotional support or comfort animals are prohibited by ADA).
• Blocking or preventing access to library spaces, entrances, or exits with large bags, suitcases, shopping carts or by lying or sitting on the ground.
• Refusing to follow the directions of library staff or interfering with library business. Santa Fe Public Library Library Rules of Conduct V. 2.0
RULE VIOLATIONS
Any patron not abiding by these, or other rules and regulations of the library may be asked to leave the library premises. Library employees will contact the Santa Fe Police Department if deemed advisable. Any patron who repeatedly violates the library rules and regulations, or who is disruptive, or who engages in criminal behavior on the library premises shall be denied the privilege of access to the library for a period of one (1) to 180 days (6 months) by the Manager or Librarian in charge, a longer ban may be suggested by the Santa Fe Police Department, depending on the severity of the behavior. If a longer ban is suggested, the Library Director or designated Managers can agree to the longer term. Any patron whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Library Director.
The posting of these rules does not prohibit the enforcement of any applicable federal law, New Mexico statutes, or Santa Fe City ordinances as necessary.
The head librarian is granted the authority to make rules, regulations and policies regarding the operation and use of the library by the City of Santa Fe. Ord. #1962-13, § 3; Code 1973, § 15-7; Ord.
#1979-34, § 15.1-7; Ord. #1980-41, § 8; SFCC 1981, § 8-1-6
Approved by the Santa Fe Public Library Board on August 11, 2015.
Revised 06/19/2024, version 2.0
Version 2.0 approved by the Santa Fe Public Library Board on: 06/19/2024
Print version:
Rules Concerning Unattended Children
Children under 9 years of age may not be left unsupervised in the Library. Children 8 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a person age 13 or older while in the library.
Art Exhibit Information, Guidelines, and Policy
Santa Fe Public Library accepts applications from local artists for consideration of art exhibits. All applicants must live in the city or county of Santa Fe, be eligible for a library card, and follow the Information and Exhibit Guidelines and Art Exhibit Policy
Meeting Room Policy
The library meeting rooms are open to individuals or groups whose purpose is not illegal and whose conduct within the library is not objectionable. The meeting rooms are not available for commercial promotions or talks. Use of the rooms is subject to the following policies and regulations. Please check with the library for availability of audio-visual equipment.
Please reserve a room at any of our three library locations HERE.
- Library sponsored, Friends of the Library sponsored and City of Santa Fe sponsored activities are given priority in consideration of the use of the rooms. The following policies and regulations do not necessarily apply to the Library, Friends of the Library and City of Santa Fe programs or activities.
- All other meetings must be open to the public where open participation can be a part of the meeting.
- Meeting rooms cannot be used for religious services, but groups wishing to provide informational religious programs open to the public may do so.
- All meetings must be free of charge. No materials may be sold, nor donations solicited, at any time by a group using the library meeting rooms. No money shall change hands in the library meeting rooms.
- Meeting rooms shall not be used for private parties or events.
- Library staff will not be available to make room arrangement changes or to provide services such as operating audio-visual equipment, setting up chairs, making photocopies or handling attendee registration.
- The fact that a group is permitted to meet at the public library does not constitute an endorsement by the library of the group’s policies or beliefs.
- The library is not to be considered a sponsor. The library’s address may be used to indicate location of the program, but the Library is not to be used as a referral for information about the program. Groups may not use the Library’s phone number as the organization’s contact point.
- The booking organization or individual will be held financially responsible for any damage to library facilities and furnishings.
- Any group or individual that fails to comply with any of these policies and rules shall be denied future use of library meeting rooms at all locations. Groups or individuals with excessive cancellations or no shows may also be denied use of meeting rooms.
Meeting Room Rules
- Meetings must end no later than fifteen minutes before closing at which time the folding chairs and tables must be put away and the room left clean.
- Exits are to remain clear.
- Rooms may be reserved up to one month in advance of the current date. For example, on February 10 they may be reserved up to and including March 10.
- Programs with a noise level which disturbs other library patrons are not allowed.
- No refreshments are allowed (except with special permission obtained before the program starts). Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
- No smoking, no candles, no incense, no lanterns, no fires.
- Meetings must be open to the public and be free of charge.
- No money may be exchanged, no materials may be sold nor donations solicited.
Click here to view the Meeting Room Policy
Policy on Internet Use
In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Santa Fe Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the community. Free public use of the Internet in the library is a service that expands access to information and resources not readily available in Santa Fe.
Use of the Internet shall be consistent with the Library’s mission, goals, policies, and procedures, and with applicable local, state, federal, and international laws. Inappropriate or illegal use of this resource in the library, including but not limited to infringement of copyright laws, is prohibited and can result in loss of library privileges.
The Santa Fe Public Library endorses American Library Association’s statement on Access To Electronic Information, Services, and Networks. The Santa Fe Public Library does not monitor, and has no control over, the information accessed through the Internet and is not responsible for the nature of nor the accuracy of any information accessed on the Internet. Internet communications are not secure and the library is not responsible for the privacy of electronic communication.
The library is not responsible for inadvertent exposure by minors or adults to potentially offensive material accessed by Internet users on library equipment. The library is not responsible for what a minor or adult may locate on the Internet. As with other library materials, restriction of a minor’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.
Adopted by the Library Board on January 21, 1997.
Wireless Internet Policy
General rules regarding computer use still apply to the use of the library’s wireless Internet
You cannot disrupt other patrons as described in the Santa Fe Public Library Policy on Internet Use and Rules Governing Conduct of Patrons.
Collection Development Policy
The mission of the Santa Fe Public Library is to inform, enrich, and educate the members of our community by creating and promoting access to diverse ideas and information, and by supporting lifelong learning and reading. In accomplishing its mission, the Library honors the community’s unique cultural heritage and traditions, while preparing its community members for the future. This Collection Development Policy is intended to implement the mission of the Library.
The Library’s goal is to provide the diverse community of Santa Fe with materials that reflect a wide range of views, expressions, opinions, and interests. Library acquisition of an item does not constitute endorsement of its content, but rather makes available its expression.