The Long Beach Public Library Rules of Conduct are intended to protect the rights and safety of Library patrons and staff, and to preserve and protect the Library's materials, facilities, and equipment.

These Rules shall apply in all buildings, interior and exterior, and all grounds controlled and operated by the Long Beach Public Library referred to as the “premises”. “Patrons” means users of the Long Beach Public Library. The Library reserves the right to take any action necessary to ensure a safe and appropriate environment for patrons and staff.

Level One

Patron is expected to comply or leave the premises. Library privileges may be revoked for 3 months for non-compliance or repeat offenses.

• No smoking or vaping.
• No adults in areas designated for youth unless accompanied by a youth or needing to access youth collections.
• Patrons must use their own library cards and account numbers.
• No loud noises or other disturbances.
• Do not monopolize library space or resources to the exclusion of others.
• Keep aisles, doorways, stairways, elevators, and ramps clear. No items larger than 26” x 24” x 14” may be brought into the library.
• Roller skates, scooters, skateboards, bicycles, etc., may not be used on library property. Secure bikes at bike racks.
• No food or drinks, except in designated areas. Drinks with spill-proof lids are permitted.
• Patrons must wear sufficient clothing, including tops, bottoms, and shoes.
• Patrons must reasonably manage their personal hygiene/odor.
• Use library computer, internet reservation, and print management systems as intended.
• Use library entrance areas as intended.
• Use library property, materials, and space as intended.
• No posting or distributing unauthorized printed material.
• No photographing or filming people without their consent, or for media or commercial purposes.
• No soliciting.
• Do not leave personal belongings unattended.
• No sleeping or lying on the floor or furniture.
• Consuming alcohol or exhibiting signs of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.
• Patrons must provide proper supervision of children and dependent adults.
• No animals in the library other than service animals as defined by the ADA.
• Patrons must abide by all library policies.

Level Two

Library privileges may be revoked for up to 1 year.

• Patrons may not enter staff designated areas. Patrons must leave library premises at closing time.
• Patrons may not interfere with library employees in the performance of their duties and must follow any reasonable instruction by a staff member or security.

Level Three

Library privileges will be revoked for 1 year.

• No threatening, abusive, or harassing behavior.
• No physical fighting.
• No weapons.
• Inappropriate sexual conduct or lewd acts are not permitted.
• Possession or use of illegal or controlled substances is not permitted.
• Theft or attempted theft of library property is not permitted.
• Destroying or defacing library property is not permitted.
• Patrons must follow federal, state, and local laws.

Individuals who do not comply with the Library’s Rules of Conduct or with the requests of Library staff or security personnel to modify their behavior to comply with these Rules of Conduct may be required to leave the Library premises and their Library privileges may be curtailed or revoked. They may also be subject to arrest or prosecution. (Cal. Pen. Code section 602.1) 

State law permits library staff to search purses, bags, parcels, briefcases, and other packages in order to prevent the theft of books and library materials. (Cal. Pen. Code section 490.5) Additionally, State law makes it a misdemeanor to cut, tear, write in, mark, deface, break, or injure library property. (Cal. Ed. Code section 19910)

The Long Beach Public Library welcomes you to read, write, research, study, and reflect in a clean, pleasant, and safe environment. Above all else, Library staff will strive to deliver courteous customer service to all patrons, provide thorough and adequate information services, and operate our facilities in the best interest of all patrons. Please enjoy your visit to our Library.

It is the responsibility of the Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) to maintain a healthy and clean environment for all library users and to protect the City’s investment in library collections, equipment, and property. In order to fulfill this responsibility, LBPL may restrict a user’s ability to borrow materials and/or visit library facilities when such use may jeopardize the health and cleanliness of library facilities, collections, and users.

Examples of situations where borrowing of materials may be suspended include, but are not limited to:

• Evidence that items on loan to a patron may have been returned with insects that are known to be damaging to library materials, e.g. roaches, silverfish, and some types of beetles.
• Evidence that items on loan to a patron may have been returned with insects that can result in pest infestations in library facilities, e.g. bed bugs or roaches.

Examples of situations where access to library facilities may be suspended include, but not limited to:

• Patron or patron possessions with fleas or lice
• Patrons with clothing that is stained with urine or feces
• Patrons exhibiting flu-like symptoms such as persistent coughing or vomiting

Should it become necessary to suspend a patron’s library privileges in order to protect library collections, facilities, or other users, notification of the suspension will be made via mail or in person by the supervisor of the library location in which the incident occurred. Access to facilities and borrowing will be restored when the suspended customer demonstrates that the situation that caused the loss of privileges has been remediated.

Any library patron that has privileges suspended under the terms of this policy may request a re-evalution of the suspension by contacting Library Administration.

Source: California Penal Code §370

I. Mission Statement for Internet Use

Internet access at Long Beach Public Library is an extension of the library's commitment to meeting the community's information needs. In addition to using the Internet as an information resource the library also seeks to provide the opportunity for Internet use, with limitations, to members of the public.

II. Acceptable Use

The Long Beach Public Library has installed a technology protection measure (filtering device) pursuant to Federal law (U.S.C. Sec. 254) to protect minors from websites deemed to be harmful. The Library however cannot be held responsible for the content of the information accessed through the Internet. The Internet is a worldwide community with a highly diverse user population and it is your responsibility to use this resource wisely.

Parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff, are still considered to be responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children even though Internet filters are installed.

The Internet workstation must be used in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of others, and taking care with use of the equipment. Computer and Internet settings may not be changed.

The workstations cannot be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose, including any activities prohibited under any applicable federal, California, or local laws. The Library does not allow unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking” by any unscrupulous individuals, nor does it allow the disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors.

Please be aware that material on the Internet and the World Wide Web is copyrighted. It is your responsibility to be aware of the display of any notices concerning the copyright of information on the Web and to respect the copyright laws of the United States.

The City of Long Beach is committed to providing an environment free from sexual harassment.  Do not display on screens and/or printers materials which could subject the City to liability under applicable State or Federal laws.

III. Guidelines for Public Internet Use

• Computer use by a patron may be limited to 60 minutes at a time.
• Extension of the time limit may be granted at the librarian's discretion and only if the computer does not need to be accessed by other patrons or library staff for the Internet or other resources.
• Internet use by the public at Long Beach Public Library does not include access to all types of listservs, newsgroups, or File Transfer Protocol.
• Printing may be done. There is a fee of fifteen cents ($0.15) per page for printing black and white copies, and fifty cents ($0.50) per page for printing color copies.
• Internet access may not be available due to technical problems.
• The Library attempts to maintain the most current versions of Internet browsing and security software, however the Library is not required to upgrade as new versions are made available.This may mean certain websites and resources that utilize the latest technologies are inaccessible.
• Long Beach Public Library cannot be responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information found on the Internet.
• Internet access will be denied to anyone breaching this use policy.

This policy was developed in consultation with the City of Long Beach Attorney's office.

• I accept responsibility for all items checked out on my card.
• I agree to pay for any items lost or damaged, fees and fines.
• I agree to report a lost or stolen card immediately and understand that I am responsible for all items on the card until it is reported lost to the Library.
• I agree to inform the Library of any changes to my contact information.
• I understand that my library card is for my use only and is not to be used by others, even my family.
• I understand that I must have my library card to borrow materials, access my record or use the Internet.
• I agree to follow all library policies and the Library's Rules of Conduct.

Important Information for Parents and Guardians

Library cards are for self-use only. This protects individuals from other's misuse of library cards. 

The only exception is when the parent listed on a child's account checks out materials using that child's card. This is allowed because the parent listed is the responsible party for materials checked out on the child's card.

The reading and viewing activities of youth under 18 are the responsibility of parents and guardians. The Library does not assume that responsibility.

The Library welcomes the opportunity to work with groups of young people and their adult leaders. Field trips to the public library by classes, scout troups, church groups, kids’ clubs, service clubs, and others provide a valuable opportunity for librarians to introduce the library to children and teens. The range of library materials and services available, the library card application process, and special programs for youth of all ages may be highlighted by the librarians. Group visits represent “win-win” cooperation between the public library and all community organizations that benefit youth.

Group visits require a commitment of library staff time, library space, and library resources. The number and frequency of group visits scheduled at each library will vary according to staffing levels, available space and seating, and other services provided. We therefore ask that all groups wishing to visit a local library register in advance, at least 2 weeks ahead of time, with the youth services librarian. A group that misses a scheduled visit without notifying the library in advance may not be permitted to re-schedule.

Adult leaders are responsible for:

• Registering for a group visit at least 2 weeks ahead of time.
• Securing library card applications for interested children and teens in advance, and returning completed applications to the library at least 1 week ahead of time.
• Informing parents of the scheduled group visit to the Library.
• Reminding children and teens to bring previously-issued library cards with them the day of the visit.
• Keeping group visit appointments or notifying the Library of a necessary cancellation.
• Participating in the group visit, ensuring that students remain “on task,” and supervising their behavior.

Children and teens are responsible for:

• Bringing their library cards to the Library.
• Reminding parents of the library visit.
• Checking out library materials.
• Returning library materials in a timely manner.
• Behaving responsibly during the library visit.

Librarians are responsible for:

• Booking and scheduling group visits.
• Informing adult leaders of Library requirements.
• Providing the group leader with a phone number to call should the visit need to be canceled.
• Reserving all necessary resources.
• Conducting the group visits.
• Recording all statistics for Library reports.

We hope that each group visit will provide an educational and enjoyable experience for children and teens. Literature-based components such as storytelling, reading aloud, book talks, book displays, and book-related films and videos will be incorporated into group visits as determined by the librarian and adult leader at the time of the booking.

We look forward to your visit to the Library!

The Long Beach Public Library accepts gently used books, CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray.

Bring the items to any LBPL location and ask for a tax receipt if you need one. Newspapers and magazines cannot be accepted.

We sort and distribute donations to benefit all LBPL locations.

The Library provides no appraisals, reserves the right to refuse any donated material, and reserves the right to utilize these gifts in any way that is advantageous to the Library, including adding gifts to the collection, selling, disposing, or transferring gifts into or out of the collection.

The Library accepts Long Beach history-related donations but reserves the right to utilize these gifts in any way that is advantageous to the Library, including adding gifts to the collection, selling, disposing, or transferring gifts into or out of the collection.

Newspapers and magazines cannot be accepted.

The Library provides no appraisals and reserves the right to refuse any donated material.