KEEP DOORS CLOSED AND LOCKED

This is a reminder that we should always keep doors closed and locked.

Technical Service door should never be unlocked or left open.
Garage door should never be left open unattended.
Link doors should only be unlocked when there are meetings or an exhibit happening.
Outside doors should never be propped opened unattended. 

The public should never be in staff areas unless authorized by management. 

 

Sometimes being safe can be an inconvenience, but we all should value Library Staff and Property!

Loud conversation, or noise, including use of cell phones, electronics devices, etc. which is disturbing to other library users;

1. Loud conversation, or noise, including use of cell phones, electronics devices, etc. which is disturbing to other library users;

The Rowan Public Library Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement applies not only to our patrons but also to RPL staff as well. We too can be disruptive to our patrons.

Personal Safety Tips

1. If you are carrying a wallet, keep it in a front pocket.
2. Be sure to walk in well-lit, highly-traveled streets…even during daytime hours. Never take shortcuts through parking lots or alleys.
3. If walking on a sidewalk near a street, always walk facing the traffic to avoid being surprised by someone in a vehicle.
4. If someone is walking behind you or approaching you and you are unsure of their intent, make direct eye contact with them to let the person know that you are aware, you see them and you are not a victim.
5. If you think you are being followed, abruptly switch directions or duck into a police station, fire station, hospital, business or public place and ask for help.
6. In your cell phone contacts, program “ICE,” which stands for “in case of emergency,” linking it to a family member or friend…someone you trust the police, firemen or other authorities to call if you are unable to call for yourself.
7. Program 9-1-1 into your direct dial feature of your cell phone.
8. Remember that talking on your cell phone or listening to headphones in public makes you easy prey.
9. Change your walking routine by planning different routes and take note of “safe places” you could go should something happen.
10. When approaching your home or vehicle, never fumble in your pocket, purse or bag for keys; have them in your hand prior to reaching the door.
11. When approaching your parked car, look and make sure no one is hiding in or around your vehicle, especially in the back seat.
12. When on public transportation, cover your jewelry. Turn stone rings toward the palm side of your hand.
13. Keep your space: intimate space = 0 to 1.5 feet; personal space = 1.5 to 4 feet; social space = 4 to 12 feet; and public space = 12 feet or more

No HOODIES at RPL

It's that time of year when our patrons will be coming in with clothing apparel that has a hood. Hoodies are not allowed to be worn inside RPL. So if you see a patron with their hoodie on please ask them to take it down while they are inside the library. Below are examples of how you can approach the patron.

Excuse me ma'am/sir you probably didn't realize, but you won't be allowed to wear your hoodie while inside the library.

Excuse me ma'am/sir you probably didn't know, but hoodies aren't allowed to be worn inside the library so would you please keep it down while your here.

Sometimes you can just use a hand gesture to the patron to take it down and they will comply.

Always give the patron a few minute when they come in to remove their hoodie themselves. Most patrons will wear their hoodie up as their coming in, but will remove it soon after they have arrived. If it appears that the patron is going to continue to wear it please approach the patron and inform them about our policy.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Absolutely NO consumption of food is allowed at RPL

Disruptive and Unacceptable Behavior Policy # 9 - No consumption of food, except in designated areas;

This is just a reminder that this policy applies to our patron, but it also applies to staff. There are designated areas in all departments where we can eat our snacks. It makes it very difficult to enforce policies when Patrons see us breaking them.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Pokemon Go

Our Libraries have become a hotbed for Pokemon Go. Due to this we are experiencing high volume of traffic. I had a concern patron yesterday who alerted staff to a person she felt was acting strange outside the library and wanted me to go check it out. When I went out to observed this person I realized that he was a "trainer" tracking down a Pocket Monster. 

If a patron has concerns, checkout the situation. If it does turn out to be a person or a group of people wondering outside or inside tracking down Pokemon, educate yourself about the game so you can explain whats going on for the concerned patron.

Always check out any situation that alarms our patrons.

This is a good thing for the library because it's bringing people to us. Lets embrace this.


http://galaxybookjockey.tumblr.com/post/147240001718/everything-librarians-need-to-know-about-pokemon

Safety In Numbers

Just a reminder, as a safety precaution we all walk out together at closing after Security, Management or Librarian in Charge gives the okay.

It's important we look out for each other insuring that all staff gets to their vehicles safely. 

A few safety tips.

• Watch for suspicious persons.
• Sense danger, go back inside.
• Have your keys out and ready to unlock your vehicle.
• Check out your vehicle from a distance.
• Look into your car before entering.
• Quickly get inside your vehicle.
• Lock all doors and start the engine.
• Look around as you adjust yourself to drive.