Meeting Room Emergency Exits

Never BLOCK Emergency Exits.

During summer reading the rooms get crowded so keep in mind not to block any exit with anything including people. Paths to and from emergency exits should stay clear at all times!

If you see a blocked emergency exit please take the time to unblock it or asked who is blocking the exit to keep it clear. This goes for all Emergency Exits through out the buildings.

Everyone is responsible for keeping Patrons and Staff safe.

Hot Summer Slump Security Tips

Hot Summer Slump Days are approaching and here are a few reminders of what to look for and how to handle a summer slump security situation.

•     Clothes are a requirement here at RPL and this includes shoes. Not wearing shoes is a safety hazard. Ask the patron if they have a pair with them, if not let them know the hours of operation and that they are welcome back once they get a pair.

•     Shorts are allowed BUTT cheeks aren’t. Ask the patron to cover themselves. Nudity is not allowed here at RPL.

•     No sagging pants. Ask the patron to pull up their pants by a hand motion or you can verbally inform them about the rule.

•     No HOOD/HOODIES are allowed to be worn up inside the library. Ask the patron to pull down their hood with a simple hand motion or you can verbally inform them about our No Hoods Up rule.

•     No food or consumption of food is allowed inside the library. The exceptions are library programs or groups using our meeting rooms. But, food cannot be removed from program areas or meeting rooms and consumed elsewhere in the building. If someone walks in licking on their ice cream cone inform them of this policy and ask them to finish eating their ice cream outside. We do not “hold” or “store” food for customers while they are in the library.

•     No sleeping on library property. Some folks come to the library to escape the heat but while they are here they must be utilizing library resources or services.

•     No smoking on library property. This covers the use of all tobacco products including snuff, dipping/chewing tobacco, vaping devices, electronic cigarettes/Cig-a-likes and pods.

•     No hanging around outside on library property with no purpose.  This is called loitering. If a patron is waiting for a ride they are welcome to wait inside.

•     Know the Unattended Child Policy. We are not a daycare.

                    Children 8 years of age or younger are to be “attended” by a parent or other responsible caretaker (16 years or older) during their entire visit to the library.

                    A child 8 years or younger who is attending library sponsored programs need not to be accompanied by a parent or caretaker during the program. However, the parent or caretaker is expected to remain somewhere in the library for the duration of the program and must be present at the doors of the program when it is over.                          

                    Children 9-11 years of age must have a parent or caretaker (16 years or older) somewhere in the library.

•     Only 11-17 year olds are allowed to hang out in the TEEN AREA. This is in effect during all operational hours. Noise volume is okay to rise in this area, but teens must follow library policies. Inappropriate behavior such as cursing or physical contact are not allowed. Teens must be respectful to staff and other patrons. Adult tutors cannot tutor teens in this area. If patrons complain about the noise level please explain that this area is provided for teens to gather and sometimes noise levels will rise. Assist the patron in finding a more suitable area to work.

Feel free to contact me for more tips on how to deal with security situations. 

If you see something, say something.

This sign will be placed on the backside of all the RPL public restrooms doors. Let me know if you have any questions. 

We want our patrons to feel safe, comfortable and empowered to notify staff when they see suspicious activity. 

The sign will also act as a deterrent to prevent anyone from acting out any criminal activity.

Please report If you notice any signs that have be damaged or taken down.

Thank you for your support in making RPL a Safe environment. 

Loud conversation

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.

Parking Lot Safety

 There have been a lot of reports lately on car break-ins.

Beware of your surroundings and don't leave anything in your car of value to you.

RPL Food Policy

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.



Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

NO Hoodies

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.