Trustees pause update to patron code of conduct over belongings policy

The South Burlington Library Board of Trustees discussed proposed language to the patron code of conduct aimed at reducing requests for staff to hold patrons' belongings, but the board tabled the formal vote and asked the governance committee to review language and implementation details. The proposed change would add language under the "be safe" paragraph directing patrons to "keep your belongings with you or place them in a designated location" and states that "the library is not responsible for lost or stolen property." Jennifer (last name not specified), the library director, told the committee she planned to create a designated location near the question desk by the stairs, but trustees and committee members raised concerns about whether an unmonitored designated area could create the impression that the library was responsible for stored items. Holly Painter, chair of the communications committee and an English professor at UVM, said, "I'm wondering if that would be interpreted to be, like, keep your belongings with you or placement location. And then if you fail to do this, the library is not responsible." Trustees said signage would be needed and suggested wording such as "at your own risk" and clarifying that the area would not be closely monitored. Concerns raised during discussion included trip hazards and the circulation desk staff's capacity to monitor stored items. The board asked governance to follow up with director Jennifer and with City Manager Jesse (last name not specified) to consider alternative approaches — for example, city-managed lockers — and tabled the motion for revision and additional input. The board did not approve any policy change at the meeting; the record shows the item was returned to committee for further work.