Select board adopts revised Zadok Long Free Library patron code of conduct after debate over hygiene and facility use

The Town of Buckfield Select Board voted June 16 to adopt a revised patron code of conduct for the Zadok Long Free Library, approving changes proposed by committee member Azalea.

Azalea moved to implement the revised code with several linguistic clarifications and an added hygiene provision; the board seconded the motion and approved it. "I will make a motion that we, implement the Zadok Long Free Library patron code of conduct with changes," Azalea said when introducing the item.

The adopted edits include tightening language under "expected behavior," clarification that patrons must "follow directions and requests from library staff in accordance with this and any other relevant policy," and a change to the facilities/materials bullet to read that patrons must "use library materials and facilities with care and for their intended purposes." Azalea also added a hygiene clause inviting patrons who face barriers to contact the town office for assistance: "If you were experiencing a barrier, which makes this prohibitive, please contact the town office," she said.

Board members debated whether the Buckfield Rescue station could be a place for patrons to use showers as a hygiene accommodation. Speaker 2 objected, citing operational and liability concerns: "With the changes that are now being implemented by the state ... the public should not be going in and out of that building," the staff member said, adding that HIPAA and staffing logistics make the rescue building unsuitable for general public access.

Azalea said the intent of the hygiene provision is to identify barriers and point people to appropriate services rather than to create an open-entry policy for staff facilities. The motion as amended also added a graduated enforcement clause for suspension and trespass (for example, beginning with a short ban such as 30 days and scaling up for repeat offenses) to provide clearer consequences while retaining discretion.

The board recorded the motion, it was seconded by a colleague and passed by voice vote. No board member registered a recorded no or abstention in the minutes.

The code, as adopted, delegates routine enforcement to library staff and asks the town office to serve as the contact point for patrons who report barriers to meeting hygiene expectations. The board asked library staff to confirm implementation steps and provide a final copy to the town office for posting.

The select board stated the change is intended to balance keeping the library welcoming and safe while providing a clear enforcement mechanism and a route for patrons with genuine barriers to seek help.