Staff is permitted to request that a patron leave the library property and may contact the Police when that patron has violated the library’s Patron Behavior Policy. Upon being asked to leave, the patron will be sent a letter, stating the reason for their ban and the date on which they can return.
If an individual has library material checked out at the time of the ban, the individual will still be held responsible for having the material returned by the due date or the individual will incur any applicable charges, if any. For convenience, materials may be returned in the 24hour book drop located outside the library building.
Any persons banned from the library are required to present photo ID and provide staff with their legal names and mailing addresses. Card numbers of CCL card holders should also be obtained for notation, if applicable. If any persons refuse to provide their information or give false information, further disciplinary actions may be taken, possibly resulting in further loss of library privileges.
Below are examples of what type of conduct would lead staff to request that a patron vacate the library property. Actual disciplinary actions may vary according to individual incidents.
Same-Day Ban:
- Being excessively loud after being warned 2 times
- Use of foul language in a non-threatening manner witnessed by library staff
- Offensive hygiene (pervasive odor, unsanitary belongings) so as to constitute a nuisance to others
1-Month Ban:
- Refusing to provide personal information upon reasonable request by staff
- Refusing to leave Library property when requested
- Failure to heed repeat warnings from Library staff
3-Month to Indefinite Ban – at the discretion of the Library Director:
- Repeated misconduct or recorded incident
- Threatening language or behavior toward Library patrons, staff, or self: verbal, physical, or via electronic communication
- Physical violence on Library property to include persons or property
Information, including any photos if available, regarding any banned patron will be distributed to all Library staff. Circ/Security/Director will maintain a log to track banned patrons and the dates on which they are allowed to return to Library property.
An individual banned for a period of 3 months or longer may submit a written appeal. The appeal must be submitted to the Library Commissioners at least two weeks prior to the Board’s scheduled monthly meeting to be placed on the agenda. Meeting dates can be located on the library webpage at https://cclnj.org/library-commission/. Appeals must be submitted to Library Commission, Cumberland County Library, 800 E. Commerce St., Bridgeton, NJ 08302 Attn: Appeal Request. The appeal must specify all disputed material facts and issues that are to be addressed at the meeting as well as all arguments you wish the Commissioners to consider. The decision of the Board will constitute the Library Commission’s final judgment in this matter. The presence of the individual filing the appeal shall not be required.
ADOPTED BY THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSIONERS (2/11/2026)
Staff is permitted to request that a juvenile patron leave the library property and may contact the Police when that patron has violated the Library’s Patron Behavior Policy. Upon being asked to leave, a letter shall be mailed to his or her parent or guardian stating the reason(s) for the restriction as well as the date the individual is allowed to return to Library property. Should an address not be made available, the letter shall be presented to the patron in person.
If an individual has library material checked out at the time of their ban, the individual will still be held responsible for having the material returned by the due date or the individual will incur applicable charges. For convenience, materials may be returned in the 24-hour book drop located outside the library building.
Any persons banned from the library are required to provide staff with their legal names and mailing addresses. Card numbers of CCL card holders should also be obtained for notation, if applicable. If any persons refuse to provide their information or give false information, further disciplinary actions may be taken, possibly resulting in further loss of library privileges.
Actual disciplinary actions may vary according to individual incidents.
Exceptions may be made to the banning, on a case-by-case basis, for students through grade 12 who may enter the library only to work on school assignments and only under direct supervision of a parent or guardian. Such exceptions will be made at the discretion of the Library Director and will be outlined in the letter sent to the student’s home address.
Below are examples of what type of conduct would lead staff to request that a patron vacate the library property.
Same-Day Ban:
- Being excessively loud after being warned 2 times
- Use of foul language in a non-threatening manner witnessed by library staff
1-Month Ban:
- Refusing to provide personal information upon reasonable request by staff
- Refusing to leave Library property when requested
- Failure to heed repeat warnings from Library staff
3-Month to Indefinite Ban* – at the discretion of the Library Director:
- Repeated misconduct or recorded incidents
- Threatening language or behavior toward Library patrons, staff, or self: verbal, physical, or via electronic communication
- Physical violence to include persons or property on Library property
*The parent or guardian of any juvenile who has received a sanction of 3 months or more will be required to meet with the Library Director and his/her child for a discussion of the behavioral standards of the library before the juvenile will be permitted on the library premises again.
Information, including any photos if available, regarding any banned patron will be distributed to all Library staff. Adult Services/Children’s/Security will maintain a log to track banned patrons and the dates on which they are allowed to return to Library property.
The parent or legal guardian of a juvenile banned may submit a written appeal. The appeal must be submitted to the Library Commissioners at least two weeks prior to the Board’s scheduled monthly meeting to be placed on the agenda. Meeting dates can be located on the library webpage at https://cclnj.org/library-commission/. Appeals must be submitted to Library Commission, Cumberland County Library, 800 E. Commerce St., Bridgeton, NJ 08302 Attn: Director- Appeal Request. The appeal must specify all disputed material facts and issues that are to be addressed at the meeting as well as all arguments you wish the Commissioners to consider. The decision of the Board will constitute the Library Commission’s final judgment in this matter. The presence of the individual filing the appeal shall not be required.
ADOPTED BY THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSIONERS (2/11/2026)
Handouts and Bulletin Boards
Rationale: It is the policy of the library, as part of the its information mission, to provide access to free materials/community information through the distribution of free handouts or the public posting of flyers, notices and posters. Such materials are limited to those of an educational, cultural, civic, intellectual, recreational or charitable nature.
To give access to as much community information as possible, most material is displayed for one month only. When space is limited, preference is given to Cumberland County organizations.
Handouts and posters should be submitted to the Community Relations Coordinator for approval. Materials from for-profit groups, companies, organizations or individuals may not necessarily indicate the library’s endorsement of the issues or events promoted by these individuals.
Petitioning or Distribution of Literature in Library
In library: It is the library’s policy that petitioning, soliciting, distribution of literature or leaflets, canvassing, or similar types of appeals by members of the public are not allowed in the library. Exceptions may be made with the approval of the Director for specific library-related, City or County projects.
On library grounds: Groups or individuals who wish to petition, solicit, canvas, or distribute literature to the public on library parking lots, sidewalks, or other grounds surrounding the library building may do so if they do not impede access by the public to the building, make excessive noise, or otherwise interfere with the use of the library.
September, 1996
Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 May 2010 14:57
Use of the Cumberland County Library’s network, computers, and internet access for the transmission, dissemination, and/or duplication of information must comply with federal and state laws. The Cumberland County Library expects all users to comply with such laws. Computer users will also refrain from any activity that unreasonably interferes with library customers’ comfort, safety, use or quiet and peaceful enjoyment of the library, including but not limited to:
- Display of obscenity in violation of the law as per NJSA 2C:34-4 Public Communication of Obscenity;
- Illegal activities;
- Harassment of other users or violation of their privacy;
- Libeling, slandering or maliciously offending other users;
- Violation of copyright laws or software licensing agreements;
- Attempting to hack, crash, degrade performance or gain unauthorized access to Cumberland County Library’s or to other computer systems or networks;
- Damaging equipment, software or data belonging to Cumberland County Library or other users;
- Making any loud or unreasonable noise, or other disturbance, including disruptive use of personal devices;
- Tampering with the library’s filtering or software;
- Refusing to leave a computer after being suspended from computer use, or continuing to create a disturbance while using Cumberland County Library equipment.
Computer Users acknowledge that:
- They use the library’s computers and internet access at their own risk;
- The library does not assume responsibility for the content of material on the internet;
- The viewing and use of materials on the internet is the responsibility of each individual user, and the responsibility of parents or guardians for their children under 17;
- All internet computers are filtered for content but filtering does not guarantee that offensive sites will be blocked;
Reserving a Library Computer
Use of any public internet access computer by any customer at the Cumberland County Public Library constitutes acceptance of the Cumberland County Library’s Computer And Internet Use Policy. Any violation of the library’s Computer And Internet Use Policy will result in the termination of the violator’s internet session and or the suspension of the violator’s library privileges.
All library customers using the computers at Cumberland County Library must register in advance with the library.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for lost and found items at the Cumberland County Library (hereinafter “the Library”).1
Policy
It is the policy of the Library that:
- The Library does not accept liability for any personal property brought onto library premises.2
- Storing personal belongings on library premises is prohibited.
- Library staff cannot monitor personal belongings. Unattended items will be removed and may be discarded.
- Lost and Found items are dated and stored for a period of thirty (30) days. Staff will make reasonable attempts to contact identified owners so they can reclaim their items. Items will be checked for identification only for the purpose of contacting the owner. Staff will not access personal data beyond what is necessary to identify and contact the owner.
- Items not claimed within thirty (30) days will be discarded/donated.
- Beverage containers, personal care items and other perishable items will be disposed of.
- The Library has limited storage space. Items that are too large or deemed unsafe or unsanitary may be discarded.
- Certain types of property, including but not limited to unclaimed ID cards, credit cards, wallets, purses, laptops, cell phones and other electronic devices will be kept in a locked location for one (1) week and then turned over to the State Police.
- The Library reserves the right to deny release if ownership cannot be reasonably established.
- After thirty (30) days, unclaimed cash will be donated to the Friends of the Cumberland County Library.
1 refers to the Cumberland County Library, its governing Board of Library Commissioners and its appointed director
2 includes the interior and exterior of any library building or structure, as well as the surrounding land
ADOPTED BY THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSIONERS (06/10/2026)
CUMBERLAND COUNTY LIBRARY ROOM USAGE POLICY
Memorial donations shall be used to support the Cumberland County Library’s collection in a manner that honors the individual being memorialized while aligning with the library’s mission and collection development guidelines.
Second-hand books cannot be donated as memorials. New books in a popular subject area may be accepted. A bookplate acknowledging the individual being honored will be placed into the book. A note announcing the gift will be sent to the family of the deceased or honored individual.
Memorial items will be subject to the same evaluation and weeding guidelines as all other library materials. If a memorial book is lost or damaged, every effort will be made to select a substitute item but will not be guaranteed.
The library can only accept cash or check for payment. A receipt may be given to the donor as requested. Checks must be made out to Cumberland County Library with “Memorial Donation” in the memo line.
REVISED AND ADOPTED BY THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSIONERS (07/10/26)
Purpose: The Cumberland County Library is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all patrons. This policy outlines expectations for patron behavior to ensure that everyone can enjoy library services and resources in a positive atmosphere. This policy applies to all patrons using Cumberland County Library facilities, services, and programs.
Expected Behavior:
Patrons are expected to:
- Treat library staff, other patrons, and library property with respect. Respect the privacy of others, including maintaining the confidentiality of personal information shared with library staff or other patrons.
- Handle library books, computers, and other resources with care. Any damage, theft, or misuse of library property will result in fines or other consequences.
- Dispose of trash properly.
- Keep personal belongings under control to ensure they do not create hazards or obstructions. The library is not responsible for lost or damaged personal belongings.
- Food and beverages are not permitted near library computers. Beverage containers must have a resealable lid. Any damage to library property resulting from food or beverages will be the responsibility of the patron.
- Be fully clothed, including a shirt or other clothing which covers the upper half of the body, and shoes or other footwear
- Supervise children in their care under the age of 9 at all times
Unacceptable Behavior:
The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:
- Disruptive Behavior: Any conduct that interferes with the normal operation of the library, such as loud talking, yelling, using profanity, excessive public displays of affection, etc. This includes using cell phones in a manner that disturbs others and playing audio equipment so that others can hear it, except children’s games which must be played at a moderate level.
- Any behavior that is offensive, discriminatory, threatening, or intimidating towards other patrons or library staff. This includes verbal, physical, or sexual harassment and invasion of privacy.
- Attempting to access computer programs or computer system software which is restricted to staff use
- Smoking or carrying any lighted or smoldering pipe, cigar, cigarette; smoking vapes; and chewing or spitting tobacco
- Using or carrying alcohol, drugs, or any illegal substances
- Spitting upon the library floor, inside or exterior, or upon the walls of the library
- Destroying, defacing, or stealing library property
- Littering of any trash, papers, bottles, cans, or other materials
- Remaining on library property after hours
- Bathing or washing clothes in library bathroom facilities
- Carrying any flammable liquid, explosive, acid or other dangerous explosive liquid or substance or that which gives off offensive or excessive odor
- Carrying or leading any live animal, bird, or reptile, except service animals
- Running
- Bringing wheeled vehicles (including skateboards and roller skates) into the library
- Laying down or sleeping
- Unlawfully obtaining a library card
- Gambling
- Blocking access to any part of the library
- Panhandling or soliciting money
- Bringing sleeping bags, bedrolls, large backpacks, luggage, or trash bags into the library building or leaving them unattended on library property.
- Having bodily hygiene so offensive as to constitute a nuisance to other persons
- Engaging in illegal activities using library computers or internet access, including accessing inappropriate websites, downloading harmful content, or using the internet for illegal purposes.
- Petitioning, soliciting, or selling merchandise or services including the distribution of handbills or flyers without the written permission of the Library Director
- Refusal to follow reasonable direction from Library staff, including but not limited to leaving the Library during normal closing procedures or following a suspension of Library privileges or refusing to evacuate during an emergency
Consequences of Misconduct:
PERSONS WHO ARE FOUND TO BE IN VIOLATION OF LIBRARY REGULATIONS SHALL BE ORDERED TO DISCONTINUE THE PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR OR LEAVE THE LIBRARY BUILDING AND GROUNDS. ANY PERSON WHO REFUSES OR FAILS TO OBEY SUCH ORDERS SHALL BE GUILTY OF VIOLATING LIBRARY REGULATIONS.
Patrons who violate this policy may face the following actions:
- Warning: A verbal or written warning may be issued for first-time or less severe infractions.
- Suspension of Library Privileges: Patrons may have their library privileges suspended or revoked for serious or repeated violations. Suspended privileges may include but are not limited to: the ability to borrow materials, use library computers, or attend programs.
- Removal from Library Premises: Library staff have the right to ask any patron who is engaging in unacceptable behavior to leave the premises. In extreme cases, law enforcement may be called.
- Legal Action: For violations that involve theft, damage to property, or illegal activities, legal action may be taken.
REVISED AND ADOPTED BY CUMBERLAND COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSIONERS
11/2025
Public computers in the library’s reference area are designed for use by individuals 13 years or older. Children under the age of 13 are to use the public computers in the children’s area.
General Statement: The Cumberland County Library provides access to the Internet and other electronic resources to further our mission of providing information and educational resources to our community.
INTERNET DISCLAIMER
The Internet is an unregulated medium which may contain different kinds of materials, some of which may be of an offensive nature. In offering Internet access, the library staff cannot control or assure responsibility for:
- Access points reached
- The content of interactive communications such as e-mail, newsgroups, list-servs, blogs, etc.
- The validity of information
- Accessibility due to technical difficulties or Internet reliability
Parents or guardians must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet and the Cumberland County Library Local Area Network. Parents are encourage to watch their children as they use these resources. Information on Internet safety for children is available via the Center for Missing and Exploited Children online at https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz.
SIGNING IN
- Users are required to sign in to use the Internet with a library card and PIN number
- Users are not allowed to sign in for others
INAPPROPRIATE USE
- Display of sexually explicit graphics is discouraged
- Display or transmission of profane, abusive or threatening language is prohibited
- Violating any local, state, or federal statute is prohibited, including the N.J. State Statute on obscenity, commonly known as 2C:24-4
WORD PROCESSING
Word processing is available for the public to use on all computers.
ANY USER VIOLATING THESE GUIDELINES WILL BE ASKED TO STOP. IF THE VIOLATION CONTINUES AFTER A WRITTEN WARNING IS ISSUED, THE USER WILL FORFEIT THE RIGHT TO USE THE COMPUTERS AT THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY LIBRARY.
ADULTS USING THE INTERNET ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUPERVISING CHILDREN ACCOMPANYING THEM.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 May 2010 15:12
Last Updated on Thursday, July 16, 2026