Library guidelines and information

Animals

• Specialist trained guide dogs and assistance dogs are the only animals allowed in our libraries.

Behaviour

• Anti-social, illegal, violent or intimidating behaviour will not be tolerated in any of our libraries, and action will be taken against those who threaten, harass or abuse library staff or other users.
• If your behaviour is likely to annoy others, a member of our library staff may ask you to leave the building and you will not be allowed back in the library.
• You may eat and drink in our libraries but please check with a member of staff if there are designated areas. Hot, smelly and messy foods are not allowed.
• Smoking, drinking alcohol and sleeping are not allowed in the library.
• There are no facilities for praying in the library. Please speak to a member of staff about the nearest prayer rooms and places of worship.

Businesses

• Library premises are not for personal business, including private tutoring, meetings and interviews. 
• If you would like to hire a room, visit our meeting rooms in libraries page. 

Care of library property

• Please take care of our library property, including equipment and furniture.
• If you notice damage to an item you want to borrow, please let a member of staff know beforehand.
• If you lose or damage an item, you will be asked to pay the full prices of a replacement. 

CCTV

• Throughout our Hililngdon libraries, CCTV records live and is stored for several weeks. It is viewed by security staff and the Metropolitan Police.

Children using our libraries

• Library staff are not responsible for children in the library and parents/carers must accompany children under 11-years-old to ensure their safety.
• Children under the age of 16 must have a valid membership card in order to use computers and iMacs in the library.
• Parents/carers are responsible for determining the suitability of materials used by their child(ren). 

Personal belongings

• For security reasons, please do not leave bags unattended in the library.
• Please keep personal belongings with you at all times. Our libraries are not responsible for your personal belongings.
• Any lost property within our libraries will be kept for 3 months. Where possible, we will try and contact the owner.

Study areas

• We welcome students to use our libraries as a relaxing space to revise or take a break from the stresses of exams.
• Whilst many of our libraries have specific study areas, we can't guarantee study space and spaces cannot be reserved.
• Please respect silent study areas and be mindful of those around you.
• Please use designated areas for group revision/study and be mindful of the library environment.
• If you need a chair or study space, please ask a member of staff and do not move furniture between floors.
• Computer desks are reserved for computer users only and should not be used as a study space. Chairs at these desks should not be moved.
• Please be considerate of the library environment - do not graffiti or damage furniture, place feet on tables, etc. Use bins provided for your rubbish.
• Antisocial, aggressive or intimidating behaviour, including swearing at staff, will be reported to your school/college and the police. 

Using your own devices in our libraries

• Mobile phones and music players should not be used where they are likely to disturb others.
• The majority of libraries have designated areas where devices can be plugged in. Please look for notices or speak to a member of staff before using these facilities. Staff will ask you to unplug your devices if they judge it presents a health and safety risk. Devices must be unplugged when they have finished charging.