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 - this includes private tutoring, meetings and interviews. 
• If you would like to hire a room, visit our meeting rooms in libraries page. 
• Alternative provision commissioned by the council, or by a Hillingdon school, can take place in the main library space. All commissioned tutors and tuition groups must email the relevant library in advance to make the necessary arrangements.

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.