Library and Recreation Facility Use Guidelines

Purpose  

The purpose of the Guidelines for Library and Community Center Use is to ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment at San Rafael Library and Recreation facilities. In alignment with our goal to enrich our community through discovery, learning, and play, these guidelines promote an atmosphere conducive to reading, study, exploration, and the appropriate use of the facilities, resources and services.   

Guidelines 

To maximize your experience and fully utilize our resources and services, we encourage all patrons to: 

• Explore our extensive library collections through reading, listening, and viewing 

• Engage actively in recreation activities, study, learning, and information-seeking activities 

• Connect with our knowledgeable and friendly staff who are ready to assist you 

• Take advantage of both our physical collections and comprehensive digital resources 

• Participate in our diverse library & recreation programs designed to serve our community 

Prohibited Conduct 

The following behaviors are prohibited on City of San Rafael Library & Recreation Department facilities to ensure a safe, welcoming environment for all patrons, staff, and volunteers. In addition to the rules below, some Library and Recreation Department facilities offer specialized programs that require specific rules (e.g. Terra Linda Pool, Community Gardens, Sports Fields, etc.). Violations of facility specific rules or the general guidelines below may result in warnings, removal from the premises, or suspension of privileges: 

1. Safety and Security 

a. Behaving in any manner prohibited by federal, state, or local law

b. Use of loud, abusive, threatening, harassing, or insulting language, noises, or behaviors

c. Engaging in any sexual behavior, including advances, suggestive comments, or physical contact of a sexual nature

d. Public displays of affection that disrupt the environment  

e. Use of the facilities while under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs 

f. Bringing weapons of any kind onto the facilities 

2. Access and Pathways 

a. Blocking or impeding access to entrances, exits, or walkways with bicycles, strollers, power cords, furniture, or other items

b. Bringing inappropriate items including bicycles, shopping carts, large trash bags, bedrolls, and strollers without children.  

c. Bringing items that interfere with operations, create safety hazards, deny space to other patrons, block aisles or building access, are unsanitary or foul-smelling, or exceed16″ x 18″ x 24″ (size of a standard carry-on suitcase), singly or collectively (excludes medical or childcare items).   

d. Leaving personal belongings or animals unattended on the facilities 

3. Facility Use and Conduct 

a. Lying on floors or sleeping (except during approved events) 

b. Failing to wear appropriate attire (shirt/top, pants/skirt/dress, and shoes required) 

c. Unplugging City equipment to utilize an electrical outlet 

d. Inappropriate use or rearrangement of furniture or equipment, including disregarding posted guidelines or staff instructions regarding their use 

e. Inappropriate use of restrooms and water fountains, including laundering and bathing 

f. Exuding offensive or pervasive odors(including body odor or fragrances) that interfere with others’ comfortable use of the facilities 

g. Actions that create an unsanitary environment, such as clipping nails, wiping bodily fluids on hands, clothing, or furniture and equipment, or engaging in other unhygienic behaviors

h. Consuming food and beverages outside of designated areas, or consuming full meals or aromatic foods anywhere inside the library or community centers (except during approved events) 

4. Service and Account Policies 

a. Fraudulent use of another person’s library card or recreation division account 

b. Leaving children under eight years of age unattended without the supervision of a caregiver aged 15 or older 

c. Leaving vulnerable adults who require supervision unattended

d. Entering with animals other than service animals as defined by federal and state law

5. Commercial and Solicitation Activities 

a. Selling or soliciting services or merchandise without prior written permission from the Library and Recreation Director or their designee 

b. Petitioning, conducting surveys, leafleting, or soliciting funds on the premises 

Consequences of Non-Compliance  

Individuals who violate the City’s Municipal Code, these Guidelines, and/or other established policies may be subject to one or more of the following actions:   

• A warning from Library & Recreation staff and an opportunity to correct the behavior 

• Immediate removal from the premises 

• Suspension of access to Library & Recreation specific services, facilities, and/or programs for a defined period of up to one year.   

• Permanent restriction of access to specific services, facilities, and/or programs 

Refusal to leave the library or recreation facilities when instructed to do so may constitute trespassing. Illegal activity, as well as any willful or repeated violations of these Guidelines or other posted regulations (such as computer use rules, park rules, etc.), may result in removal from the facility and/or suspension of privileges. Where permitted under federal, state, or local law, such violations may also lead to arrest. 

Appeals Process 

Individuals who believe a suspension has been imposed unfairly or in error may submit a written appeal to the City Manager’s office (City Hall, Room 203). Appeal letters must include the appellant’s name, contact information (mailing address, email, and telephone number), and reason for appeal. 

Upon receipt, the City Manager will obtain a report from the Library and Recreation Director or their designee and may schedule a meeting with the appellant. The City Manager will issue a written decision within 30 calendar days of filing. This decision is final, and the suspension remains in effect during the appeals process. 

Reasonable Accommodations 

Individuals requiring reasonable accommodation according to these guidelines due to a disability or health condition may contact library staff at (415) 485-3319, or recreation staff at (415) 485-3333. Individuals requesting a reasonable accommodation may use the City’s form available here: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/documents/reasonable-accommodation-request-form/.  

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees on January 13, 2026.