Queenstown Lakes District Council's libraries are a community asset available to everyone. We aim to create vibrant, inclusive, and diverse spaces where everyone is welcome in order to learn, explore, and connect.

This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations we have of library users in helping us to maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where people feel welcome to learn and flourish.

Our commitment to you:

  • Our libraries will be places of information which will be available to everyone.
  • Our libraries will be inclusive, with welcoming spaces to assist and support people who want to learn.
  • Service will be courteous, helpful, and respectful.
  • We foster a safe environment by complying with QLDC’s Health and Safety policies.
  • We value feedback from our library community and are committed to continuous improvement of our services. 
  • We value free access to information, supporting literacy, lifelong learning, and the exchange of ideas for the enrichment of the 
    community.
  • Our collections are thoughtfully curated to reflect a range of perspectives and interests, and these resources are accessible and available to everyone.

In return, we ask that you:

  • Treat library staff and fellow library users with respect and courtesy always.
  • Care for library buildings, equipment, and materials responsibly, and don’t deliberately damage property.
  • Do not use or be under the influence of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or vaping products in the library. Intoxicated behaviours will not be tolerated.
  • Seek approval before taking photographs or recording video on library premises and be mindful of the privacy of others using the library always.
  • Behave in a civil manner at all times. Bullying, harassment, abuse and all other inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated in the library.
  • Follow reasonable instructions provided by library staff always. 
  • Do not consume food or beverages in the library. There may be an exception for water in sealed bottles or keep-cups, however, the use of these must not cause damage or destruction of the library’s property.*
  • Please consider others - use headsets when using sound on devices. Phone and video calls must be taken outside.
  • Keep an eye on personal property and do not leave it unattended.
  • Comply with all QLDC Health and Safety requirements always

Additionally, if you are using our public PCs, public laptops and/or public Wifi, we ask that you:

  • Use these services in an ethical, legal, and responsible manner
  • Be mindful of what is being displayed on your screens in a public place in the presence of vulnerable persons
  • Read and comply with our Wifi terms and conditions (accessible when you request to join our Wifi at selected branches)
  • Be cautious when conducting financial or personal transactions
  • Close all applications and log off at the end of your session to protect your privacy
  • Educate yourself on safe internet use, through trusted resources such as Netsafe
  • Do not access, create, or distribute illegal or objectionable material (such as pornographic, violent, or exploitative content; materials that promote hatred, discrimination, or criminal acts; content that may offend or disturb others, including children)
  • Do not engage in anti-social behaviour, harassment, or illegal business activities
  • Do not damage, alter, or interfere with library computer equipment, software, or network security
  • Do not violate copyright laws by downloading, copying, or sharing protected materials without permission

Failure to meet these standards may result in library users being asked to leave the premises, and/or suspension from all library services, or even being trespassed from the library on a more permanent basis. If the behaviour is criminal, the Police may be asked to attend.

*Exceptions to the food and drink guideline may be made at the library’s discretion for designated library events or programs.

View all QLDC Library guidelines on our website.