About the Library

Library Policies

Visitors are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of other Library users, staff, materials, and facilities. The Library reserves the right to revoke the privileges of any patron who violates Library policy. In addition, verbal harassment, including threats or abuse of Library staff members will, not be tolerated and will result in the permanent loss of privileges.

Please note:

  • The Library is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen, or damaged on Library premises.
  • All books, bags, briefcases, and other containers belonging to persons entering or leaving the Library may be subject to inspection by Library personnel.
  • Parents or guardians may not leave children under 10 years old unattended in the Library. Students enrolled in the School for Children in the 12/13s, and 13/14s are permitted to work independently in the Library until 4:30 PM. Please refer to the Children & Library Use policy for further details.

Questions about Library policies should be directed to Kristin Freda, Director of Library Services, at kfreda@bankstreet.edu or 212-875-4458.

  • Behavior

    The following behaviors are not permitted:

    • Behavior that is unsafe, verbally or physically abusive, harassing, or threatening to Library users or staff.
    • Behavior that damages or misuses the property of the Library or of other users.
    • Mutilating, damaging, or defacing any Library materials, including tampering with or changing configurations or software on Library computers or displacing, disabling, or unplugging Library equipment is prohibited.
    • Behavior that is prohibited by other rules or policies of the College or by other applicable laws.
  • Parents and Caregivers

    Parents and caregivers of School for Children students and Family Center children are welcome to come to the Library.

    • Parents and caregivers are subject to all library policies.
    • Children must be supervised at all times while inside the Library.

    Checking Out Books

    Parents of School for Children students and Family Center children should ask the Circulation Desk, 212-875-4455, to add a caregiver’s name to their child’s library record. To check out books, caregivers need to:

    • Show the circulation desk assistant their Bank Street ID
    • Tell the circulation assistant the parent’s name
  • Children & Library Use

    General

    • Children are welcome and encouraged to use the Library both for homework and to have a quiet place to read. The Library reserves the right to revoke privileges at any time.

    After School Use by Children

    • Children in the 11/12s and younger are welcome to use the Library after school provided they are accompanied by and under the supervision of  a parent, caregiver, or tutor. After 4:30 PM, all children must be accompanied by and under the supervision of an adult, either a parent or caregiver.
    • Students enrolled in the School for Children in the 12/13s, and 13/14s are permitted to work independently in the Library until 6:00 PM.
  • Children & Computers
    • Computers in the Children’s Room are available for School for Children families. Computers in the main room are for graduate and faculty use.
    • Adults with preschool and Lower School children must be engaged with their young children. Adults may not use the computers while the little ones play in the Children’s Room.
    • School for Children students may use the computers for educational purposes only.
  • Circulation
    • Books, videos, and DVDs in the Children’s Collection may be borrowed for four weeks.
    • Books and theses in the Adult Collection may be borrowed for two weeks.
    • Reference books, periodicals, and books on reserve may be used in the Library only.
    • Materials may be renewed five times unless someone else has requested the item.
    • Overdue fines are charged at the rate of 25 cents per day per item. There are also charges for lost or damaged materials.
    • You may renew books online at the Library catalog.
    • If books are already overdue, you may renew by stopping by the Library in person or calling the Library Circulation desk at 212-875-4455.
    • The fine for lost books, videos, or other materials from the adult collection is $75.00, or the replacement cost for the item.
    • The fine for books, videos, or other materials from the Children’s Collection is $40.00.
    • An alternative to the lost book charges is to replace the item with a brand new copy. Contact the children’s librarian or the reference librarian before purchasing a new copy.
    • Please remember that everyone is responsible for lost books.
    • When fines or the number of books overdue reach a certain level, the patron is blocked. This means you will not be able to renew books or place holds, until the block is resolved. Please contact the Circulation Desk at library@bankstreet.edu or 212-875-4455 to resolve any blocks as soon as possible. We appreciate your cooperation.
  • Food & Beverages
    • Food and drinks are permitted in designated areas of the library.
    • All garbage and table tops must be cleaned after snacking.
    • Absolutely no eating near the library computer workstations.
  • Noise
    • Cell phones may not be used in the Library. They may be used in the Library lobby only.
    • Zoom calls are only permitted in the library lobby and room 505A (room in the back of the library) if the room is empty.
    • Patrons engaging in loud conversations that are disruptive to other patrons will be asked to lower their voices or to move to the Library lobby.
    • Quiet conversations, tutoring, and small group work may be conducted at available tables in the Library. Exceptions are in room 505A , or at the Graduate School computers.
    • Patrons who do not comply may be asked to leave the Library.
  • Tutors & Tutoring
    • Library space for tutoring is available during library hours Monday – Friday.
    • Tutors may not tutor students in the Quiet Room/505A and at the Graduate School computers.
    • Space for tutoring is on a first-come first-served basis.
    • Tutors do not have free printing.
    • Tutors may not leave their materials in the Library.
    • Tutors may tutor only School for Children students in the Library.

    Caregivers & Babysitters

    Caregivers and babysitters who are providing help or tutoring must abide by the Tutors and Tutoring Policy.

  • The Wellness Room
    • The Wellness Room is for students, faculty, and staff for quiet reflection, meditation, and prayer, as well as for nursing mothers.
    • This room is for individual use: for brief retreats of approximately 30 minutes during normal Library hours on a first-come-first-served basis.
    • A key is available for check-out from the Circulation Desk.
    • Please lock the door after entering the Wellness Room, turn off all electronic devices, and take all reflection/prayer aids upon exiting. All furnishings must remain in the room.
    • In the event of a fire alarm or indoor drill, please leave the room immediately.
    • Contact Kristin Freda, Director of Library Services, at kfreda@bankstreet.edu with any suggestions.