Creative Cove Use & Safety Policy
Revere Public Library Creative Cove
Use and Safety Policy
Purpose
The Revere Public Library Creative Cove is a shared space designed to encourage creativity, learning, exploration, and innovation in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
The Creative Cove is available to library patrons ages 7–17. To ensure that the space remains safe, welcoming, and accessible to all users, the following policies apply to everyone using the cove. Children under the age of 10 will need adult supervision
By using the Creative Cove, patrons agree to follow these rules and any additional instructions provided by library staff.
1. Respect for the Space and Equipment
The Creative Cove is a shared space. All computers, electronic equipment, software, tools, instruments, materials, and other resources must be treated with care and respect.
- All equipment and materials must be returned in the same condition in which they were received.
- Patrons should use materials only for their intended purpose and avoid unnecessary waste.
- Patrons should not use, alter, or operate equipment in a manner that could damage it.
- If a patron is unsure how an item, tool, or piece of equipment works, they must ask a staff member for assistance before using it.
- No equipment, tools, materials, or other items belonging to the Creative Cove may leave the lab without permission from a library staff member.
- Equipment and materials should be returned to their designated locations after use.
2. Personal Projects and Materials
Patrons may only leave a project or materials in the cove with permission from a library staff member.
Any project approved for storage must be clearly labeled with:
- Patron’s name
- Date
- Contact information
Unidentified or improperly labeled projects may be held for two weeks and will then be disposed of, recycled, or otherwise removed from the cove.
The library is not responsible for personal projects or materials left in the cove.
3. Cleanliness and Care of the cove
The Creative Cove must be kept clean, organized, and free of unnecessary clutter.
Patrons are responsible for cleaning their workspace and returning materials and equipment to their proper locations when they finish.
Keeping the cove clean helps:
- Prevent accidents and injuries
- Protect equipment and materials
- Prevent items from being misplaced or lost
- Ensure that the space is ready for the next patron
Food and drinks with secure lids are permitted in the cove when appropriate. Patrons must clean up immediately after themselves.
Food and drinks must never be placed near or on computers, electronic equipment, or other equipment that could be damaged by spills or food particles.
Failure to clean up after use may result in suspension or revocation of Creative Cove privileges.
4. Access and Availability
The Creative Cove is available to eligible patrons on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to space, staffing, equipment, and overall availability. All users will have a time limit of 1 hour if there is a need based on the wait list for the room.
Access may be limited based on:
- The number of patrons using the space
- Available equipment
- Scheduled programs or activities
- Staff availability
- Patron behavior
- Computer or technology use
The library reserves the right to limit or suspend use of the cove when necessary to maintain a safe and appropriate environment for all patrons.
5. Behavior and Computer Use
All patrons using the Creative Cove must comply with the Revere Public Library Behavior Policy and Computer Use Policy.
Respectful behavior is expected at all times. Harassment, disruptive behavior, misuse of equipment, or behavior that interferes with another patron’s ability to use the space may result in removal from the lab and/or suspension or denial of future Creative Cove privileges.
Failure to comply with library policies may result in immediate removal from the cove and/or denial or revocation of Creative Cove privileges.
6. Safety Requirements
Safety is a priority in the Creative Cove.
Patrons must:
- Follow all safety instructions provided by library staff.
- Wear appropriate clothing for the activity being performed.
- Wear closed-toe shoes when using tools, equipment, or participating in activities where they are required for safety.
- Use equipment only as intended.
- Never operate equipment in an unsafe manner.
- Immediately report damaged, malfunctioning, or unsafe equipment to a library staff member.
- Stop using any equipment that appears damaged or unsafe until a staff member has inspected it.
Patrons may be required to receive instruction or staff approval before using certain tools or equipment.
7. Staff Assistance and Instruction
Creative Cove staff will provide guidance and instruction on the tools, equipment, software, and resources available in the space as time and staffing allow.
Staff will make reasonable efforts to assist patrons; however, not all library staff are trained or fully knowledgeable in every piece of equipment, software, technology, or creative medium available in the cove.
If a staff member is unable to answer a question or provide assistance, they may refer the patron to another staff member or available instructional resources.
Patrons are responsible for following all instructions provided by staff and for using equipment safely.
8. Damage to Equipment
The Creative Cove is generally provided as a free library service. However, some projects or activities may require patrons to provide or pay for certain consumable supplies, depending on the program or availability of materials.
Patrons may be held financially responsible for damage to library equipment or property resulting from misuse, intentional damage, or failure to follow established safety and use instructions. Any potential charges will be determined based on an assessment of the damage and applicable library policies.
9. Acknowledgment of Safety Policies
All patrons must complete a Creative Cove Safety Acknowledgment Form before using the lab.
The acknowledgment confirms that the patron has received and understands the cove’s rules, safety requirements, and expectations for appropriate use.
For patrons under 18, a parent or legal guardian may be required to complete or sign the appropriate acknowledgment form in accordance with library procedures.
10. Liability and Personal Safety
Patrons use the Creative Cove, including its tools and equipment, at their own risk and are expected to follow all safety instructions.
The Revere Public Library and its staff are not responsible for injuries or damage resulting from a patron’s failure to follow safety instructions, misuse of equipment, or failure to follow applicable library policies, except as otherwise required by law.
11. Inclusivity, Accessibility, and Respect
The Revere Public Library is committed to providing equitable access to the Creative Cove. The library will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to support meaningful and safe participation in the lab and its activities, consistent with applicable law and library policies. Patrons who require accommodation are encouraged to speak with a library staff member so that the library can work with them to identify appropriate support.
The Creative Cove is intended to be a welcoming environment where young patrons can learn, create, experiment, and express themselves.
The library is committed to maintaining an environment that supports inclusivity, creativity, safety, and mutual respect.
12. Enforcement
The Revere Public Library reserves the right to enforce these policies to protect the safety of patrons, staff, equipment, and the cove environment.
Failure to follow these policies may result in:
- A verbal warning
- Removal from the cove
- Temporary suspension of cove privileges
- Revocation of cove privileges
- Denial of future access to the lab
- Financial responsibility for damaged equipment or property, when applicable
The severity and duration of any restriction will be determined based on the circumstances and applicable library policies.