Cortland Free Library. (Photo provided by Kevin L. Smith of The Cortland Voice).
Cortland Free Library recently put up signs in an effort to clear the space and landing for the building’s front steps.
The library put two signs on the front door and a couple of more signs on the railings that say “No Loitering,” providing a clear entrance and exit from the building.
Cortland Free Library recently implemented “No Loitering” signs to clear up space for the front entrance of the building. (Photo provided by Kevin L. Smith of The Cortland Voice).
The signs were implemented on Aug. 23, said library director Jen Graney. She noted it was her decision, in collaboration with the library’s buildings and grounds committee, to include signs.
The signs, Graney said, are just for the steps and landing – not inside the library.
“We had people sitting on (the steps), and they were pretty good about moving to the side when people were coming in and out,” Graney said. “Without monitoring it regularly, we just felt signage was needed.”
Graney mentioned a temporary picnic table, provided by the city of Cortland, is available to the right of the library for those looking for a seating area. She added that individuals who typically sit on the front steps will either be invited into the library or directed to the picnic table.
The city library has a picnic table available for outdoor seating. (Photo provided by Kevin L. Smith of The Cortland Voice).
A more permanent outside seating area will be available in the near future, Graney said. New outdoor seating will be more accessible and user friendly, she added.
“People appreciate that we provide space,” Graney said. “The biggest reason for hanging around the steps was the WiFi we provide. We wanted to still provide it for people, so we did that.”
Visitors of the library in the past have notified staff of individuals blocking the steps. So far, with the signs present, the feedback has been positive, Graney said.
“We always take people’s feedback to heart, so it was definitely taken into consideration,” Graney said.
Graney noted The “No Loitering” signs are an extension of the library’s code of conduct on entrances and exits.
Graney said individuals who sit on the front steps will be made aware of the signs. If change isn’t evident or forthcoming, she said, the individual(s) will be asked to leave the library’s property. If they are asked to leave and don’t, the library staff will call the police.
In the future, the amount of signs on the front of the building could be whittled down to one or a couple, Graney said.
“We’re hoping to familiarize people with it,” Graney said.
