Patron Code of Conduct

 

The following behaviors are considered unacceptable in the library or on library property:

• Possession of alcohol, illegal drugs, or  weapons of any kind

• Unauthorized removal or attempted removal of materials

• Eating, drinking, smoking, use of other tobacco products, or public intoxication

• Remaining in the library after closing, or being in an unauthorized area

• Stealing or damaging equipment

• Vandalizing equipment or facilities

• Disruptive noise, including profane language

• Any behavior disruptive to legitimate use of the library, including running, roughhousing, fighting or throwing objects

• Any behavior that presents an eminent danger to the life or safety of others, including intentional non-emergency activation of alarmed exits, fire alarms, etc.

• Sleeping

• Verbal or physical abuse of staff or patrons

• Violation of copyright laws

• Solicitation, gambling or panhandling, including distributing printed materials or conducting surveys

• Overcrowding of tables or meeting rooms

• Disruptive use of pagers or cell phones

• Coming into the library without shoes or shirt

• Failure to supervise children

• Skateboarding, roller skating, or inline skate use

• Excessive displays of affection, or sexually inappropriate conduct

• Bringing animals into the building, except those trained to aid the disabled

 

Children under the age of seven (7) must be accompanied by an adult or guardian at all times.

 

In the event that a patron violates any of these rules, a staff member will tell the individual that his/her behavior violates the Patron Code of Conduct, and that it must stop. 

 

If the individual continues the behavior, a staff member will inform the patron that he/she will be asked to leave the library if the behavior does not stop immediately. 

 

Finally, if the patron continues the behavior, he/she will be asked to leave the library.  If the patron refuses, the police will be called to remove the patron from the premises.   Under no circumstances will a library employee touch the patron in any way.  The staff member who deals with the patron, and any staff members who witness the interaction, will complete an incident report.

 

A patron may be banned from the library for a specific amount of time.  This decision will be made by the director.  If this happens, a certified letter will be sent to the patron informing him/her of the ban, explaining what behaviors have prompted the library to take this action, and outlining what will be expected of the patron in order to return to the library.  A copy of the letter will be kept on file at the library.

 

If an unattended child is left at the library at closing time, one of the staff members will make sure that an adult has been contacted to pick him/her up.  A staff member will remain with the child until he/she is picked up.  If the child has not been picked up after fifteen (15) minutes, the library employee will call the police.  A patron child is never to be placed in a staff member’s automobile and taken anywhere.