Patron Code of Conduct

Updated: 06/09/2022

THIS IS A PUBLIC LIBRARY:

The purpose of the library is to provide equitable access to materials and services in a welcoming and safe environment. Patrons are expected to be courteous and respectful of the rights of others. In order to provide an appropriate environment, the following Code of Conduct is in effect at all times for all people while in the library or on library property. The library reserves the right to make temporary changes for public safety. Patrons who violate the Code of Conduct may be asked to leave the library premises. The library is not responsible for the loss of property or personal injury to the Patron.

EXPECTATIONS:

• Patrons are to use their own card to access materials and services.
• The use of library phones is limited to children calling for a ride.
• Patrons will be engaged in activities associated with the use of the library.
• Parking is solely for the use of patrons while they are in the library. Vehicles must be parked in designated spaces. Violations may result in cars being towed at the owner’s expense.

GENERAL CONDUCT:

1. Patrons are expected to follow the instructions of library staff and/or Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs).
2. Loud noise, talking, or laughing that could be disturbing to others is not permitted.
3. Using cell phones, headphones, or other electronic devices in a manner that disturbs others is not permitted. Cell phones must be on silent mode.
4. No running or jumping.
5. Sleeping, staring, loitering, or littering is not permitted.
6. Bathing, changing clothes, or shaving is not allowed on library property.
7. The library has the right to prohibit groups and/or individuals from congregating and/or distributing literature in the building, on the grounds, or from blocking library entrances and services.
8. Smoking/tobacco cannot be used and must be put away. This includes but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless or chewing tobacco, electronic cigarettes, personal vaporizers that dispense nicotine, and electronic nicotine delivery systems generally, are prohibited inside or on library properties.
9. Children’s and Teen areas are to be utilized by children and/or teens. Adult patrons may be asked to leave these areas if unaccompanied by a child or teen or based on their behavior.
10. Patrons shall maintain a generally acceptable standard of personal hygiene.
11. For your safety, Heelys, basketballs, bicycles, or other sports equipment may not be brought into the library.
12. Beverages in a container with a lid are acceptable in the library; food is allowed only in designated areas.
13. Service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are welcome. No other animals, except for those being used in a library program, are permitted.
14. Exhibiting or carrying firearms, knives, or weapons of any kind is prohibited.
15. Patrons may bring no more than two bags into the library, only one of which may be a small gym bag or school-type backpack. Other acceptable bags are a small store bag, briefcase, laptop bag, messenger bag, or purse. Wheeled carts, luggage, bedrolls, and trash bags of any kind are not allowed. Library staff will not store a patron’s personal belongings while the patron is in the library.
16. Patrons shall be fully clothed including footwear. Clothing or accessories may not obscure the face unless an article of clothing is worn for religious purposes, health purposes, or governmental directives.
17. Carrying or possessing any flammable liquid, explosive, acid, or other dangerous substance or material that may emit an offensive odor into the building is prohibited.

INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT:

The Inappropriate Conduct listed below is not a complete list of violations but is intended for guidance. Library staff and Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) have the authority to determine what constitutes inappropriate behavior.

1. Obscene, offensive, insulting, or threatening language and gestures, racial slurs, or hate speech.
2. Viewing or accessing obscene or pornographic material as defined by law.
3. Obscene actions and/or engaging in any sexual contact and/or conduct.
4. Harassing library users or staff (physical, sexual, verbal, or stalking).
5. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drug use, possession, sale, or exchange of alcohol or drugs.
6. Pushing, striking, fighting, or bullying.
7. Theft, vandalism, defacing, altering, destroying, or climbing on property and/or equipment.
8. Refusal to provide proper identification to library staff and/or Law Enforcement.
9. Gambling on library property.
10. Soliciting for any purpose and/or panhandling.

CHILDREN/INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS:

1. Children under the age of 9 and/or individuals with special needs must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or caregiver over the age of 11 at all times, including while attending library programs. Unattended children under the age of 9 or individuals with special needs will be given into the custody of the LEO on-site or the police.
2. Patrons under the age of 12 not picked up by a parent within 10 minutes of the library closing will be given into the custody of the LEO on-site or the police.

Anyone who violates the Patron Code of Conduct, municipal, state, or federal law or regulation will be asked to leave the building and dependent on the severity of the infraction, may be banned from the library and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.