Patron Behavior Policy:
The Library Board of Trustees has established certain standards of acceptable behavior on library property in order to maintain an atmosphere that promotes the use and enjoyment of the resources and services of the library, promotes the safety of the general public and the library staff, and protects the building, furniture, equipment, and materials of the library.
Any activity that interferes with the rights of other patrons to use the library, disrupts the normal functioning of the library, could result in physical, emotional, or mental injury to oneself or others, or could result in damage to the facilities, equipment, or materials is considered disruptive and unacceptable behavior.
The library reserves the right to require anyone who engages in disruptive behavior to leave the premises, the right to restrict privileges for a specified period of time, and the right to ban the individual from the library for a specified period of time or permanently. In most cases, a staff member will notify the individual that he or she is in violation of the standards of conduct and will provide one verbal warning. Unlawful activities will be reported immediately to the police.
Disruptive behavior includes but is not limited to the following:
Any activity that interferes with the rights of other patrons to use the library, disrupts the normal functioning of the library, could result in physical, emotional, or mental injury to oneself or others, or could result in damage to the facilities, equipment, or materials is considered disruptive and unacceptable behavior.
The library reserves the right to require anyone who engages in disruptive behavior to leave the premises, the right to restrict privileges for a specified period of time, and the right to ban the individual from the library for a specified period of time or permanently. In most cases, a staff member will notify the individual that he or she is in violation of the standards of conduct and will provide one verbal warning. Unlawful activities will be reported immediately to the police.
Disruptive behavior includes but is not limited to the following:
Loud Talking and Laughing:
Sensitivity to noise varies from one person or group to another; however, if one person or group is heard above the general noise level in the library at a particular time, this person or group will be requested to lower their voices.
Fighting:
Includes any type of fighting, whether real or pretend.
Throwing Objects:
Includes wadded up papers, paper airplanes, other small objects, and larger objects that could cause injury.
Boisterous Behavior:
Includes running, horseplay, playing on the elevator, and annoying other patrons.
Abusive or Obscene Language or Gestures:
Includes language or gestures that convey a sexually explicit message or are conveyed in a coarse or crude manner and any language that verbally abuses another individual.
Solicitation:
Includes selling anything for personal gain or a charitable cause, begging, panhandling, or circulating petitions among other patrons and staff members. Public petitions may be posted on the public bulletin board.
Eating and Drinking:
Upon permission of staff and in designated areas only.
Sleeping:
Pertains to habitual sleeping or those who are noisy, sprawled on furniture, or generally disturbing other patrons.
Smoking
Loitering:
Defined as a person who wanders around the library without apparent legitimate reason and disturbs other patrons.
Unattended Children:
A parent, guardian, or other responsible adult must accompany children under age 8 at all times in the library. For more information, see the Children and Library section at the end of this document.
Improper Attire:
Patrons must wear shoes and shirt in the library building.
Abuse of Library Equipment, Furniture, and Materials:
Includes but is not limited to placing feet on tables and chairs, standing on furniture, mutilating or defacing books or periodicals, and mistreating equipment or computers. For more information on computer abuse, see the library's Internet Safety Policy, and Acceptable Use Policy.
Bikes, Rollerblades, Skateboards, and Scooters:
Must not be ridden anywhere in the library.
