Rules of Behavior

It is library policy to provide a safe and appropriate environment within the library to facilitate the public’s use of the library’s resources and services. The library’s policy is to outline clearly the standards of conduct for use of the library, and its collections. Standards shall comply with federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, provide for safety of persons and property, and ensure equitable access to and use of Library facilities and services. Standards should be applied consistently.

General Rules

The following general rules of behavior shall apply to persons entering and using library facilities:

  • Acts subject to prosecution under criminal and civil law are not permitted.
  • Interfering with the use of the library by other persons by loud talk, threatening behavior or harassment is not permitted.
  • Refusal to cooperate with the established policies of the library will constitute grounds for discontinuance of library services.
  • Actions which are not conductive to reading and enjoyable use of the library are not permitted.
  • Blocking exits or entrances to the building with objects such as bicycles or dogs is not permitted.
  • Being intoxicated, smoking, eating, or drinking are not permitted.
  • Sleeping is not permitted.
  • Pets are not permitted in the building.
  • Shoes shall be worn in the building at all times.
  • Talking on the cell phone not permitted inside building.

Steps Taken

If a patron is in violation of the rules of behavior or interferes with a staff member’s performance of duties, the following progressive steps will be taken:

  • Issue a verbal warning, with the statement that the person(s) will be asked to leave if the behavior in question does not cease.
  • Request that the person(s) leave the library.
  • Call the Police.
  • Complete a security incident report and submit it to the library director.

Juvenile Disruptions

In the case of a juvenile causing a disruption which interferes with patrons or staff members, staff may elect to call the parent and bar the juvenile from the library unless accompanied by a parent.

A staff member may intervene with a child in order to prevent injury to the child or others or property damage.

Any time a staff member feels that a patron’s behavior is threatening to the safety of other patrons or staff members, the staff member in charge will call the police immediately.