Library Code of Conduct

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees on July 21, 2020.

The library staff strives to make this facility a warm and inviting place for all people. It is the intent of the library that all library patrons should be able to use its facilities to the maximum extent possible during its regularly scheduled hours.

This Code of Conduct has been developed to minimize situations in which any library customer interferes with the legitimate library business of other patrons and staff, to protect the safety and property of all library patrons and staff, and to protect library property. Library patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a public library while in the building. Library patrons shall respect the rights of other patrons.
 

Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Interfering with the use of the library by other patrons, or interfering with library employees’ performance of their duties.
• Obstructing the entrance, aisles and passageways of the library, either inside or outside the building.
• Bringing in an animal, except for a service animal (dog), specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, or those allowed at a library approved event
• Running, rollerblading, skateboarding, and similar activies.
• Soliciting, conducting a survey, or distributing or posting materials, without prior permission of library administration.
• Proselytizing, campaigning, or attempting to persuade a library patron or staff member with regard to any religious or political belief(s), opinion(s), or viewpoint(s), however, discussions of religious and political belief(s), opinion(s), or viewpoint(s) may be permitted if part of a pre-approved program, which includes these topics as part of the intended program.
• Using or abusing furniture or equipment, in a manner for which they are not intended, including standing or lying on tables or chairs, or putting feet on any furniture.
• Replacing library copy paper with any paper or other material brought from outside of the library.
• Use of restrooms for bathing, washing hair and laundry.
• Sleeping in the library.
• Consumption of food and beverages outside of designated areas. Consumption of snack food and beverages in lidded containers are allowed in all areas of the library except at computers, and only lidded beverages are permitted in the Quiet Study rooms. All other food must be consumed in the café area. It is expected that customers will dispose of litter and debris in trash containers and leave table tops and chairs clean.
• Disruptive use of electronic equipment, including cell phones, such as speaking loudly or playing audio equipment so that others can hear it.
• Use of tobacco or marijuana products, vaping and lighting devices
• Mutilating library materials, engaging in vandalism, or attempted theft of library, staff or patron property.
• Engaging in any activity not in compliance with the library's Internet Acceptable Use Policy, including attempting to hack into, damage, attack, or otherwise exploit library computer hardware and software.
• Carrying a weapon or anything that can be reasonably construed as a weapon, unless authorized by law. Any patron, other than law enforcement personnel, authorized to carry a weapon, who enters the library carrying a concealed weapon, must notify the staff.
• Possession, distribution, or use of controlled substances, including marijuana/cannabis or alcohol; no one under the influence of alcohol or such drugs will be permitted into the library.
• Engaging in sexual activity, contact, or any act of lewdness or exposure.
• Engaging in any activity that is objectively offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment for library staff and patrons, including bullying and cyberbullying.
• Verbally, physically or sexually harassing or assaulting library patrons or staff.
• Failing, as the parent or guardian, to safeguard a youth, or leaving children or adults who are in need of supervision unattended: see policy on "Children and Their Guardians at the Library."
• Patrons shall respect the rights of other patrons and shall not harass or annoy others through noisy or boisterous activities, by staring at another person with the intent or effect of annoying or disrupting that person, by following another person about the building with the intent or effect of annoying or disrupting that person, by photographing or recording another person without their permission or with the intent to or effect of annoying or disrupting that person, by singing or talking loudly to others or in monologues (to oneself), or by behaving in a manner which reasonably can be expected to annoy, disturb or disrupt other persons.
• Patrons shall not be permitted to enter the building without a shirt or other covering of their upper bodies, covering of their midsection between waist and thighs, or without shoes or other footwear. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building.
• Patrons are expected to observe all personal safety restrictions mandated by the government during a public health emergency while using library services. Restrictions may include, but are not limited to:
  • Wearing a face mask or covering while inside the library, unless unable to for medical reasons
  • Complying with social distancing guidelines, including maintaining 6 feet of distance between themselves and other patrons, and by observing directional signage and social distancing markers
  • Adhering to maximum occupancy limits in the building
  • Complying with staff directives relating to safety and social distancing
• Engaging in any illegal activity not otherwise listed.