Patron Behavior

General Patron Behavior Expectations

In order to maintain the library's mission as a reliable community resource, in a safe and productive atmosphere, we ask that patrons observe the following expectations of behavior:

• In respect of the rights of others, patrons are expected to maintain low noise levels. Listening devices and cell phone conversations should be kept to a reasonably low level. Conversations with other patrons should be kept to a reasonably low level. 
• Alcohol and/or illegal drugs may not be brought into the library or onto library grounds, nor may persons under the influence of either or both use the library.
• Harassment or other disruptive behavior is not allowed. Harassing behavior is defined as behavior that creates a hostile or frightening environment. Examples of harassment include staring at or following another person, unwelcome physical contact, abusive language, and verbal propositions.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed anywhere inside the building.
• Covered beverages and light snacks are allowed in the building except where otherwise posted.
• For safety and hygiene reasons, all patrons must wear shoes and appropriate clothing.
• Patrons with skateboards and roller blades are requested to carry them while in the library.
• Please respect the rights of others to quietly study, read, or work without interference.
• Patrons whose bodily hygiene causes other patrons to complain may be asked to leave the library.
• Library staff will contact the police regarding patrons who refuse to leave when asked, or who are exhibiting threatening or harassing behavior.
• Pets are not allowed in the library, unless they are therapy or service animals.
• Court Ordered Visitations are not allowed in the library.

Unattended Persons

The library strives to maintain a safe environment conducive to the welfare of all users of library facilities. Library staff is not trained or expected to provide care and supervision for children or other persons in need of constant attention. 

• Monitoring the activities and regulating the behavior of children or other persons requiring supervision is the responsibility of the parent/guardian or a caregiver age 12 or older.
• Parents and caregivers are responsible for the behavior, safety, and supervision of their children at all times in the library and on library premises. Youth age six and under must be kept with a parent/guardian or a caregiver age 12 or older at all times.
• Incidents of minors who are left unattended at closing time will be reported to the police within 15 minutes of closing time.
• When children or persons requiring supervision are unattended, staff will make an effort to locate the responsible parent, guardian, or caregiver. If necessary, appropriate law enforcement or child protective authorities will be notified to assume responsibility for the welfare of the child or person in need of attention.
• Parents/guardians who repeatedly leave a child unattended will be reported to the police.
• The library staff is not responsible for the safety, care, or supervision of children of any age at any time whether in the library or on library premises.

Penalties

Failure to comply with the patron behavior policies will result in the following penalties: 

• First infraction will result in a warning that loss of library privileges may result. 
• Second infraction will result in loss of library privileges for one week.
• Third infraction will result in loss of library privileges for four weeks.
• Fourth infraction, and every infraction thereafter, will result in loss of library privileges for six months.
• Loss of library privileges includes not being allowed on the premises.
• Any illegal activity, harassment, or abuse will be reported to the police. Behavior leading to police involvement may lead to more severe penalties.

Appeals

If an individual wishes to appeal his/her loss of privileges, he/she may file a written appeal to the library director within ten days of the notification of loss of privileges. The library director will meet with the claimant and make a determination within five business days thereafter. The library director will respond to the individual in writing.