Patron Behavior Policy

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PURPOSE: To protect the rights of individuals who are in the Library to use materials or

services, to assist staff members in conducting Library business efficiently, and to

preserve Library materials and facilities.

STATEMENT OF POLICY:

Library patrons are expected to use the Library, including its facilities, grounds, resources and materials, in a responsible, appropriate, and courteous manner.Illegal acts or conduct in violation of Federal, State, or local laws, ordinances or regulations are prohibited. Behavior that disturbs or infringes on the rights of other Library patrons and staff and which damages library materials and property is not permitted. This policy applies to patrons of all ages.

RULES AND REGULATIONS:

Actions prohibited include but are not limited to:

1. Engaging in disorderly conduct, drunken, dangerous or threatening behavior, fighting or challenging to fight, running, or using offensive words which disturb or tend to disturb the peace or good order of the Library, and any other behavior that is disruptive to Library use.

2. Blocking in any way entryways, vestibules, book returns, restrooms, staircases, elevator, passageways, or other common areas.

3. Refusing to comply with requests of any member of the Library staff to comply with Library policies.

4. Using offensive or abusive language or acting or behaving disrespectfully toward a Library employee, volunteer, or patron.

5. Any form of harassment – physical, sexual, verbal – of Library patrons or staff. Harassment may include initiating unwanted conversations, impeding access to the library, stalking, and the like.

6. Displaying obscene or sexually explicit materials or Internet sites.

7. Excessive noise and other disturbances, such as loud conversation, laughter, cell phone use, or music which is disturbing to others, separate from an authorized library program.

8. Selling and/or soliciting for services, money, items or signatures, except for library or library-related activities. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit a person’s freedom of expression of his first amendment rights as guaranteed by the United States Constitution.

9. Distributing or posting printed materials, literature, or other items that have not been approved by the Library for use inside the Library building.

10. Possessing or consuming alcohol or illegal drugs or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

11. Smoking or other uses of tobacco. Electronic smoking devices are considered tobacco products for the purpose of this policy.

12. Not wearing shoes or shirts 13. Bringing animals or pets into the Library (except for assistance animals or for specific Library programs).

14. Intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing any property belonging to the Library or a patron or employee.

15. Removing Library materials from the premise without authorization through established lending procedures.

16. Moving of tables, chairs, or other furniture, beyond ordinary use, without the permission of Library staff.

17. Leaving a child under 8 years of age unsupervised by an adult. 18. Misuse of restrooms. Restrooms are for the use of Library patrons and staff only. Smoking, changing of clothes, bathing, and hairwashing are not allowed.

19. Possessing weapons of any kind other than what is provided for by state law.

20. Indecent exposure

21. Entering “staff only” areas without permission of Library staff. 

22. Abuse of borrowing privileges. Other: The Library reserves the right to

       1. Inspect all backpacks, bookbags, satchels, totes, and briefcases

       2. Limit the number of people who may sit together at a single table, in an arrangement               of casual seating, in a single piece of furniture, or in a study room

       3. Separate members of a group from one another or relocate individuals from one area                of the library to another

       4. Impose time limits on the continuous use of library resources, including reference                      materials, computer equipment, and study areas

       5. Require patrons to furnish commonly accepted forms of identification, such as driver’s             licenses and student ID cards.

       6. Request that cell phone usage be kept to outdoors, the lower lobby or the children’s                    room entrance. Should cell phone usage be needed to complete library activities,                        usage is to be kept brief and at a low volume.

The Library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended. Personal items left by patrons are subject to disposal.

NONCOMPLIANCE:

Failure to comply with this policy and/or the Library’s established rules, regulations, and procedures will result in a warning and may also result in exclusion from the Library for the day or specified period of time or permanently, and/or in arrest.  Theft or damage of Library materials is a serious offense and will result in permanent exclusion from the Library and/or in arrest. Communication of threats, physical violence, or sexual offenses will result in

permanent exclusion and/or arrest. Trespassers will be arrested and prosecuted.

Any person who is asked to leave the Library as a result of the violation of these guidelines and refuses to do so shall be considered trespassing. The Library staff will contact the Salem Police Department in all such cases. The Library staff will call the Salem Police Department at times when staff deems this to be necessary or prudent. Any patron whose privileges have been denied by Library staff may appeal the decision to the Kelley Library Board of Trustees within thirty (30) days of the decision.

Adopted by the Kelley Library Board of Trustees on May 8, 2014