Library Behavior Rules and Policy

We desire to maintain a quiet space where library patrons may read, study, and otherwise use the library without disturbance. Therefore, no patron will engage in behaviors prohibited by the Rules Related to Library Behavior which have been established by the Library Board of Trustees. The library staff will enforce these rules to help ensure that all individuals can use and enjoy the library.

While in the library or on library property, no person shall:

  1. Consume beverages or eat anywhere in public areas. 
    1. Non-alcoholic beverages may be consumed from securely capped beverage containers—except that no beverages are allowed at any public access computer or catalog lookup.    
    2. Food and drink are permitted in the meeting room during authorized functions.
  2. Use E-Cigarettes, vape, or smoke tobacco or marijuana products, or use smokeless tobacco products (including chewing and spitting) in the library or anywhere on library property.    
  3. Be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or engage in any substance abuse.
  4. Use cell phones or similar wireless communication devices within the library, except in silent mode or in the following designated areas:
    1. Lobby area near public telephone,
    2. Meeting room (groups using the meeting room may set their own guidelines), and 
    3. Any area outside the building.
  5. Photograph, film, and/or audio/video record staff and/or patrons without their permission (see Policy on Photographing and Filming in the Library).
  6. Damage, deface or misuse library materials or facilities.
  7. Improperly remove library materials or equipment.
  8. Engage in loud or boisterous conduct, or physical intimacy.
  9. Enter or remain in the building outside of public service hours or without permission or enter non-public areas.
  10. Interfere with other library patrons or staff through poor personal hygiene.
  11. Sleep in the library.
  12. Bring animals into the library, except those required for personal assistance or which are part of library programming.
  13. Engage in conduct that interferes with use or enjoyment of the library by others.
  14. Engage in conduct that disrupts library programs.
  15. Use any library materials or facility for purposes other than those for which such materials or facility are intended.
  16. Engage in abusive language or abusive behavior toward other patrons or library staff.
  17. Violate any state or local law or ordinance while in the library or on library grounds.
  18. Solicit for any reason except as permitted by the Board of Trustees.
  19. Bring in garbage, articles with a foul odor, or articles which, alone or in their aggregate, impede the use of the library by other users.
  20. Fail to comply with a reasonable staff request to cease behavior that interferes with the effective functioning of the library and the use of the library by others, including being asked to leave the library.
  21. Carry firearms (except a police officer on duty), dangerous weapons, explosives, incendiary devices, or implements which by their nature are capable of being used to destroy or injure a person or property.

Library policy does not prohibit quiet conversation between patrons and/or staff or conversations required to carry on library programs or business.
 

 

Amended: June 17, 2004
Amended: February 19, 2009
Amended: January 19, 2017
Amended: December 15, 2022
Revised: December 2023