While everyone has an equal right to access library services and facilities, no person has the right to interfere with the ability of others to use and enjoy library resources, services and facilities.

The Library Director and authorized staff are responsible for enforcing patron conduct in the library and on library premises. Anyone found to be interfering with another’s use and enjoyment of the library will be asked to stop the behavior or activity. If the behavior continues, the staff will ask the individual to leave the library. Failure to leave will result in staff calling the police for assistance.

No list can be complete, and any conduct which disrupts the library is prohibited. However, conduct which may lead to denial of library privileges includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Damaging library property
• Eating or drinking
• Extended loud speaking or noise that is disruptive to patrons and/or staff
• When a group of patrons, seated together, is the source of unacceptable noise levels, such patrons may be asked to reseat themselves so that no more than two or three are seated at one table.
• Lewd or suggestive words or actions to patrons and/or staff.
• Loitering
• Running and/or rough-housing in the building
• Playing of audio equipment so that others are distracted by it
• Soliciting
• Threatening or harassing patrons or staff members
• Trespass into any area closed to the public
• Use of any tobacco products
• Use of cell phones to receive or make phone calls (may be used only in the area of the lobby by the pay phone)
• Use of a skateboard, scooter or rollerblades in the building or on the premises
• Using library computer equipment for purposes other than those permitted under the computer use policy, or performing any act that damages or disables computer hardware or software.

Disruptive children

Children of all ages are encouraged to use the library for homework, recreational reading, and program attendance. The Library Staff realizes that the library will be noisier at busy times and that children by nature can cause more commotion. However, children (whether with parents or not) who are being continually disruptive will be given a warning that he/she must settle down or will be asked to leave the library. If after a second warning the child continues to be disruptive, he/she will be asked to leave the library. If the child needs to contact a parent, they may do so and then wait with a staff person until the parent arrives. Patrons with children accompanying them in the library building and on its grounds are responsible for the supervision of those children. Parents/guardians of minors will be held responsible for any of their actions.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees March 2001