The Library exists for all members of the community. We are committed to providing excellent services and resources to our visitors and ensuring that everyone who uses the Library has a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience.
These Visitors’ Rules of Conduct are here to assure each visitor a quality Library experience.
Please respect the rights of other Library patrons by:
- Observing all Library policies, including these Rules of Conduct.
- Observing all federal, state, and local laws.
- Understanding that your Library card is your contract with the Library. Use it responsibly, enjoy the benefits it offers, and understand when its privileges may be suspended.
- Cooperating with Library staff who interpret and apply the rules.
- Avoiding behavior that disrupts the work of staff and other patrons.
- Providing proper supervision of children in your care.
- Note: Children under the age of 8 should be attended at all times by a parent, caregiver, or someone over the age of 13 who has the authority to look after them. Library staff members are not responsible for children left unattended or without supervision in the Library.
- Respecting the use of designated service areas.
- Consuming food only in designated areas.
- Note: Covered beverages are permitted throughout the library.
- Protecting your personal property while visiting the Library. The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Bags or large items left unattended pose a security risk and may be confiscated.
- Requesting permission from the Executive Director to engage in solicitation or petitioning of any kind, either in the building or in the entrance, including selling or requesting donations.
Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- Engaging in any activity or behavior that violates local ordinances or is illegal under State or Federal law, e.g. using alcohol, illegal drugs or behaving as though under the influence, smoking, vaping or use of tobacco in the building or within 25 feet of the entrance, panhandling, possession of firearms or weapons, assault, etc., loitering.
- Behaving in a violent or threatening manner including abusing or harassing staff or other visitors verbally or physically, or using obscene or abusive language.
- Creating a public disturbance, e.g. talking loudly in conversation, rowdy behavior, failure to observe assigned “quiet areas.”
- Misusing a cell phone, including loud conversations and/or not silencing ringers.
- Using electronic devices without headphones.
- Failing to attend to a child.
- Failing to follow rules relating to use of materials, computers, equipment, and building.
- Stealing, mutilating, or defacing library materials and property.
- Interfering with free passage (blocking entrances, aisles, or exits)
- Bringing pets, other than service animals, into the Library.
- Note: Service animals that pose a direct threat to health or safety; are not housebroken; or are out of control and you are unable or unwilling to effectively control it will be asked to leave. The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the person's disability prevents use of these devices.
- Not wearing shirts or shoes or removing shirts or shoes.
- Having body hygiene that is so offensive as to constitute a significant nuisance to other persons.
- Bathing in or misusing Library restrooms.
- Parking bicycles in the building, or using bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, or other equipment in the building or near entrances or exits.
- Sleeping in the library or giving the appearance of sleeping on library property.
- Exhibiting symptoms of flu or other contagious illness.
- Note: The staff are acting in the best interest of all occupants of the library if they ask you to relocate or leave the library.
When questionable or inappropriate behavior occurs:
- Library staff members have the authority to enforce these Visitors’ Rules of Conduct.
- Staff may at any time request patrons to show Library cards and other documents (e.g. driver’s license, school ID) for purposes of identification.
- Depending on the nature and frequency of the behavior, consequences may include loss of Library privileges for a specified period of time, up to and including a lifetime ban.
- Staff may call upon law enforcement to assist in managing some situations, including removal and/or arrest for trespassing patrons who have been banned from library property and return before the ban has expired.
Keep your public library safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for everyone, and help us fulfill our commitment to Educate, Innovate, and Inspire.
Approved by Board of Trustees, December 13, 2005
Amended and Approved by Board of Trustees, October 12, 2010
Amended and Approved by Board of Trustees, April 14, 2015
Amended and Approved by Board of Trustees, April 12, 2016
Amended and Approved by Board of Trustees, April 9, 2019
Amended and Approved by the Board of Trustees, August 18, 2020
Amended and Approved by the Board of Trustees, August 15, 2023