Rules of Conduct

Please respect the rights of other Library customers by:

• Observing Library policies and these Rules of Conduct
• Avoiding behavior that disrupts the work of staff and customers
• Cooperating with Library staff who interpret and apply the rules
• Providing proper supervision of children in your care
• Respecting the use of designated service areas
• Observing all federal, state, and local laws

For the comfort and safety of customers, volunteers and staff, and the protection of Library property, we have outlined examples of conduct that are not allowed on Library property. Any customer who engages in the following actions will be required to leave the Library and have Library privileges suspended:

• Making disruptive noises such as loud talking, screaming, or banging on computer keyboards
• Verbally threatening or harassing other customers, volunteers, or staff, OR using obscene and/or abusive language
• Using electronic devices, with or without headphones, set at a volume that disturbs others, or talking loudly on a cell phone so that it disturbs other customers
• Loitering on Library premises, i.e. sitting or standing about, or lingering aimlessly
• Being barefoot, shirtless, or otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the Library environment
• Using Library restrooms for bathing, shaving, changing clothes, or doing laundry, or bringing Library materials into Library restrooms
• Having body hygiene that is so offensive as to constitute a significant nuisance to other persons
• Sleeping, lying down, or giving the appearance of sleeping, in or on Library premises
• Gambling, or playing cards or table games (unless part of a Library program)
• Using Library computers in violation of Internet Use Policy, to include viewing pornographic websites
• Tampering with Library equipment and/or moving Library furniture from where it is placed by staff
• Carrying beverages without caps or lids in the Library, or consuming food (unless part of a Library program)
• Smoking, chewing tobacco, or using electronic cigarettes or any other tobacco product in the Library
• Being under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs
• Bringing pets or animals, other than service animals, into the Library (unless part of a Library program)
• Soliciting Library customers or staff for money, non-Library fundraising or donations, petition signatures, votes, or political support
• Sexually threatening or harassing other customers, volunteers, or staff, including stalking, staring, lurking, offensive touching, and obscene acts such as sex acts or indecent exposure
• Physically threatening or harassing other customers, volunteers, or staff, including fighting or throwing things
• Mutilating, damaging, or defacing Library property
• Removing books from the Library without checking them out, to include removing barcodes or tampering with security devices
• Carrying firearms, ammunition, or dangerous weapons of any type
• Selling, distributing, using, or possessing alcohol and/or illegal drugs

For the safety of all, Library staff reserve the right to inspect customers’ briefcases, over sized handbags, backpacks, luggage, packages and shopping bags. The Library reserves the right to designate areas for certain services and/or functions, such as the Children’s Department or Laptop Lounges.

Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff, security officers or local police will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Failure to comply with the Library's established rules, regulations and policies could result in removal from the premises for a period of one day to one year. Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including the use of computers and other equipment.