All persons using the Library must act in a responsible manner when within the building or on library grounds, during regularly scheduled library hours or after hours at programs or meetings. Use of the Library and its services may be denied by the librarian for due cause.
- Definition
- Disruptive and/or disorderly behavior is any behavior that disturbs other patrons or library staff or interrupts the orderly course of library business and/or meetings.
- Damaging any of the library’s collection of materials or equipment, defacing library property or threatening library staff or patrons is a misdemeanor and, therefore, a matter for the police.
- Use of the Library and its services may be denied by the Library or Library Director for due cause. Such cause may be failure to return books or pay penalties, destruction of library property, disturbance of other patrons or library staff, or any objectionable conduct on library premises.
- Patrons should at all times be aware that they are in a shared, public space. This means that conversation, including cell phone conversation, must be carried on at a level that does not disturb or interfere with other patrons and/or staff.
- Disruptive Behavior of Children Under Age Eight with Parent/Caregiver
- Children who are being disruptive will be asked by the staff to behave.
- If the disruptive behavior continues, a staff member will inform the parent / caregiver that the child is disturbing others.
- If the parent / caregiver refuses or is unable to control the child, they both will be asked to leave.
- Unattended Children Under Age Eight
- Children younger than age eight must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver (age 12 and over) unless they are attending a program at the Library.
- Parents will be required to provide a contact number where they can be reached when children younger than age eight are attending a program without a parent/caregiver.
- Staff will ask the disruptive child to correct the behavior.
- If the child persists, the staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver.
- If the parent/caregiver is located within the building, the staff will inform them of library policy. If the parent refuses or is unable to control the child, they will both be asked to leave.
- The staff will attempt to contact the parent/caregiver (if not located in the building), who will be told that the child is being disruptive, will be reminded of library policy and asked to come for the child immediately. If the parent / caregiver cannot be contacted within an hour, or if the Library is closing, the police will be called.
- Library staff reserve the right to require a parent / caregiver to accompany any child if it is deemed necessary due to safety or behavioral concerns.
- Disruptive Children Over Age Eight
- Children must have a way to contact a parent or caregiver at all times, whenever they are left unattended in the library.
- Staff will ask the disruptive child to correct the behavior.
- If the behavior continues, the parent/caregiver will be contacted and informed that the child needs to leave the library for the remainder of the day.
- Disruptive and/or disorderly behavior is any behavior that disturbs other patrons or library staff or interrupts the orderly course of library business and/or meetings.
- Adult Disruptive Behavior
The staff is advised to handle each situation with common sense. Staff and patron safety is of primary concern. If there is any concern for personal safety, staff is advised to call 911 and/or get out of the building.