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Behavior Policy

In our efforts to provide a comfortable, welcoming environment for all library users, we have established a Library Behavior Policy. The purpose of the Policy is to define unacceptable behavior and also to suggest conduct that is appropriate in the library.

Violations of the Policy will result in increasing levels of action, ranging from asking the patron to leave the library for the remainder of the day to the patron’s permanent loss of all library privileges to legal prosecution. The level of action shall be determined on a case-by-case basis and shall be within the sole discretion of the Library Director or his/her designee.

The following are considered unacceptable behavior, and are NOT permitted in the library:

  1. Behavior that results in excessive noise levels, creates disturbances, interferes with other patrons’ use of the library or damages library property. The library staff and this policy recognize that the children’s area of the library may be louder and have more commotion than the adult areas of the library. However, if a child is disruptive and cannot be quieted or calmed, the parent or caregiver must remove the child from the library. Please see our Policy on Unattended Children for additional information.
  2. Behavior that causes patrons or staff to feel harassed or threatened.
  3. Theft, defacement, or mutilation of library materials or property. Anyone involved in the theft, defacement, or mutilation of library materials or property will be subject to arrest and prosecution.
  4. Entering or remaining in the library with communicable diseases, contagious illnesses, or lice or other body or article infestation. The Library reserves the right to ask the patron to leave.
  5. Personal hygiene that interferes with the orderly operation of the library or with the ability of other patrons to use and/or enjoy the facility.
  6. Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving or throwing things.
  7. Solicitation, vending and distribution of petitions or surveys in the library or on the library grounds without prior consent of the Library Director or his/her designee.
  8. Photographing, videotaping or recording any patron without the patron’s prior approval and consent.
  9. Entering any staff-only areas of the library. These areas are for staff and library volunteers only.
  10. Bringing an animal into the library. Service animals needed to aid individuals with disabilities are exempted from this rule.
  11. Loitering on the library grounds.

The library also places the following restrictions on conduct:

  1. All patrons must leave the premises after closing, unless they are participating in a prescheduled program or meeting.
  2. Drinks and snacks are permitted provided that all trash is properly disposed of and other patrons are not disturbed. Patrons should take great care when eating or drinking in the library. Any damage caused by food or drink will be subject to full payment by the patron.
  3. Use of cell phones should be limited, discreet and at a level that is not disruptive to others. There are certain areas, like the Emslie Room and newspaper area, which are designated as quiet areas where cell phone usage is strictly prohibited.
  4. Animals left outside of the library must be on a leash and not disruptive to patrons entering the building or causing noise levels that is disruptive to patrons inside the library.
  5. Adults should only be in the Children’s Room if they are accompanied by children/teens or using/browsing the collection. The study tables, chairs, and catalog computer located in the Children’s Room are reserved for use by children, teens and caregivers only.

Adopted 7/18/06, Revised: April 2007.


Revised: August 2011


Revised: April 2017


Revised: January 14, 2020