AL 320 Behavior in the Library

AL 300 Responsibilities of Customers

Adopted Date:

08/76

Revised Date(s):

10/82

02/91

06/97

06/08

02/14

01/17

10/19

04/24

Revision Type:

Commission [1]

Tags:

Metropolitan Library System welcomes every member of the community to use and enjoy the Library’s facilities, collections, programs, and services. Our goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and pleasant place for education and enrichment where all individuals are respected.

To create a welcoming environment within the library, guests will:

Adhere to the core values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, people first, integrity, innovation, and respect
Respect staff and other guests
Respect library and guest property
Use library space only for its intended purpose
Keep personal items under your control at all times
Obey the law

Respectful behavior includes:

Complying with staff requests
Acting in a safe and welcoming manner
- No harassing or stalking library guests or staff, including verbal or physical intimidation
- No horseplay, fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving, or throwing things
- Refrain from disruptive behavior, including maintaining a reasonable volume
Attending to children and adults in your care while visiting the library. The library assumes no responsibility for unattended people.
Refraining from visiting when you have a communicable disease, contagious illness, open wounds, lice, or other body or article infestation.
Ensuring library materials are free of infestation when returned.
Wearing appropriate attire while in the buildings, including shoes, at all times.
Bringing only ADA-defined service animals into the library
Practicing good hygiene by avoiding strong, pervasive odors, including fragrances such as perfume and cologne.
Petitioning and protesting only within designated areas and soliciting or conducting polls only when authorized by the library.
Remaining outside of staff-only workspaces, including docks and back alleys.
Allowing the use of library spaces or resources by all guests.
Foods that are easily cleaned and do not leave residue or mess may be enjoyed in the library. Please clean up accidental messes and report spills immediately.

To ensure a safe and welcoming environment in the library, the following behaviors are not allowed:

Carrying firearms except by armed law enforcement officers or authorized security officers.
Carrying dangerous weapons of any kind, including but not limited to pepper spray, walking sticks, knives, clubs, axes, and machetes.
Using or preparing to use tobacco (including electronic vapor and e-cigarettes) indoors or use of tobacco (including electronic vapor and e-cigarettes) within 25 feet of building entrances.
Intoxicated behavior, substance abuse, the use or possession of intoxicating substances.
Engaging in acts of indecent exposure or sexual activity of any kind.

The Metropolitan Library System reserves the right to require anyone of any age violating the behavior policy to leave the library. Serious or repeated misconduct may lead to restrictions including loss of library privileges typically ranging from one day to two years, and/or appropriate legal action. Indefinite bans may also be issued due to egregious misconduct or repeated misconduct after returning from a two-year ban.

A person excluded from the use of the library building, property, and/or services may request in writing that the Chief Executive Officer reconsider such a decision and may present evidence to the Chief Executive Officer that the exclusion is not warranted under the circumstances or that they no longer pose a threat as described above.

The Metropolitan Library Commission authorizes the Chief Executive Officer to establish procedures to administer this policy.

Previous Versions & Supporting Files: