Code of Conduct

LOGAN-HOCKING COUNTY DISTRICT LIBRARY
 
CODE OF CONDUCT
 
 
The Library Board of Trustees encourages all members of the community to use the library.  We hope that patrons of all ages perceive the library as a warm, inviting, and fun place to be.  In order to ensure that all library users are able to utilize the library without unnecessary distractions, each library patron must behave in a manner that respects the rights of all users of the library. The Library Board of Trustees has the authority under state law to establish reasonable rules and regulations regarding the patron use of the Logan-Hocking County District Library and to exclude any person who willfully and persistently violates those rules.  The rules will be enforced in a fair and reasonable manner with exclusion periods that vary based on the category of violation.
 
For the comfort and safety of patrons and staff, and the protection of library property, the following actions are examples of conduct not allowed on library property:
 
  1. Disruptive behavior and disorderly conduct, such as creating loud noises, loud talking, screaming, swearing, cursing, and banging on computer keyboards.
  2. Entering into the library barefoot or without a shirt or removing one’s footwear or shirt while in the Library, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the library environment.
  3. Excessive loitering in the library, the lobby, outside the front door, or on library premises.
  4. Excessive socializing in the library.
  5. Constant entering and exiting of building, running in the library.
  6. More than one person in a chair, seat, or at a computer.
  7. Having offensive body odor or personal hygiene so as to unreasonably interfere with other patrons’ ability to use the library and its facilities.
  8. Consuming food or beverages in the library.
  9. Moving library furniture from where it is placed by library staff.
  10. Using wheeled devices inside the library or on library grounds, including skateboards, roller-skates, bicycles, and motorized or non-motorized scooters. These restrictions do not apply to ADA assistive devices or baby strollers.
  11. Lying down, sleeping, or appearing to be sleeping in the library; having feet on furniture; or blocking aisles, exits, or entrances.
  12. Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children.
  13. Bringing pets or animals, other than service animals necessary of disabilities, into the library.
  14. Inappropriate use of library property in library facilities or on library grounds, including computer hardware and software, printers, copiers, phones, and other equipment.
  15. Engaging in any activity in violation of a library policy.
  16. Gambling.
  17. Using audible devices without headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others.  Using cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices in a manner that disturbs others.  Audible cell phone and pager ringers must be turned off.
  18. Littering.
  19. Smoking, chewing, and other tobacco use on library property.
  20. Bringing in items excluding personal items (purse, laptop, briefcase) that occupy floor space in excess of 14”W x 17” H x 20”.  Items are measured in totality and must be placed and fit easily into a measuring box of the above dimensions.
  21. Distributing literature, gathering signatures, soliciting contributions or conducting surveys inside a library or on library grounds.
  22. Using restrooms for bathing or shampooing, doing laundry, or changing clothes.
  23. Verbally or physically harassing other patrons or staff, including stalking, staring, or lurking.
  24. Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
  25. Possession of alcohol.
  26. Damaging or stealing library property.
  27. Damaging the personal property of another library patron.
  28. Verbally intimidating staff or other patrons.
  29. Possession, except by law enforcement officers, of a firearm or any other dangerous weapon on library property.
  30. Assault, fighting, or challenging to fight.
  31. Selling, using, or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs.
  32. Offensive touching and obscene acts.
  33. Engaging in any other behavior that would constitute a misdemeanor/felony under applicable law.
 
 
Based upon the severity of the situation, a suspension of library privileges for up to one year could be applied without advance warning or prior suspension.  Library staff will notify the Library Director when a suspension has occurred. All minor prohibited behaviors will be addressed in the following manner:
 
First Violation: Verbal warning.
Second Violation: Library privileges suspended for the day.
Third Violation: Library privileges suspended for up to one month.
Fourth Violation: Library privileges suspended for up to one year.
 
Patrons wishing to appeal such action may do so by written request to the Library Director and/or the Library Board of Trustees.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees – April 8, 2013