Acceptable Patron Behavior Policy

It is the mission of the Annie Porter Ainsworth Memorial Library (APAML) to provide an atmosphere within and around the library that is pleasant, comfortable, and non-disruptive to all staff and patrons. Staff and patrons should always strive to respect themselves and others.

Responsibilities:

The library staff is responsible for establishing and carrying out the following rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of library patrons, volunteers, and staff, and for preserving and protecting the library’s materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds. Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. The level of action will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

It is expected that all patrons will exhibit acceptable and legal behavior while using the library. Patrons engaging in unacceptable behavior and/or violating library policies, as determined by the Library Director or other staff in charge, will receive a verbal warning, be asked to leave, and/or face additional consequences if they are found to be repeatedly in violation of the Acceptable Patron Behavior Policy. Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of library privileges. (See Procedure).

1. Patrons will not engage in behaviors or create an environment that would disrupt or disturb others.
   1. The sharing of ideas and knowledge is promoted. Conversations should be kept at a low volume.
   2. Patrons will not verbally or physically threaten or harass other patrons, volunteers, or staff.
2. Patrons will not engage in behaviors that would create a hazardous environment or break the law.
3. Patrons will not steal, damage, alter, or inappropriately use library property in library facilities or on library grounds.
4. Patrons must be properly attired when in the building or on the grounds. Shirt and shoes are required.
5. Children under the age of 12, in the building, or on the grounds of the APAML must be attended by a parent/guardian or a caregiver at all times.
   1. Staff of the library will not act in place of parents/guardians/caregivers.
   2. It is not the library staff’s function or purpose to provide supervision or to care for children while parents/guardians or caregivers are inside or outside the library. Staff will not monitor children leaving the library.
   3. If a child is left at the library after closing time, or as the result of an emergency closing, the library staff will make every effort to contact his/her parent(s)/guardian(s).  If they cannot be contacted, then the police will be called. Under no circumstances will a staff member transport children to another location.
6. The APAML is a drug, tobacco and alcohol free campus. Therefore, the use of these products on library property is prohibited.
7. No food or beverages will be allowed in any of the computer/printer areas.
8. No animals are allowed in the library, except service animals or those used to facilitate library programs.
9. Taking surveys, distributing leaflets, and other similar activities are permitted only when authorized by the Library Director. Solicitations are absolutely NOT allowed.

PROCEDURE:

1. WARNING – In most cases, patrons who are behaving inappropriately within the library will be given one (1) verbal warning and required to cease the offending activity at once.  
2. EXPULSION – Patrons who refuse to cease inappropriate behavior after one (1) warning will be required to leave the library property immediately.
3. BANNED – Patrons who refuse to cease inappropriate behavior after repeated warnings/offenses will be banned from the library property.  The Library Director has the authority to ban a patron on a temporary or permanent basis.
4. POLICE – Library staff will call the police when a patron:
   1. Poses a danger to him/herself, the public, or staff.
   2. Deliberately violates the law.  
   3. Refuses to comply with staff warnings and will not leave the library property.
   4. Enters the library property when they are banned.    

The Library Director, or the staff in charge during the Library Director’s absence, reserves the right to ask a patron to leave the premises immediately, without a prior verbal warning, should they feel the patron’s behavior is offensive or potentially harmful to themselves or others.

Approved and adopted by the Board of Trustees on March 21, 2017; amended November 1, 2022.