Patron Behavior Policy |
BESSEMER PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON BEHAVIOR POLICYI. Introduction The Bessemer Public Library is open for specific and designated uses, including reading, studying, writing, participating in scheduled library programs, and using library materials. In order to provide resources and services to all people who visit the Bessemer Public Library facilities in an atmosphere of courtesy, respect, and excellent service, the Library Board has adopted this Patron Behavior Policy. The purpose of the Library Patron Behavior Policy is to assist the Bessemer Public Library in fulfilling its mission as a community resource providing quality materials and services which fulfill educational, informational, cultural, and recreational needs. The following rules of conduct shall apply to all buildings –interior and exterior –and all grounds controlled and operated by the Bessemer Public Library and to all persons entering in or on the premises. II. Rules for a Safe Environment A. Violations of Law. Committing or attempting to commit an activity in violation of federal, state, or local law, ordinance or regulation is prohibited. B. Weapons. Carrying weapons, except bona fide officers of government jurisdictions or individuals with a lawful permit, is prohibited. C. Alcohol; Drugs. Possessing, selling, distributing, or consuming any alcoholic beverage, illegal drug, or drug paraphernalia is prohibited. D. Under the Influence. Persons noticeably under the influence of any controlled substance or intoxicating liquor are not allowed on library property. E. Use of Library Buildings and Grounds.
III. Rules for Personal Behavior A. Personal Property. Personal property brought into the library is subject to the following:
B. Food and Beverages. Food and drink must be consumed in designated areas. C. Unauthorized Use. Patrons must leave the library promptly at closing time. Further, any patron whose privileges to use the Library have been denied may not enter the Library. Any patron whose privileges have been limited may not use the Library in any manner that conflicts with those limits placed on the patron by the Director, his or her designee, or the Library Board. D. Engaging in Proper Library Activities. Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of the Library while in the building. Patrons not engaged in reading, studying, writing, participating in scheduled library programs, and using library materials shall be required to leave the building. E. Considerate Use. The following behavior is prohibited in the Library. 1. Spitting2. Running3. Putting feet or legs on furniture.4. Using obscene or threatening language or gestures. F. Panhandling or Soliciting. Panhandling or soliciting library staff or patrons for money, products, or services inside the library or on library property is prohibited. G. Interference with Staff. Patrons may not interfere with the staff’s performance of duties in the Library or on Library property. This includes engaging in conversation or behavior that monopolizes or forces the attention of staff for an inappropriate period of time, inappropriate personal comments, sexual advances, or physical and/or verbal harassment. H. Campaigning and Similar Activities. Campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, survey-taking, pamphleteering, canvassing are prohibited in the Library building. I. Sales. Selling merchandise on Library property without prior permission from the Director is prohibited. J. Distributions; Postings. Distributing or posting printed materials/literature on Library property not in accordance with Library policy is prohibited. K. Restrooms. Misuse of restrooms, including laundering, sleeping, shaving, hair cutting or trimming, bathing, and sexual activity is prohibited. L. Harassment. Staring, photographing, following, stalking, harassing, or threatening library users or staff while in the Library or on Library property so that it interferes with the Library patrons’ use of the Library or the ability of the staff person to do his or her job is prohibited. M. Loud Noise. Producing or allowing any loud, unreasonable, or disturbing noises that interferes with other patrons use of the Library which can be reasonably expected to disturb other persons, including those from electronic, entertainment, and communication devices, such as cell phones, headphones, and radio is prohibited. Cell phones and pagers should be answered promptly. Patrons should speak in low tones and keep conversations brief. If phone calls cannot be completed quickly, patrons should move away from reading, research, and study areas. N. Body Odor. Offensive body odor due to poor personal hygiene, overpowering perfume, or cologne that causes a nuisance is prohibited. IV. Rules for the Use and Preservation of Library Materials and Property A. Care of Library Property. Patrons must not deface, vandalize, or improperly remove library materials, equipment, furniture, or buildings. B. Internet Use. Patrons must abide by established time limitations and all other provisions of the Bessemer Public Library Internet Use Policy. C. Equipment. Library phones and staff computers are for staff use only. D. Authorized Lending. Library materials may only be removed from premises with authorization through established lending procedures. E. Restrooms. Library materials may not be taken into restrooms. V. Rules for the Safety of Youth A. Supervision of Children. Parents or caregivers must be present and responsible for the supervision of children under age 6. B. Restriction of Youth Areas. Staff may restrict adult use of youth areas. VI. Disciplinary Process for Library Facilities The Library Director or the Director’s designee may restrict access to library facilitieswith immediate dismissal of the patron from the premises, by suspending the patron’saccess to library facilities for a set period of time, or by denying access to specificservices and/or programs pursuant to this Policy. If necessary, the local police may becalled to intervene . A. Incident Reports. Library Staff shall record in writing in the form of an Incident Report any violation of this Policy that resulted in a verbal warning or a suspension of library privileges. By the end of the day on which the incident occurred, an Incident Report shall be written and forwarded to the Library Director for logging and review. The report should include physical descriptions in addition to the name of the patron. A copy of the suspension of privileges letter should be attached, if applicable. B. Violation of the Policy –Suspension of Privileges: Unless otherwise provided in this Policy, (See Section C below), the Library shall handle violations as follows:
C. Violations that Affect Safety and Security: Violations involving verbal abuse, violence, threatening behaviors, sexual harassment, vandalism, drug sale or use or attempted drug sale or use, intoxication, theft or attempted theft, physical harassment, sexual misconduct or any behavior that threatens the safety and security of staff and/or patrons shall be handled as follows:
D. Reinstatement: The patron whose privileges have been limited or revoked shall attend a meeting with the Director or the Director’s designee to review the Library Patron Behavior Policy before their privileges maybe reinstated. VII. Right of Appeal Patrons may appeal a decision to limit or revoke privileges by sending a written appealto the Library Board within 10 working days of the date the privileges were revoked orlimited. The appeal should be sent to the President of the Library Board. The decisionof the Library Board is final. Adopted by the Bessemer Public Library Board-May 20, 2009 |