Library Customer Code of Conduct

(Revised by Library Board 11/09/04, Rev. 5.2008)

A public library provides its patrons with an opportunity to acquire knowledge through reading, study, and use of library materials. To provide an environment that facilitates this purpose, as well as providing a gathering place to share and discuss books, ideas and information, the Library Board has enacted the following rules:

LIBRARY CUSTOMERS MAY:

• Utilize EVPL library resources, services and programs

LIBRARY CUSTOMERS MAY NOT:

• consume or be under the influence of illicit or intoxicating substances on library property, or smoke or use tobacco in library buildings.
• eat or drink in library buildings except in areas specifically designated for that purpose.
• disturb or annoy other customers or staff.
• use offensive language, or display or disseminate any matters harmful to minors as set forth in IC 35-49-3-3.
• harass, intimidate, or discriminate against any member of the library staff or any other customer.
• exercise unauthorized control of library materials or property, or damage or deface any library materials or property.
• bring an animal into the library with the exception of those animals needed to assist their owners or to participate in a library sponsored event.
• solicit other customers or staff on library property.
• offend other customers or staff by failing to maintain reasonable personal hygiene. Customers may not soil library materials and property, loiter in the public restrooms, or use the public restrooms for inappropriate behavior, including shaving, bathing, or laundering clothing. Library customers must wear shoes and shirts.
• sleep on library premises.
• leave children who require supervision unattended.

Inappropriate behavior as outlined in the above rules or the commission of any crime on library property will have the following consequences: The customer may be asked to leave the Library premises immediately. In addition, a customer may be barred from library premises temporarily or permanently depending on the severity of the offense. The decision to bar a customer from Library premises shall be made by the Director or a person designated by the Director. To enforce these rules, the Library staff is authorized to call on the assistance of the police or a security guard or take any other measures reasonably appropriate and necessary.

This policy shall be posted on a bulletin board in each location.