Library Customer Code of Conduct

(Revised by Library Board 6/09/05)

A public library is a gathering place to share and discuss books, ideas and information as well as provide materials. With this in mind, the library has dedicated various areas to different pursuits, examples being quiet study and youth areas. The Library Board has enacted the following policies to insure all customers can enjoy the resources provided:

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.
• solicit other customers or staff on library property.
• 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.
• 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.

In addition, adults without children who are not in search of children's materials or information are asked to use other areas of the library.

Inappropriate behavior as outlined above or the commission of any crime on library property will have consequences: Customers 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. To enforce these policies, the Library staff is authorized to call for police assistance, a security guard, or take any other measures reasonably appropriate and necessary.

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