The use of the library may be denied for due cause. Such causes may include:
- Failure to return library materials or to pay penalties.
- Destruction of library property.
- Disturbance of other patrons, or any other illegal, disruptive, or objectionable conduct on library premises.
Rules of conduct
For the comfort and safety of patrons, volunteers, and staff, and the protection of library property, the following are the library rules of conduct:
- Patrons shall respect the rights of staff, volunteers, and other patrons; offensive gestures, sexual harassment, profanity, abusive language including hate speech, and other disruptive behaviors will not be tolerated.
- Patrons are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their children; children age 10 and younger must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or
responsible caregiver at all times and in all areas of the library.
- Use of tobacco products, controlled substances, or alcohol on library property is prohibited.
- Beverages with lids are allowed in the library except in all computer areas, unless otherwise prohibited. Food is limited to designated eating areas.
- Cell phone ringers must be turned off or to a non-noise setting upon entering the building; cell phone conversations should take place outside the library.
- Service animals, but no pets, are welcome in the library. Animals may not be left outside unattended within 10 feet of entrances.
- Patrons must wear shoes and shirts at all times in the library.
- Patrons personal property should not block aisles or access to materials and should not be left unattended.
- Bicycles, carts, and other objects too large to store without impeding others must be left outside.
- Patron’s personal hygiene (body odor, excessive perfume) should not interfere with other patrons’ comfortable use of the library.
Enforcement
When a library staff person becomes aware that any patron is violating a library rule, the staff person shall take appropriate enforcement measures, as follows:
- A person whose behavior violates this policy will be informed of the rules and asked to cease the behavior. A copy of this policy will be available on request.
- For serious violations (including disruptive behavior and failure to comply when requested) the staff person may require the person to leave JCLD premises and not return the same day.
- Subsequent offenses, refusing to comply with staff instructions, unlawful conduct, or conduct which is immediately threatening to the safety of patrons or
staff shall be reported to the JCLD library director or designee, who shall decide whether an additional sanction is appropriate. Sanctions may result in the suspension of library use for a period of up to one year or longer, depending on the severity of the offense.
- Failure to leave or re-entering JCLD property prior to termination of a suspension will constitute trespassing.
- Any criminal activity shall be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
- A person who feels his or her library privileges have been wrongly suspended may appeal the decision in writing to the library director or designee within 30 days of receiving notification. The decision of the library director will be final.
From Operations Policy 3-1-2, Patron Responsibilities and Rules of Conduct, revised 2/17/2021