5.51 Statement of Purpose

The purpose of the library’s rules for behavior is to protect individuals who are in the library to use its materials and/or services.

General Library Behavior Guidelines

Barry-Lawrence Regional Library supports the rights of all individuals to:

· Use the library without discrimination.

· Receive friendly, courteous and respectful service.

· Have free and equal access to information.

· Have a clean, comfortable and pleasant environment.

· Use the library undisturbed without threat of harm, invasion of property, or interference.

Problem behavior is any behavior which either consciously or unconsciously violates or restricts the rights of patrons or staff to use the Library. If the actions or behavior of a patron affect other patrons’ use of the library, the patron causing the disruption may be asked to leave the building.

Libraries are for everyone’s enjoyment. The following guidelines for patron conduct shall be observed in all branches and facilities operated by the District and are essential to ensure respect for individuals who use the Library District’s facilities.

5.52 Patron Rules of Conduct

Patrons may not:

· Possess, sell, or use alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, or weapons on Library property as defined by federal, state statue, or local ordinance.

· Remain in the building after being asked to leave by a staff member.

· Knowingly harass any other person or create a public nuisance.

· Fight on Library property.

· Loiter on the premises of the library under circumstances that warrant alarm or concern for the safety or well-being of any person.

· Destroy, deface, soil, or steal Library property. Illegal activities will be reported to the police.

· Fail to wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts at all times while in the building.

· Bathe, sleep, or do laundry in the Library.

· Offend other patrons or staff through poor personal hygiene.

· Use cigarettes, cigars, tobacco products, marijuana, vaping devices (electronic smoking devices such as e-cigarettes, e-pipes, e-hookahs, and e-cigars) or any type of smoking devices on Library property.

· Buy, sell, solicit, and/or proselytize.

· Bring animals or pets into a library building, with the exception of certified or registered service animals. A service or helper animal must stay with its owner while in the Library. Service or helper animals that are disruptive may be removed from the building at the staff’s discretion.

· Run in the Library.

· Eat or drink at the computer workstations. Light snacks and beverages in containers with lids are permitted in all other areas of the library.

· Use personal transportation items within the Library. This includes, but is not limited to, skateboards, scooters, roller blades, shoes with wheels, or roller skates. Strollers, baby buggies, wheelchairs, or other similar devices may be used in the Library.

· Gather together where ingress and egress are blocked.

· Violate any federal law, state statutes, or local ordinances.

5.53 Smoke Free Environment

Barry-Lawrence Regional Library is committed to providing a healthy, comfortable and productive environment for its patrons and employees. To meet this goal, smoking and the use of tobacco is prohibited in all library facilities and vehicles. Smoking includes use cigarettes, cigars, tobacco products, marijuana, vaping devices (electronic smoking devices such as e-cigarettes, e-pipes, e-hookahs, and e-cigars) or any type of smoking devices on Library property or in library vehicles. Additionally, all forms and types of tobacco are prohibited.

All Library District staff, patrons and visitors are expected to comply with this policy.

5.54 Petitioning and Solicitation

Petitions or surveys may not be displayed, nor signatures or information collected, in the Library. Those refusing to comply with the policy will be asked to leave Library property.

The Barry-Lawrence Regional Library District allows the circulation of petitions outside library facilities as long as the activity does not interfere with the conduct of business or impede the free public access to Library buildings. Specifically, individuals gathering petition signatures may stand or sit on Library property in areas designated by library staff, as long as they do not block or interfere with patrons seeking to use the Library, do not pursue or follow patrons, or otherwise disrupt Library activities. Petitioners are not guaranteed the use of an area protected from sun, heat, or inclement weather. Signs promoting petitions may not be placed on library property and petitioners must in no way affiliate themselves with the Library, either through written publicity, signage, or verbal statements. Petitioners are required to check in with the Library’s desk staff prior to gathering signatures.

Solicitation of and/or distribution of literature for purposes other than transacting library business is prohibited on Library property. Persons are prohibited in engaging in the personal distribution of literature and/or solicitation of library employees and patrons in the Library District buildings and grounds, including parking lots.

Exceptions are outlined as follows:

· Fundraising projects conducted by the Library, the Friends of the Library, or other library related organizations.

· Contributions for established charities, such as United Way, food drives, etc. as approved by the Library Director.

· Other activities as approved by the Library Director.

The Director will consider requests on a case by case basis.