Patron Code of Conduct
The Switzerland County Public Library is supported by the taxes of the citizens of Switzerland County, and they have the right to expect that the Library be clean, pleasant, and safe. Unfortunately, the behavior of a few Library visitors may interfere with the ability of others to enjoy the library. Behavior becomes unacceptable when it infringes on the rights of others, when it could result in injury to oneself or others, or when it could result in loss or damage to users or Library property. Engagement in such behavior may subject the individual(s) involved to exclusion from Library premises and, in some cases, to legal prosecution or other legal action.
Examples of unacceptable Library behavior include:
• Absence of shoes or shirt
• Abuse/vandalism of Library facilities, materials or equipment
• Attempting to access SCPL computer programs or computer systems software which is restricted to staff use
• Disciplining children in a manner which disrupts use of the Library by others
• Eating or drinking except in the meeting room
• Entering or exiting from unauthorized doors
• Exhibitionism/flashing
• Inappropriate sexual behavior displays
• Gambling
• Leaving young children unsupervised
• Loitering including refusal to leave at closing
• Noisy behavior, including whistling, loud talking, and disruptive use of cellular phones
• Obscene language
• Physical, sexual or verbal abuse or harassment of Library staff or other users
• Skating, including use of skates, skateboards, inline skates and scooters on library property, including the parking lot and sidewalks
• Smoking in the library
• Soliciting on library premises
• Theft of library property or property of patrons while on premises
• Visible drug or alcohol intoxication on library property
• Any unlawful or other behavior that unreasonably interferes with the safe or reasonable use of the Library by other persons
The following may not be brought into the Library:
• Weapons
• Animals except for service dogs
• Bicycles, skates, skateboards, and scooters
In the event that a patron or visitor violates any of these rules, a staff member will tell the individual that his/her behavior violates the Patron Code of Conduct, and that it must stop. If the individual continues the behavior, he/she will be asked to leave the library. If the patron refuses, the police will be called to remove the patron from the premises and all illegal behavior may be prosecuted.
A user may be banned from the library for a specific amount of time. In the case of behavior which is deemed dangerous, threatening, destructive, or unlawful, a user may be permanently banned from library property and use of library and materials.
With everyone’s cooperation, the Library will continue to be a pleasant environment for all of our users.
Adopted by the Switzerland County Public Library Board of Trustees
July 14, 2009