Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

The purpose of this policy is to express the roles and responsibilities patrons have to ensure the library’s physical and virtual spaces are welcoming, safe and secure. Public Library spaces are precious community assets that rely on the stewardship, mutual support, and goodwill of all. In order to allow all patrons to make maximum use of the Library during regularly scheduled hours and to provide a safe, suitable environment for the specific purposes of reading, studying, attending programs and using Library materials and resources, all patrons are required to comply with the following Code of Conduct. Patrons are participants in a shared, public use environment and must conduct themselves accordingly. They will be courteous, considerate, and understanding of Library patrons and staff.

1. Children 10 and under must be supervised by a parent or an adult caregiver.

2. Use of a cell phone in a way that does not disturb others is permitted.  The Library phone is not for public use.  Library staff have the discretion to make phone calls for the patron (staff will dial and speak on behalf of the patron) if the person does not have access to a phone otherwise or is in an emergency situation.  Only one call per patron, and the call cannot exceed 5 minutes.

3. Bringing animals or pets into the Library building is not permitted, except for service animals, those in Library programming, or animals used by law enforcement agencies.

4. Food and covered beverages are permitted in designated areas or during approved library sponsored events.

5. All kinds of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, alcohol, weapons, and drugs (illicit or illegal) are strictly prohibited at any library facility or event.

6. Selling or soliciting services, except fund raising by library Friends groups, should be conducted off library property.

7. Use of obscene or abusive language and/or disorderly conduct shall result in that person(s) being asked to vacate the premises.  Local law enforcement may be contacted to apprise them of the situation.

8. Threats or acts of violence will result in the immediate contact of law enforcement and may result in a permanent exclusion from the library.

9. Appropriate attire including shoes and shirts must be worn while in the library.

10. Persons with personal hygiene which constitutes a hazard to other persons shall be asked to leave the building.

11. Use of skates, skateboards or similar devices is prohibited on library property.

12. Strictly prohibited are: illegal acts or conduct in violation of Federal, State or local laws, ordinances or regulations.

13. Civility and respect for others’ rights and feelings is expected of everyone.

14. Reasonable care will be taken to maintain the Library, materials and equipment so it may be used and enjoyed by everyone.

Enforcement

Library staff will enforce the Code of Conduct. Library patrons violating any of these rules may be asked to leave by the staff member in charge and are subject to immediate loss of library privileges and/or legal proceedings, which may include police intervention and arrest.  Refusal to leave when properly directed may result in arrest and prosecution for trespassing. Library staff shall maintain written documentation of all violations of the Code of Conduct detailing the person cited for the violation and the time, date and nature of the violation. 

Staff will follow these listed procedures below:

1. Verbal Warning

2. Written Warning

3. Disciplinary Action - 

Sanctions and Appeal Process

Long term loss (suspension or revocation) of library privileges shall be determined by the Library Director through written notice, to be delivered in person within the Library and/or sent by certified mail to the patron’s last known address.  A violation of the law may result in arrest and prosecution. 

Patrons who wish to appeal their loss of privileges may submit a written letter of appeal to the Library Director within ten (10) days of the Director’s notice.  Written appeals shall be promptly forwarded to the Chair of the Mount Carmel Library Board of Trustees, who will convene a committee and make a determination within thirty (30) days.  The decision of the Board’s committee is final.