Patron Behavior Policy

Library staff reserves the right to ask patrons, including children and young adults, to desist from behavior deemed objectionable within this policy and not conducive to the proper operation of a public library.

Objectionable behavior includes but is not limited to the following:

• Sleeping in the library.
• Obscene language.
• Loud noises and/or disruptive behavior that interferes with library use by others, including loud cell phone conversations. 
• Not being fully clothed.  (Wearing a shirt, shoes, and pants, dress, or skirt is a requirement of using the library.)
• Smoking, chewing, vaping, or use of any tobacco products.
• Misuse of food or drink.  (Food and Drink Policy)
• Abandoning or leaving young children unattended. (Safe Child Policy)
• Bringing in animals other than service animals, except as part of a Library-sponsored program. (Animals in the Library Policy)
• Distributing leaflets or posting notices not authorized by Library administration. (Bulletin Board Policy)
• Unacceptable use of Library Internet, including viewing pornography and/or sexually explicit material on the library’s public access computers.  (Internet Use Policy)
• Verbal or physical abuse or harassment of staff or other patrons.
• Unacceptable hygiene including offensive odors.
• Use or possession of drugs or alcohol.
• Damage, defacement, or theft of any Library materials or property.  (Theft or Mutilation of Library Property Policy)
• Inappropriate sexual conduct, including voyeurism, stalking, peeping, or acts of public indecency.

When a patron does not comply with the Library’s Behavior Policy, Library Staff are authorized to respond at their discretion to deliver warnings, ask patrons to leave, or call law enforcement if necessary. Staff response to patron behavior infractions will be guided by the Disruptive Behavior Response Framework that follows this document.  The Library Manager in consultation with the Director of Parks and Recreation may further exercise their judgment to suspend a patron’s library privileges for a period of one month or more. Patrons whose privileges have been restricted will be informed in writing, using the appended Notification of Restriction from Property form.

Any patron whose privileges have been rescinded for more than six months may have the decision reviewed by the City Manager by filing a request for review in writing with the City Manager within 10 days of the date of the written decision revoking such privileges.

Disruptive Behavior Response Framework

Below is a partial list of Patron Behavior Policy violations, and the consequences of those violations. Staff are authorized to use their discretion, based on situational factors, to alter their responses if that would be most conducive to the running of the Library and the service of the public. Incident reports should be filed for all interactions in Categories 2 and 3.

1. Least Serious 
   1. Sleeping.
   2. Obscene language, loud noises or disruptive behavior.
   3. Failing to wear a shirt or shoes.
   4. Smoking, chewing, vaping, or use of any tobacco products.
   5. Eating or drinking in restricted areas.
   6. Leaving young children unattended.
   7. Bringing in animals other than service animals, except as part of a Library-sponsored program.
   8. Distributing leaflets or posting notices not authorized by Library administration. 

• Library staff will deliver one or more verbal warnings. Patrons who do not comply will be asked to leave for the day.   

2. More Serious

1. 1. Unacceptable use of Library Internet.
   2. Verbal or physical abuse or harassment of staff or other patrons.
   3. Unacceptable hygiene including offensive odors.
   4. Use of alcohol in the Library.
   5. Repeated behavioral violations from Category 1.

• Library staff will ask the patron to leave for the day – and will deliver and file a written warning when the patron returns to the Library. Patrons who do not comply will be suspended from the Library for 1-6 months.

3. Most Serious

1. 1. Threatening staff or patrons with a weapon.
   2. Possession or distribution of controlled substances.
   3. Assault or battery upon any person.
   4. Vandalism or theft of Library property.
   5. Inappropriate sexual conduct.
   6. Trespassing – including suspended patrons refusing to leave the premises. 
   7. Repeated behavioral violations from Category 2.

• Library staff will ask the patron to leave immediately and call law enforcement if necessary. The Library Manager will deliver and file a Notice of  Restriction from Property as soon as possible. The patron will be suspended from the Library for 6-12 months. A patron who has been served a suspension of more than 6 months may appeal to the City Manager by filing a written request for review within 10 days of receiving the Notification of Restriction from Property.

Approved by Library Board of Trustees and City Attorney

November 22, 2022

Patron Behavior Policy, Including Notification of Restriction from Property Form (PDF)