CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PUBLIC BEHAVIOR

The code of conduct is based upon the Library Board’s powers under Ohio Statutory and Case Law to operate a public building.

The Board of Library Trustees of the Kinsman Free Public Library is responsible for determining the rules for behavior necessary to protect the rights of individuals to use Library materials and services; to protect the rights of Library employees to conduct Library business without interference; to ensure the use of the buildings, materials and services by the greatest number of individuals; and to preserve those materials and facilities from harm. The purposes of the rules for behavior in the Library are to protect these rights. The Board has the right to exclude from the use of the Library any individual who willfully violates the rules prescribed by the Board.

The Board of Library Trustees believes that individuals have the right to use Library materials and services without being disturbed or impeded by other individuals; that individuals and Library employees have the right to an environment that is secure and conducive to the use of Library materials, services, facilities and equipment; and the individuals and Library employees have a right to materials, services, facilities and equipment available and in good condition and/or working order.

The rules for behavior in the Library are listed below, along with the action that may be taken if these rules are violated. Employees are authorized to bring to an individual’s attention any act or omission which will detract from the decorum of the Library. In cases in which it is deemed necessary to enforce Library rules, the police will be called for assistance.

• Any conduct that disturbs individuals or employees, or that hinders the use of the Library or Library materials is prohibited. Such misconduct might include, but is not limited to:
  • Loud or boisterous behavior
  • Playing personal audio equipment
  • Using/parking bicycles, roller skates, skate boards or other vehicles within the Library building or Reading Garden area
  • Blocking the sidewalks or doorways with bicycles, roller skates, skateboards or other vehicles
  • Wearing spikes, cleats or roller blades in the Library
  • Running in the Library
  • Abusing Library furniture, equipment or materials
  • Harassing others either verbally or through actions. Harassment may include initiating unwanted conversations with other individuals or employees, impeding access to the building or an area of the building 

• Fighting is prohibited. All individuals involved must leave the building for the rest of the day
• Smoking is prohibited. Use of tobacco and smokeless tobacco products is prohibited in the Library. The individual must immediately dispose of any product and at the second offense must leave the Library for the rest of the day
• Eating and drinking in the Library*—
  • Food is prohibited in the Library. The only exception is for groups meeting in the Meeting Rooms and for Library sponsored programs held in designated areas. At the second offense the individual must leave the Library for the rest of the day
  • Non-Alcoholic beverages are permitted in the Library provided they are stored in a container with a lid. Exceptions for drink containers without lids will be made ONLY for groups meeting in the Meeting Rooms and for Library sponsored programs held in designated areas. At the second offense the individual must leave the Library for the rest of the day. Any library user who brings a beverage into the Library will be responsible for paying for damages to Library items or property due to spills.
• Sleeping is prohibited. The individual will be awakened to ensure that he/she is not ill and warned that sleeping is prohibited and at the second offense must leave the Library for the rest of the day
• Solicitation for charitable purposes is prohibited. The individual receives one warning and at the second offense the individual must leave the Library for the rest of the day
• The distribution of leaflets is prohibited. Community organizations may submit literature to the administration for approval for display. Taking surveys, asking individuals or staff to sign petitions or similar activities are prohibited in the Library. The only exceptions are activities sponsored or cosponsored by the Library. The individual receives one warning and at the second offense must leave the Library for the rest of the day. Staff will dispose of any unauthorized materials left in the Library.
• Animals, except Service aid animals, are not permitted in the Library. The individual must remove the animal from the building immediately.
• Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times. An individual with no shoes or shirt must leave the building and is not permitted to return until appropriately attired
• Children under six years of age may not be left unattended. They must be under the direct supervision of a parent or other adult when in the Library. If the parent or adult care-giver is in the building the child will be taken to the adult and the adult will be warned to supervise the child. Only one warning will be given. On the second offense the parent or adult care-giver must take the child out of the building and will not be permitted to return with the child for the rest of the day.
• The Library reserves the right to limit the number of individuals who may sit together and only one individual at a time may sit in a chair. The individuals involved receive one warning and at the second offense must leave the Library for the rest of the day.
• The Library reserves the right to inspect all bags, purses, briefcases, backpacks, etc. for Library materials.
• Kissing and other displays of affection are not appropriate Library behavior. The individuals will receive one warning and at the second offense they must leave the Library for the rest of the day.

• Staff work areas are for Library Staff only. No patrons should enter these areas. Library supplies are for staff use only. Removal of these items from work areas or from Library equipment will be considered theft.

   

Repeated violations:

An adult who has caused repeated disruption in the Library will be warned that Library privileges will be withheld and that use of the Library will not be permitted if such behavior continues. If the adult continues to cause disturbances, the Library may take legal action to obtain appropriate relief.

A minor who has caused repeated disruption in the Library will be warned that Library privileges will be restricted if such behavior continues and a letter will be sent to the parents or guardians describing the problems and warning them of the consequences. A minor who becomes a continuing disturbance in the Library will not be permitted to use the Library unless a parent or guardian accompanies and supervises the minor while he/she is in the Library. The first time the minor’s Library privileges are restricted it will be for a period of one month; if the disruptive behavior continues the second restriction will be for one year.