Public Behavior Policy

Warren-Newport Public Library District Library Board Policy
Standards of Public Conduct
Date Approved: 6/13/2006
Approved by: Board of Library Trustees
Date Amended/Modified: N/A
PDF Format

Standards of Public Conduct

The Board of Library Trustees has the authority to determine the rules and regulations for the governance of the Library as may be expedient, including, but not limited to, rules of behavior necessary to protect the rights of individuals to use Library materials and services, to protect the right of Library employees to conduct Library business without interference, and to preserve Library materials and facilities. Illinois law authorizes the Board to “exclude from the use of the Library any
person who willfully violates an ordinance or regulation prescribed by the Board.” (Illinois Compiled Statutes, 75 ILCS 16/30-55.60). The Board of Trustees believes that Library patrons have the right to use Library materials and services without being disturbed or impeded by other Library users; that Library patrons and employees have the right to an environment that is secure and comfortable; and that Library patrons and employees have a right to materials that are available and in good condition. Any conduct that disturbs Library users or staff or that hinders others from using the Library or Library materials is prohibited.

1. In the case of minor disruptions, the violating patron will receive two warnings. At the third offense, the patron must leave the building for the rest of the day. Examples of minor disruption include, but are not limited to:
   1. Eating or drinking, with the exception of drinks with covers to guard against spillage. (Eating and drinking are permitted in the library’s café.)
   2. Sleeping.
   3. Harassing others, either verbally or through actions. (Harassment may include such actions as initiating unwanted conversations with other Library users or employees and impeding access to the building or an area in the building.)
   4. Smoking.
   5. Bringing any animals, except one assisting a disabled or visually impaired person or as sanctioned by the Library, into the building.
   6. Excessive noise.
   7. Using mobile phones or pagers within the library in such a way as to disturb others. Patrons should turn off mobile phones and pagers or set them to silent alarm when in the library. The Library Board urges patrons to use mobile phones in the foyer or outside the library.
   8. Selling for profit or soliciting for charitable purposes on Library property, except for the Friends of the Warren-Newport Public Library.
   9. Distributing leaflets within the Library building.
   10. Operating wheeled vehicles or using any wheeled footwear inside the building such as bicycles, tricycles, roller skates, roller blades, and skateboards, except for strollers or where such use is to afford a disabled person access to the Library.
   11. Exceeding the established limit of people allowed to sit together, based on limits set by the Library.
2. In case of extreme disturbances, the offender may be ordered to leave the building immediately. Examples of extreme disturbances include:
   1. Entering without shirt or shoes.
   2. Wearing a hat or any other headgear in such a way as to signify or represent gang affiliation.
   3. Wearing any distinctive gang apparel.
   4. Engaging in any gang activity, including but not limited to flashing gang hand gestures, displaying visible gang symbols, or carrying gang paraphernalia.
   5. Fighting.
   6. Theft.
   7. Vandalism.
   8. Destruction or misuse of any property or structure.
   9. Possession of any illicit substance.
   10. Possession of weapons or other harmful substances.
   11. Hindering or bribing employees of the Library.
   12. Disorderly conduct.
   13. Public indecency.
   14. Any other unlawful conduct.
3. Any patrons who have been asked to leave the building due to a disturbance resulting in damage to or destruction of Library property will have their Library privileges revoked immediately by the Library Director. Patrons’ Library privileges will continue to be revoked until such time as restitution is made for the full cost of the damage or destruction.
4. Patrons who have been asked to leave the building due to disturbances as outlined in sections 1 and 2 and who at subsequent times cause repeated disturbances may have their Library privileges revoked by the Library Director.
   1. ADULTS: A Patron’s library privileges will be revoked and the patron barred from the Library for one month. If, when the patron’s Library privileges are reinstated, the disturbances continue, the individual will be barred from Library property for a period of one year.
   2. MINORS: Children will be warned that their privileges will be evoked. If disturbances continue, a letter will be sent to the child’s parent(s) or guardians(s) describing the problems and warning them of the consequences. A minor child who continues to cause disturbances will not be permitted to use the Library unless a parent or guardian accompanies the child to the Library and supervises the child in
      the Library building for a period of one month. If, when the child’s library privileges are reinstated, the disturbances continue, the child will be barred from independent use of the Library for a period of one year.
5. If a patron’s Library privileges are revoked by the Library Director under the provisions of sections 3 or 4 of this policy, the Library Director shall inform the Board of Library Trustees of the matter at the next regular meeting of the Board.
6. A patron whose Library privileges have been revoked by the Library Director may appeal the decision in writing to the Board of Library Trustees. The Board of Library Trustees will hear the appeal at their next regularly scheduled meeting. The patron’s Library privileges shall be reinstated by the Library Director from the time that the written appeal is filed by the patron until such time as the Board of Library Trustees rules on the appeal. The decision of the Board of Library Trustees shall be final.
7. Library materials shall be properly checked out before removal from the premises. Patrons may be asked to open briefcases, bags, purses, packs, etc. for inspection upon exiting the building.
8. Children under the age of eight years must by accompanied by a responsible person aged 12 years or older.
9. An incident report shall be filed by the Person-in-Charge of the Library at the time any infraction of the Standards of Public Conduct occurs. Violators shall be shown a copy of the standards at the time a warning is issued and will be advised of the next course of action to
   be taken by the Library if the unacceptable behavior continues.