Title: CUSTOMER CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY
Date Approved: 08/26/2004     Effective: 08/26/2004
Approved By: Board of Trustees
Replacing: Patron Regulations Policy, Staff/Patron Regulations Policy, Personal Profit on Library Premises Policy, Smoke Free Environment Policy

The Board of Trustees is responsible for establishing the rules for public behavior in the library necessary:

1. to protect the rights of individuals to use library materials, facilities, and services;
2. to protect the rights of library employees and volunteers to conduct library business without interference;
3. to ensure the use of the buildings, materials, and services by the greatest number of individuals;
4. to preserve those materials and facilities from harm;
5. to ensure the safety of library customers, employees, and volunteers.

The established rules are based on the powers granted to a public library board of trustees under the Ohio Revised Code, Section 3375.40(H).

The library administration has the responsibility for maintaining order in the library and enforcing the established rules. The administration will maintain a Code of Conduct and ensure that the Code of Conduct is posted prominently in all library facilities and communicated to library customers in electronic and print formats. In order to enforce the established rules, the staff will be required to intervene in situations at the library that present danger to the safety of persons or property, interfere with the rights of others, constitute disturbing or inappropriate uses of the library and that involve the commission of illegal acts.

The following behaviors are prohibited by the Code of Conduct:

• Leaving children under age 7 unattended.
• Unreasonable noise to include: loud talking, singing, boisterous activity/cell phone use in nondesignated areas.
• Profane, obscene or abusive language, racial or ethnic epithets.
• Harassing customers or staff. Deliberate repeated behavior that is intimidating, hostile, offensive, or adversely impacts staff work performance.
• Intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing any property belonging to the Library, another customer, or staff.
• Use of the internet for unlawful purposes as defined by federal, state, and local laws.
• Running.
• Sleeping.
• Loitering.
• Abuse or improper use or furniture, equipment, or materials.
• Gambling, panhandling, soliciting money, any activity for personal profit.
• Monopolizing/obstructing space, seating, tables or equipment to the exclusion of others.
• Trespassing, such as entering or remaining upon the premises after closing.
• Fighting, challenging someone to a fight, physical abuse or assault.
• Using audio video equipment or other unreasonable noise which disturbs customers or staff.
• Possessing weapons or other items deemed dangerous by library staff. Violation of posted concealed weapons prohibition.
• Engaging in or soliciting any sexual act. Indecent exposure.
• Improper dress, including bare feet and no shirt.
• Vandalizing library equipment or facilities.
• Distributing/posting unauthorized printed materials. (Materials must be submitted or reviewed and approved for posting and distribution.
• Being under the influence, possessing alcohol or drugs, selling drugs or alcoholic beverages.
• Bathing, shaving or washing clothes on the premises.
• Roller skating, roller blading, skateboarding, game playing, or cycling, except when participating in library-sponsored programs.
• Bringing animals, other than service animals, into the Library.
• Smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Offensive body odor.
• Other acts disruptive to customers and staff.

Library staff are required to bring to an individual's attention any act or omission which violates the Code of Conduct and related library policies. Such an individual will be asked to change his or her behavior to conform to the rules. If such a change is not evident or forthcoming that individual will be asked to leave the library building and library property. Failure to leave, if asked, may result in the police being called and a possible charge of criminal trespass per Section 2911.21 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Depending on the severity of the violation, individuals who have been asked to leave the building may be evicted and barred from returning to the library for varying periods of time as outlined in the Eviction Procedure. Individuals who have been evicted may be required to discuss the violation with the Manager of Security and/or facility manager before being readmitted. Juveniles may be required to bring a parent or guardian for such a conference.

Any individual evicted from the library has the right to appeal that eviction by following the steps outlined in the Eviction Procedure.