Library Code of Conduct

Library Code of Conduct

This code of conduct is provided to ensure staff, volunteers and patrons experience a comfortable, safe, healthy environment that supports appropriate use of library services and grounds. This code is designed to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and courtesy and applies to all patrons (regardless of age), volunteers, and staff while on library property.

Level I prohibitive behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Disruptive use of mobile phones or other electronic devices. Audible ringers must be silenced and loud or extended conversations moved outside the library.
• Sleeping or putting your head, feet or legs on the tables.
• Obstructing aisles or walkways with packages, backpacks, luggage, or any other personal items, or leaving said items unattended.
• Bringing animals into the building other than certified service animals.
• Drinking beverages in non-secure containers or consuming non snack food, such as fast food or hot meals. No food or beverages permitted in computer areas.
• Distribution of literature or posting notices without prior authorization.
• Entering without shirt or shoes. Wearing clothes not appropriate for a public place.
• Using library property or facilities for activities or behaviors for which it is not intended.
• Tampering with the arrangement of library materials, furniture or equipment.
• Using photographic, video or other recording device outside of the public program room. Photography/videography of staff or patrons inside the library or filming that disrupts the provision of normal services within the library, withoutprior approval from the Library Director.
• Smoking or use of tobacco, tobacco products or vaping, except in designated areas.
• Leaving children aged 10 and under, or other persons needing supervision, unattended. Children birth through age 10 must be supervised by a responsible party 17 years of age or older. Leaving children under the age of 17 on library property after closing.
• Adults loitering in the children’s area while unaccompanied by a child.

Level II prohibitive behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Being unsafe, loud or otherwise disturbing or offensive to others.
• Acts of harassment such as, following, stalking, staring, and unwanted physical contact, verbal and nonverbal propositions, using obscene language, fighting, threatening or interfering with the free movement of others.
• Possessing, consuming or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal controlled substances.
• Possessing weapons of any type.
• Soliciting, advocating, proselytizing, canvassing library patrons.
• Defacing, destroying or stealing any library property or the property of others.
• Violating the Internet Use Policy
• Violating local ordinances, state, and/or federal law.

The Library Director or designee will apply this code in a fair and equitable manner for the benefit of all. The consequences of misconduct may be any of the following: verbal warning, suspension of library privileges, or prosecution to the full extent of the law. Anyone refusing to leave the library premises when requested by library staff is subject to arrest and prosecution under trespass laws (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-134) of North Carolina.

Approved by Board of Commissioners 7/10/2019