Columbia County Public Library

Library Behavior Policy

I.     Policy

Columbia County Public Library wishes to ensure the comfort and safety of all Library users and Library staff while at the same time providing excellent library service.  All Library users observing appropriate behavior are encouraged to make use of any or all of the Library’s facilities.  Those whose behavior is disruptive to Library operations or whose behavior disturbs others’ use of the Library may have the privilege of using the Library revoked to the extent necessary to deal with the problem.

II.     Principles of Appropriate Behavior

•           Treat people with courtesy and respect.
•           Appropriate attire, including shirt and shoes, is required.

No list can be exhaustive, and any behavior which disrupts appropriate Library use is prohibited.  The following list of behaviors in any Columbia County Public Library building or on its premises which may lead to denial of Library privileges includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Eating or drinking, other than at designated events
• Smoking or use of other tobacco products
• Use of alcohol or illegal drugs
• Unhygienic behavior (i.e., spitting)
• Misusing the restroom facilities (i.e., for bathing or laundry)
• Engaging in any activity which may reasonably be expected to result in injury to self or others (i.e., running, climbing on shelves)
• Obstructing walkways and entrances
• Interfering with another person’s use of the Library or with Library staff’s performance of their duties
• Bringing animals into the Library with the exception of service animals
• Use of electronic equipment in a manner that disturbs others (Cell phone conversations are limited to the lobby area.)
• Leaving a child under the age of 10 or a vulnerable adult unattended in the Library or on Library property without the direct supervision of an adult (Parents are responsible for their children and their children’s actions whether parents are with children or not.)
• Talking loudly enough to be disruptive to other Library users (Quiet conversations are acceptable.)
• Using abusive language
• Threatening or harassing Library users or Library staff
• Unauthorized soliciting or selling
• Being in an unauthorized area, including refusing to leave at closing, during drills or emergencies, or when asked to do so by a Library staff member
• Stealing, defacing, destroying or damaging Library or County property or property belonging to others
• Possession of a weapon unless in performance of official duties (i.e., law enforcement)
• Engaging in any illegal activity

III.       Enforcement

Library users engaging in improper behavior may be asked to cease that behavior, to move to another location or activity, or to leave the Library for the remainder of the day.  Repeated violations of this policy or behavior dangerous to Library users and/or Library staff will result in the Library user being placed on “Trespass after Warning” notification with the appropriate law enforcement agency.  When placed on “Trespass after Warning” notification, the Library user will be unable to use any Columbia County Public Library facility for a specified, extended period of time and will be required to meet with the Library Director or designee before Library privileges are restored.

Law enforcement will be called when behavior is illegal, when it poses a threat to the Library facilities or to an individual, or when an individual refuses to leave the Library when asked to do so.  Law enforcement will also be notified if children under the age of ten or vulnerable adults are left unattended on Library premises or if children between the ages of 10 and 16 are not picked up by Library closing.

Policy approved by the Board of County Commissioners on 10/01/2009