The Public Library Act gives the Board of Library Trustees the legal right to exclude from the use of the library a person who willfully violates the rules prescribed by the Library Board. The following rules exist to maintain decorum in the library:
- Food in designated areas only
- Talking on cell phones is not permitted in the areas of the library that have been designated as Quiet Areas. Phones and computers should not be on speaker when having a conversation anywhere in the library, unless you are using a study room. Voice levels for phone calls and computer calls should be low.
- No smoking, vaping, or consumption of cannabis or cannabis-infused products on library property
- No unattended children under the age of 14
- Patrons must be engaged in reading, studying or using library materials or services
- No exhibiting unusual or inappropriate behavior
- No animals in the library unless they are trained service animals. Emotional support animals are not permitted in the building, but staff may make accommodations to help you access library services without bringing your animal in the building
- Wearing shirts and shoes is required when in the library. Underwear and swimwear must be covered by clothing.
When the behavior of a patron constitutes a disruption, which interferes with the use of the library by other patrons, or when a patron’s behavior constitutes a disruption which interferes with a staff member’s completion of his/her duties, or when the behavior could result in a safety hazard, injury, or damage to library property, or would be a potential liability for the library the following progressive steps will be taken by the staff member in charge:
1. Issue a verbal warning, with the statement that the person(s) will be asked to
leave if the behavior does not cease.
2. Request that the person(s) leave the library.
3. Call the police.
In case of misconduct that is extreme, the offender will be asked to leave the building immediately, or the police may be called.
Failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the library will be the basis for suspension of library privileges for a time deemed reasonable by the Director. Anyone who has had their library privileges restricted or revoked may appeal the decision upon written request to the Board of Library Trustees at the next regular Board meeting. Anyone who has their library privileges revoked for one year or more must make a request in writing, or appear before the Board of Trustees, to have their library privileges considered for reinstatement at the end of the time period.
Persons damaging library property will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The Board of Trustees authorizes the Director to take appropriate action in the library’s interest to prosecute criminal activity related to Library District property. A written record of incidents and accidents will be maintained at the library.
Revised 1/2020
Revised 1/2025