Purpose

This policy is designed to:

• Ensure Library patrons are provided with a safe and pleasant environment.
• Ensure Library staff effectively perform their jobs and enjoy a safe and secure workplace.
• Protect Library property from damage or theft.

Prohibited behaviors are those which, in the opinion of the Library staff:

• Infringe on the productive use and enjoyment of the Library by others, or
• Interfere with Library operations, or
• Interfere with the ability of Library staff to perform their work, or
• Endanger the Library staff, patrons, or property

Policy

Behavior prohibited in the Library includes, but is not limited to:

• Engaging in loud or otherwise disruptive conversation or conduct, including loud use of phones, audio-visual equipment, computers, or other equipment.
• Using rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, or similar equipment in the Library or immediately outside the Library entrances. Wheelchairs and similar equipment used by disabled persons and strollers for children are permitted.
• Using tobacco products or electronic cigarettes.
• Possessing or using alcohol or other controlled substances, or being impaired due to the use of such substances.
• Bringing any animal into the building, except qualified service animals or an animal is part of an authorized Library program of function. Animals left outside of the Library may not impede safe access to the building.
• Having a body odor that is offensive to others.
• Sleeping in a manner that disturbs or interferes with the use of the Library by others.
• Damaging, defacing, or stealing Library property.
• Using furniture, floors, or stairways in an inappropriate or unsafe manner.
• Using bathroom facilities for bathing, shaving, or laundry.
• Harassing patrons or staff in a physical, sexual, or verbal manner including, but not limited to, purposeful attempts to intimidate, annoy, or provoke by prolonged staring or engaging in behavior that Library staff believes is meant to taunt, bait, or which could reasonably be expected to disturb other persons.
• Panhandling.
• Engaging in any sexual contact, activities, or conduct.
• Soliciting, selling, campaigning, petitioning, or distributing campaign or promotional materials or goods in the Library or around Library entryways, except as specifically approved by the Executive Director.
• Failing to leave the premises promptly at closing time.
• Failing to leave the premises when directed by Library staff.
• Being present in non-public areas without a Library staff member or without prior agreement with Library staff.
• Possessing or using weapons [Per Section 65 of Public Act 98-63, the Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66), carrying firearms into a public library is prohibited even for those who obtain a concealed carry license.]
• Engaging in any illegal act or conduct in violation of Federal, State, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

Supervision, Safety, and Behavior of Children and Impaired Patrons in the Library

• Children under 8 years of age must be under direct and constant supervision of a caregiver (i.e., an adult or mature adolescent thirteen years or older) who assumes full responsibility for the child’s safety and behavior in the Library.
• When a child younger than 8 years of age attends a Library program, “direct and constant” supervision may not require the caregiver’s attendance at the program. the caregiver must, however, remain in the building and be readily available in case they are needed to provide supervision.
• While the library encourages use by everyone, it cannot assume responsibility for the care and supervision of any patrons who are disabled or impaired to the extent that they cannot independently follow library rules or be safer without a caregiver. Patrons who require personal supervision or assistance must provide this care themselves. In the event that a patron in the library requires such care and is without it, the library may contact social services or the police.

Enforcement of Behavior Policy

• Staff is authorized to use all necessary and reasonable measures to enforce this policy.
• Any patron or group of patrons who exhibit or participate in prohibited behavior or who disregards Library rules and policies may be asked to leave the Library and not return for the remainder of the day.
• Any patron or group of patrons who does not leave after having been asked to will be considered to be trespassing.
• Police may be called to remove trespassers or assist Library staff in dealing with persons who violate Library policies, rules, and regulations.
• The Executive Director is authorized to limit or suspend, for up to thirty (30) days, Library privileges (all or in part, as determined by the Executive Director) of anyone whose unacceptable behavior is chronic, dangerous, or severely disruptive.
• Children under the age of 18 who repeatedly violate the rules will be asked to leave and given a letter to bring home to their parent/guardian. They will not be allowed back into the building until the parent/guardian has met with the director.
• With the approval of the Board, a person or group may be denied access to the Library for a period longer than thirty (30) days.
• A person or group whose Library privileges have been denied or limited may appeal the decision by submitting a request via letter or email to the president of the Board of Library Trustees. The Policy Committee will convene, review the request, and make a recommendation to the Library Board. Following a vote by the Library Board, the Executive Director or Board President will contact the patron with the Board’s decision. The Board aims to resolve all patrons’ issues in a timely manner.