Purpose:

It is the policy of the Belmond Public Library to provide a safe, comfortable environment that is conducive to the use of the library facilities, resources and equipment.  The library is designed for the use of all members of the public.  Patrons are expected to observe the rights of other patrons and staff members and to use the library for its intended purposes.

 Conversation with others, including on cell phones, should be kept quiet enough not to disturb other library users or to disrupt library activities.

 Respect of library patrons, library staff and library property is expected.

 Behavior Not Allowed in the Library:

·         Any behavior that endangers the safety of oneself or others

·         Violation of any local, state, or federal law

·         Vandalism or deliberate destruction of library properties

 Note:  Patrons will be financially responsible for any destruction of library property.

 ·        Food and drink at public computer stations

·         Belligerent, abusive or profane language

·         Inappropriate dress (shirts and shoes must be worn at all times)

·         Loitering in the building or on the grounds

·         Removing library materials from the building without checking them out is not only prohibited, it is unlawful

 Enforcement

Enforcement of these guidelines may take the form of any of the following actions, depending upon the severity of the misconduct, which will be determined by the staff on duty at the time:

 * In most cases, persons who are behaving inappropriately in the library will be given one warning and asked to behave in an appropriate manner.  People who do not modify their behavior after one warning will be asked to leave the library for the rest of the day.

 * In cases where a juvenile refused to behave appropriately in the library, the staff on duty may call the juvenile’s parents.

 * In the event of misconduct that is considered extreme by the library staff, the offender will be ordered to leave the building immediately or the police will be called to handle the situation.

 * In cases where a patron’s behavior is consistently inappropriate every time they visit the library all or part of their library privileges may be revoked and they could be barred from the library for a period of time, determined by library staff and the Director.

Adopted by Library Board of Trustees 4/17/06; Reviewed 8/17/09
Revised by Library Board of Trustees 12/17/12
Reviewed by Library Board of Trustees 3/21/16, 7/15/19
Reviewed and revised by Library Board of Trustees 2/19/2024