Disruptive Behavior Policy

And

Code of Library Conduct

Every staff member has the responsibility of keeping the library as pleasant an environment for the public as possible.  This includes the duty to discourage disruptive behavior on the library premises. Staff enforcement of this policy should be conducted in such a way that is firm but diplomatic, non-confrontational, and should be applied evenly to all patrons without regard to age, race, class, or gender. All library staff members have the responsibility and authority to enforce this code of conduct.

1. No patron will intentionally or unintentionally create an environment that infringes on another patron’s right to use and enjoy the library or a staff member’s right to a safe work environment. Disruptive behavior includes but is not limited to: loud talking and laughing, throwing objects, boisterous behavior including running, horseplay, and annoy­ing other patrons, fighting, inappropriate display of affection, threats to others and inappropriate language

2. The Children’s Department of Sheridan Public Library is intended for children and their accompanying parents or guardians. Adults who are inappropriately using the Children’s Department, including but not limited to loitering, will be asked to leave.

3. The intentional display of weapons during a public meeting is strictly prohibited.

4. Vandalism will be reported to the police. This includes any purposeful damage to personal property, library property (including planted material), or library materials.

5. Theft of personal property, personal money, library property, library materials or library funds will be reported to the police.

6. The library staff will report abuse or suspected abuse (including neglect and abandonment) of any minor patron, whether the abuse occurred on library property or not.

7. Verbal or physical abuse of library staff will not be tolerated and may be reported to the police.

8. The library reserves the right to photograph and video tape patrons participating or suspected of participating in unacceptable behavior on library property.

9. Patrons may not consume alcohol or illegal drugs or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while on library property, including during use of the Community Room.

10. Smoking and/or vaping are not permitted anywhere on library property.

11. Indecent exposure, public bathing, public urination/ defecation, voyeurism, and sexual solicitation (consensual or non-consensual) will be reported to the police.

12. Patrons must be fully attired, including wearing shirts and shoes at all times while on library property unless participating in specifically designated library programming (ex: summer reading club water day).

13. Eating and consuming beverages inside the building is to be confined to designated areas. No food or beverages are allowed at the computers or in the Board room.

14. Patrons will not cause an intentional non-emergency activation of alarms.

15. Failure to immediately comply with any staff directive is in violation of this code of conduct.

16. Patrons remain subject to all local, state, and federal laws that are not expressly stated in this policy.

17. Animals: Only service animals and those used in library sponsored programs are allowed inside library facilities. Owners are responsible for monitoring and controlling the behavior of their service animals. No animals should be left loose or unattended outside.

Failure to observe any portion of this code of conduct can result in, but is not limited to, a warning, immediate temporary or permanent expulsion from the premises, suspension or loss of library privileges, and criminal and/or civil prosecution.