Brownwood Public Library Association Policies
Library Card Issuance
Library cards for patrons over 18 years of age may be obtained by filling out a user agreement in person at the library. Two proofs of current residence address are needed. Patrons will also need to supply a reference, as indicated in the user agreement.
Student cards can be issued to children who are in the first grade or higher. A parent or guardian must be present in person and sign for anyone under 18 years of age.
Young children may use a parent’s card.
Student cards can be issued to children who are in the first grade or higher. A parent or guardian must be present in person and sign for anyone under 18 years of age.
Young children may use a parent’s card.
Carnegie Room Use Policy
The library has two meeting rooms. The larger of the two, the Carnegie Room, will hold a maximum of 30 individuals and a second smaller meeting room, Meeting Room #2, will allow 10 individuals.
| carnegie_room_policy.pdf |
Computer Acceptable Use Policy
- All patrons must have a library card to use the library computers.
- All patrons must fill out and sign the "Computer Consent" acknowledge they have read this policy statement and agree to abide by its terms.
- Each patron under 18 (a minor) must have a parent or legal guardian physically present to sign the Computer Consent before first using a computer.
- A maximum of one computer per card may be checked out at any given time.
- Minors may not share a computer without the express written consent of their parent of parents, parents must be physically present.
- A time limit of two hours per user per day will be enforced if there are other users waiting for a computer. If nobody else needs a computer, patrons may stay on during designated library hours as long as they choose.
- Reservations for a computer may be made up to one week in advance of the desired time, or times. A minimum of two hours advance notice will be required for reserving a computer. For example, if a computer is desired for 4:00 p.m. of a certain day, then a reservation must be made 2:00 p.m. of that same day.
- Only one reservation a day will be permitted.
- Each user must present his or her library card to a library staff member before using any computer. The library staff will take custody of the card until the user finishes, at which time the user must pick up the card.
- Users must pull the white flap over their computer if they should need to leave the computer temporarily (for example, to use the restroom or to get other materials).
- The use of the Internet is free to users who meet certain criteria described in this policy statement except for a fifteen cent per page charge to print. The available printer is a black-and-white laser printer with no color capabilities. Proceeds from the printing charge will be used to recoup the library’s costs for providing printing services.
- Patrons are welcome to use any other programs installed on the computers in addition to the Internet. Patrons are not permitted to create, download, or otherwise commit files to the C drive (hard drive). Patrons may, however, use the A drive (utilizing a standard three-inch floppy disk formatted for Windows). If the user does not have such a disk, he or she may buy one or more at the circulation desk at a cost of one dollar per disk. It is important that patrons conform to these guidelines to protect their privacy and to insure that they can access their materials at a later date; the hard drives will be routinely expunged of non-system files without advance notice.
- Patrons are also expected to maintain due vigilance and care in avoiding computer viruses and Trojan horses. The library does have certain virus software installed but it is not fail-safe. While the library has adopted measures designed to control the proliferation of viruses and Trojan horses, the library assumes no responsibility for any and all damage that may occur as a result of viruses and/or Trojan horses.
- Patrons must notify the library staff of any problems or irregularities with the computers as soon as they occur. Patrons must NOT alter any settings presently on the computers.
- Patrons are welcome to access any materials on the Internet except those materials which are deemed obscene or proscribed by pertinent laws. Library staff will assert full discretion as to what constitutes inappropriate materials or conduct. Adults are allotted one warning regarding such materials. Minors will have their Internet privileges suspended until a parent or legal guardian is notifies of the problems. Disposition of a minor’s privileges will be determined by the Library Director after consulting with the minor’s parents or legal guardian.
- Library staff will make a reasonable effort to ensure that minors do not access materials deemed inappropriate to ensure an environment, amenable to all users. However, neither Brownwood Public Library, nor its staff assumes any liability regarding materials accessed on the computers; liability rests solely with the parents. Parents are strongly encouraged to monitor what their children view on the computer.
- In addition to the above guidelines, users will also be expected to abide by any additional instructions prescribed by library staff from time to time. Charges for floppy disks or printing services may be changed at any time or times. In addition, this policy statement may be changed from time to time; if deemed desirable by the library, patrons may be asked to sign a new "Computer Consent" covering such changed policy statement.
- Please ask if any assistance is needed. The library staff is here to help the computer users.
- Happy surfing!
Internet Safety Policy
| Brownwood Library Internet Safety Policy |
Policy on Donations
The Brownwood Public Library applauds the generosity of the citizens of Brownwood and Brown County. In recognition of this generosity and civic spirit, all gifts and donations will be accepted subject to the following stipulations and qualifications:
Refuse, or otherwise unusable donations, will not be accepted; i.e., those materials which cannot be used by the library, sold, or given away.
Donations once made are generally not returnable. Determinations concerning the return of donated items shall be at the sole discretion of the Library Director, and subject to compelling extenuating circumstances (e.g., the items donated were not owned by the donor). Library alterations and markings of materials tend to be permanent and indelible, so please consider carefully before an item is donated.
The Library will also generally refuse gifts with stipulations or qualifications, but these situations will be given consideration by the Library Director on a case-by-case basis. One exception to this provision is memorial donations. Memorial donations are a time-honored tradition in this community. Memorial donations commemorate or recognize important personal events—a birth, marriage, death, etc. All memorial donations shall be prominently marked with the name of the person or event being memorialized as well as the donor, unless specifically requested to the contrary by either the donor or the memorialized individual. Patrons are welcome to specify a particular genre of materials, or a particular book, to be placed on the shelves, either fiction or nonfiction. Patrons are discouraged from buying their own books and presenting them to the library, however, as the book may already be present on the library shelves. Also, there may be reasons why a particular book is not already in the collection (please see the Library’s POLICY ON POLITICAL ISSUES AND COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT). The Library shall make every effort to work with donors. The Library Director shall, at the request of the donor/s, make available a list of titles that will be purchased or a list of titles for the donor to choose from. This courtesy must be explicitly requested.
Most gifts have some intrinsic worth or merit. It shall be at the sole discretion of the Library Director to determine the disposition of all gifts; i.e., whether they are placed on shelves or displayed, placed for sale or auction (with one hundred percent of the proceeds being used to benefit the library), or given away to either individuals or charitable organizations who have demonstrated that they can make good use of the gift, or any other disposition deemed appropriate by the Director or Board.
Gifts shall not be accepted that are illegal; not consonant with community values or standards; are profane, lewd, or dangerous; or anything else that is contrary to library policy (please see the Library’s POLICY ON POLITICAL ISSUES AND COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT). These matters shall be at the sole discretion of the Library Director with the advice and consent of the Library Board.
The Library offers a Donor Acknowledgement Form. This form allows patrons to deduct the value of the books from their federal income taxes for those who itemize their deductions. The Library offers this form as a courtesy to our donors. The Library is not in a position to appraise books; this is a field unto itself. The Library Director may be able to assist citizens in locating competent experts in this field; please ask. Guidelines for approximating the value of donated items are promulgated in IRS Publication 567.
The Library believes that acts of generosity on behalf of its citizens should be recognized. The Library shall determine how such generosity is to be recognized. The library shall not actively solicit publicity for any donor except under unusual circumstances; i.e., as part of the terms of a government or private grant. This matter is at the sole discretion of the Library Director with the advice and consent of the Library Board.
Refuse, or otherwise unusable donations, will not be accepted; i.e., those materials which cannot be used by the library, sold, or given away.
Donations once made are generally not returnable. Determinations concerning the return of donated items shall be at the sole discretion of the Library Director, and subject to compelling extenuating circumstances (e.g., the items donated were not owned by the donor). Library alterations and markings of materials tend to be permanent and indelible, so please consider carefully before an item is donated.
The Library will also generally refuse gifts with stipulations or qualifications, but these situations will be given consideration by the Library Director on a case-by-case basis. One exception to this provision is memorial donations. Memorial donations are a time-honored tradition in this community. Memorial donations commemorate or recognize important personal events—a birth, marriage, death, etc. All memorial donations shall be prominently marked with the name of the person or event being memorialized as well as the donor, unless specifically requested to the contrary by either the donor or the memorialized individual. Patrons are welcome to specify a particular genre of materials, or a particular book, to be placed on the shelves, either fiction or nonfiction. Patrons are discouraged from buying their own books and presenting them to the library, however, as the book may already be present on the library shelves. Also, there may be reasons why a particular book is not already in the collection (please see the Library’s POLICY ON POLITICAL ISSUES AND COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT). The Library shall make every effort to work with donors. The Library Director shall, at the request of the donor/s, make available a list of titles that will be purchased or a list of titles for the donor to choose from. This courtesy must be explicitly requested.
Most gifts have some intrinsic worth or merit. It shall be at the sole discretion of the Library Director to determine the disposition of all gifts; i.e., whether they are placed on shelves or displayed, placed for sale or auction (with one hundred percent of the proceeds being used to benefit the library), or given away to either individuals or charitable organizations who have demonstrated that they can make good use of the gift, or any other disposition deemed appropriate by the Director or Board.
Gifts shall not be accepted that are illegal; not consonant with community values or standards; are profane, lewd, or dangerous; or anything else that is contrary to library policy (please see the Library’s POLICY ON POLITICAL ISSUES AND COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT). These matters shall be at the sole discretion of the Library Director with the advice and consent of the Library Board.
The Library offers a Donor Acknowledgement Form. This form allows patrons to deduct the value of the books from their federal income taxes for those who itemize their deductions. The Library offers this form as a courtesy to our donors. The Library is not in a position to appraise books; this is a field unto itself. The Library Director may be able to assist citizens in locating competent experts in this field; please ask. Guidelines for approximating the value of donated items are promulgated in IRS Publication 567.
The Library believes that acts of generosity on behalf of its citizens should be recognized. The Library shall determine how such generosity is to be recognized. The library shall not actively solicit publicity for any donor except under unusual circumstances; i.e., as part of the terms of a government or private grant. This matter is at the sole discretion of the Library Director with the advice and consent of the Library Board.
Library Association Policy on Political Issues & Collection Development
Neutrality
The Brownwood Public Library Association’s (hereafter referred to as the Library) mission is to assist in providing all citizens with their information and entertainment needs. As such, the Library will provide both fiction and nonfiction from a multiplicity of viewpoints to both validate and challenge views held by Library customers (hereafter known as citizens).
However, the Library will not sponsor, endorse, support, host, or oppose any political, economic, religious, or social position, issue, or cause, save and except intellectual freedom as embodied in the U.S. and Texas Constitutions, and issues directly relating to this library, or libraries in general.
Controversies shall be relegated to the Library shelves. Citizens should note that materials placed on shelves are neither endorsed nor opposed by the library, except as noted below in the Acquisitions Policy section.
To take an official stance on controversial or divisive issues would be to alienate, and hence create a hostile environment, for those who disagree with the Library’s official stance. As the Library is largely a tax-supported institution, the Library’s official policy is to serve all taxpayers equally, regardless of age, gender, race, creed, or politics.
The above is not to be construed to denote quantitative parity when acquiring materials. As the Library wishes to be an asset to this community rather than an affront, the majority of materials acquired will reflect community values. Materials challenging the values of the majority, and meeting the needs of dissenters, shall not be neglected however.
Posting Notices
Nothing may be posted in the Library without approval from either the Library Director or the Brownwood Public Library Board of Trustees (hereafter known as the Board). Postings shall be allowed for civic-minded organizations and projects, (e.g., literacy programs, blood drives), public meetings sponsored by governmental and quasi-government organizations, and similar items. As the Library is a non-profit organization, postings from religious (e.g., churches, the Knights of Columbus) and quasi-religious organizations (e.g., the Boy Scouts) shall be permitted provided the posting denotes civic-minded, as opposed to sectarian, activities (e.g., a blood drive by the Methodist church is permissible whereas a posting for a revival is not). Under no circumstances shall for-profit, partisan, or sectarian postings be permitted. The Library reserves the right to refuse postings from any individual, group, or organization.
Display Cases
The Library also maintains display cases that may be used by citizens or groups provided certain conditions are met. While displays endorsing a cause (e.g., the Boy Scouts) or opposing a cause (e.g., segregation) are permitted, all exhibits must be in good taste, have a socially redeeming value, and shall not give gratuitous offense (i.e., offense without implicit or explicit social value). The Library Director shall seek Board approval for displays where controversy is anticipated. The Library reserves the right to refuse displays from any citizen/citizens. The disposition of displays that elicit substantial and sustained controversy shall be determined by the Library Director and the Board.
Acquisitions Policy
It shall be the duty of the Library Director to select and deselect library materials (books, tapes, CD’s, DVD’s, etc.). The Library Director shall select materials based upon the following criteria:
That the material is needed or desired by enough citizens to justify its purchase; materials requested by a citizen not meeting this criterion may be obtained by other means, such as interlibrary loan. Works of fiction shall generally be acquired based upon the anticipated number of readers, subject to other acquisitions criteria.
That the material is authored by an individual or group competent to discuss their topics. This shall usually, but not always, suggest a recognized expert in the subject matter of the material.
Materials that willingly and maliciously deceive or lie to users shall not be considered. Due to the complex and subjective nature of such a criterion, all decisions shall be made by the Library Director. Opinions and conclusions, no matter how objectionable, provided they are logically inferred from facts shall not be subject to this criterion. Subjective works (history, politics, etc) shall be judged less stringently than more inherently objective subjects (math, science, etc). Isolated factual errors that do not negate or seriously compromise the author’s thesis or theme shall generally be considered.
Materials needed to provide balance in a given subject shall also be acquired so that a multiplicity of worldviews may be presented (liberal versus conservative, secular versus religious, etc.)
Offensive works without historical or socially redeeming value, and that have no resonance with citizens shall generally be avoided. (e.g., an eighteenth century defense of slavery would be considered, a modern defense would not; a work with a thesis that Communism was worse than Nazism would be considered, a work claiming that Jews deserved the Holocaust would not).
Works that are illegal, or advise on or advocate illegal activities will not be placed on shelves (e.g., Irwin Schiff’s guides claiming that payment of the income tax is optional or guides on bomb-making). Materials that are merely incidental to criminal activity shall be considered (e.g., a general gardening book that is misused for growing marijuana as opposed to a book written exclusively for this purpose). An important distinction needs to be drawn: books advocating changes in laws, such as making marijuana legal or the income tax illegal, shall be considered.
Pornographic works shall not be purchased or placed on library shelves. Pornography is defined as intentionally prurient images that include uncovered human genitalia and text involving deviant sexual practices which violate community standards of decency. Please note that prurient images where human genitalia are covered (e.g., the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue) are not subject to this clause. While the Library concedes that rigorously defining pornography is problematic, the Library also recognizes that pornography does exist. For example, works showing human genitals in a medical or some artistic contexts shall be considered; works displaying human genitals in what could only be deemed a prurient context shall not. Due to their inherent subjectivity, such judgments shall be made by the Library Director.
Materials that are deemed outdated or obsolete will not be considered. It is important to note that this clause refers to factual information (e.g., outdated medical information) as opposed to materials considered by some to be out of vogue or fashion.
Materials filling a void in the collection (either in terms of a different viewpoint or a complete absence of materials) and materials that address an issue ascendant in the consciousness of the citizenry (e.g., terrorism after 9/11) shall be given priority over other materials.
Deselection Policy
Space in the Library is now at a premium. So deselection (i.e., withdrawal of materials from library shelves) will become increasingly common until space constraints are ameliorated. Materials that are deemed by the Library Director to be in poor condition, obsolete, or no longer in use will be considered for deselection.
Challenging Materials
As neither the Library Director nor his/her staff have time to personally read each work, citizens may challenge placement of materials on shelves subject to the above criteria. A strong dislike for a given work shall not constitute grounds for removal. Only formal challenges will be considered. Formal challenges to placing materials on the shelves shall adhere to the following guidelines:
If the Library Director agrees with the citizen/citizens, the work shall promptly be removed. If the Library Director disagrees with the citizen/citizens, they have the right to appeal the Director’s decision at the next scheduled meeting of the Board. The decision of the Board shall be considered final.
A Note on Censorship
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution enjoins censorship in most cases. Please note that the Constitution acknowledges the right of American citizens to publish at will, read what they want, and to speak their minds; it doesnot grant citizens a right to an audience, nor does it obligate others to provide materials. Hence, the Library is not legally or morally obligated to grant authors shelf space or to unconditionally provide materials to citizens.
Censorship is defined as an active effort, usually by a government, to forcefully prohibit citizens from reading, publishing, writing, or speaking their minds. The Library has no authority whatsoever to prohibit citizens from reading what they want or speaking their minds (outside of the library). The Library absolutely concedes the right of all citizens to acquire materials not meeting the aforementioned criteria elsewhere. Therefore, all collection development issues fall under the rubrics of editorial decisions, professional behavior, and maintaining the peace, rather than censorship.
The Brownwood Public Library Association’s (hereafter referred to as the Library) mission is to assist in providing all citizens with their information and entertainment needs. As such, the Library will provide both fiction and nonfiction from a multiplicity of viewpoints to both validate and challenge views held by Library customers (hereafter known as citizens).
However, the Library will not sponsor, endorse, support, host, or oppose any political, economic, religious, or social position, issue, or cause, save and except intellectual freedom as embodied in the U.S. and Texas Constitutions, and issues directly relating to this library, or libraries in general.
Controversies shall be relegated to the Library shelves. Citizens should note that materials placed on shelves are neither endorsed nor opposed by the library, except as noted below in the Acquisitions Policy section.
To take an official stance on controversial or divisive issues would be to alienate, and hence create a hostile environment, for those who disagree with the Library’s official stance. As the Library is largely a tax-supported institution, the Library’s official policy is to serve all taxpayers equally, regardless of age, gender, race, creed, or politics.
The above is not to be construed to denote quantitative parity when acquiring materials. As the Library wishes to be an asset to this community rather than an affront, the majority of materials acquired will reflect community values. Materials challenging the values of the majority, and meeting the needs of dissenters, shall not be neglected however.
Posting Notices
Nothing may be posted in the Library without approval from either the Library Director or the Brownwood Public Library Board of Trustees (hereafter known as the Board). Postings shall be allowed for civic-minded organizations and projects, (e.g., literacy programs, blood drives), public meetings sponsored by governmental and quasi-government organizations, and similar items. As the Library is a non-profit organization, postings from religious (e.g., churches, the Knights of Columbus) and quasi-religious organizations (e.g., the Boy Scouts) shall be permitted provided the posting denotes civic-minded, as opposed to sectarian, activities (e.g., a blood drive by the Methodist church is permissible whereas a posting for a revival is not). Under no circumstances shall for-profit, partisan, or sectarian postings be permitted. The Library reserves the right to refuse postings from any individual, group, or organization.
Display Cases
The Library also maintains display cases that may be used by citizens or groups provided certain conditions are met. While displays endorsing a cause (e.g., the Boy Scouts) or opposing a cause (e.g., segregation) are permitted, all exhibits must be in good taste, have a socially redeeming value, and shall not give gratuitous offense (i.e., offense without implicit or explicit social value). The Library Director shall seek Board approval for displays where controversy is anticipated. The Library reserves the right to refuse displays from any citizen/citizens. The disposition of displays that elicit substantial and sustained controversy shall be determined by the Library Director and the Board.
Acquisitions Policy
It shall be the duty of the Library Director to select and deselect library materials (books, tapes, CD’s, DVD’s, etc.). The Library Director shall select materials based upon the following criteria:
That the material is needed or desired by enough citizens to justify its purchase; materials requested by a citizen not meeting this criterion may be obtained by other means, such as interlibrary loan. Works of fiction shall generally be acquired based upon the anticipated number of readers, subject to other acquisitions criteria.
That the material is authored by an individual or group competent to discuss their topics. This shall usually, but not always, suggest a recognized expert in the subject matter of the material.
Materials that willingly and maliciously deceive or lie to users shall not be considered. Due to the complex and subjective nature of such a criterion, all decisions shall be made by the Library Director. Opinions and conclusions, no matter how objectionable, provided they are logically inferred from facts shall not be subject to this criterion. Subjective works (history, politics, etc) shall be judged less stringently than more inherently objective subjects (math, science, etc). Isolated factual errors that do not negate or seriously compromise the author’s thesis or theme shall generally be considered.
Materials needed to provide balance in a given subject shall also be acquired so that a multiplicity of worldviews may be presented (liberal versus conservative, secular versus religious, etc.)
Offensive works without historical or socially redeeming value, and that have no resonance with citizens shall generally be avoided. (e.g., an eighteenth century defense of slavery would be considered, a modern defense would not; a work with a thesis that Communism was worse than Nazism would be considered, a work claiming that Jews deserved the Holocaust would not).
Works that are illegal, or advise on or advocate illegal activities will not be placed on shelves (e.g., Irwin Schiff’s guides claiming that payment of the income tax is optional or guides on bomb-making). Materials that are merely incidental to criminal activity shall be considered (e.g., a general gardening book that is misused for growing marijuana as opposed to a book written exclusively for this purpose). An important distinction needs to be drawn: books advocating changes in laws, such as making marijuana legal or the income tax illegal, shall be considered.
Pornographic works shall not be purchased or placed on library shelves. Pornography is defined as intentionally prurient images that include uncovered human genitalia and text involving deviant sexual practices which violate community standards of decency. Please note that prurient images where human genitalia are covered (e.g., the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue) are not subject to this clause. While the Library concedes that rigorously defining pornography is problematic, the Library also recognizes that pornography does exist. For example, works showing human genitals in a medical or some artistic contexts shall be considered; works displaying human genitals in what could only be deemed a prurient context shall not. Due to their inherent subjectivity, such judgments shall be made by the Library Director.
Materials that are deemed outdated or obsolete will not be considered. It is important to note that this clause refers to factual information (e.g., outdated medical information) as opposed to materials considered by some to be out of vogue or fashion.
Materials filling a void in the collection (either in terms of a different viewpoint or a complete absence of materials) and materials that address an issue ascendant in the consciousness of the citizenry (e.g., terrorism after 9/11) shall be given priority over other materials.
Deselection Policy
Space in the Library is now at a premium. So deselection (i.e., withdrawal of materials from library shelves) will become increasingly common until space constraints are ameliorated. Materials that are deemed by the Library Director to be in poor condition, obsolete, or no longer in use will be considered for deselection.
Challenging Materials
As neither the Library Director nor his/her staff have time to personally read each work, citizens may challenge placement of materials on shelves subject to the above criteria. A strong dislike for a given work shall not constitute grounds for removal. Only formal challenges will be considered. Formal challenges to placing materials on the shelves shall adhere to the following guidelines:
- The citizen/citizens, must have completely read the book and be able to discuss the content intelligently.
- The citizen/citizens must then allow the Library Director time to either read or review the work in question.
If the Library Director agrees with the citizen/citizens, the work shall promptly be removed. If the Library Director disagrees with the citizen/citizens, they have the right to appeal the Director’s decision at the next scheduled meeting of the Board. The decision of the Board shall be considered final.
A Note on Censorship
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution enjoins censorship in most cases. Please note that the Constitution acknowledges the right of American citizens to publish at will, read what they want, and to speak their minds; it doesnot grant citizens a right to an audience, nor does it obligate others to provide materials. Hence, the Library is not legally or morally obligated to grant authors shelf space or to unconditionally provide materials to citizens.
Censorship is defined as an active effort, usually by a government, to forcefully prohibit citizens from reading, publishing, writing, or speaking their minds. The Library has no authority whatsoever to prohibit citizens from reading what they want or speaking their minds (outside of the library). The Library absolutely concedes the right of all citizens to acquire materials not meeting the aforementioned criteria elsewhere. Therefore, all collection development issues fall under the rubrics of editorial decisions, professional behavior, and maintaining the peace, rather than censorship.
Acceptable Patron Behavior Policy
The Carnegie Library Association of Brownwood has established this Behavior Policy to ensure that library facilities are safe, welcoming and provide equitable access to materials and services to all library users. Appropriate personal library conduct includes activities such as reading, studying and using library materials and computers in a manner that does not interfere with others who are using the library in like fashion.
All patrons are expected to display appropriate and courteous behavior when using any facility of the Brownwood Public Library. Patrons shall respect the rights and not harass or annoy any library patron, staff and volunteer.
Library response to inappropriate behavior
Inappropriate behavior
Inappropriate behavior would include, but is not limited to, the following conduct or behaviors:
All patrons are expected to display appropriate and courteous behavior when using any facility of the Brownwood Public Library. Patrons shall respect the rights and not harass or annoy any library patron, staff and volunteer.
Library response to inappropriate behavior
- Advise the patron that their conduct is not permitted and request that they stop the behavior or they will be asked to leave. In cases where the behavior cannot be immediately remedied (i.e., public drunkenness), patron will be asked to leave.
- If the patron does not cease behavior, the patron will be asked to leave. The police will be contacted if the patron refuses to leave.
- If the patron’s behavior threatens the safety of any other person or property, or if patron is breaking the law, the police shall be called immediately.
- For serious offenses or if a patron is engaging in behavior that he or she has already been asked to remedy, a ban of between one day and one year will be issued, depending on the nature and seriousness of the offense. The offending patrons (if they can be reached) and all staff shall be notified in writing of the reasons for the banning and the dates covered by the banning. A copy will also be sent to the police and the board shall be notified. Banned patrons will be reported to the police as trespassing if they return to the library.
- Repeated offenses after the initial ban will result in subsequent bans, up to and including a lifetime ban.
Inappropriate behavior
Inappropriate behavior would include, but is not limited to, the following conduct or behaviors:
- Loud, disruptive conversations, including shouting
- Use of personal electronic equipment at a volume that can be heard by others
- Profane and/or abusive language
- Sleeping
- Destruction or vandalism of library or personal property
- Intentionally behaving in a manner that could reasonably be expected to annoy or disturb patrons or staff, including prolonged staring, stalking, harassing, photographing
- Possessing, selling, distributing, consuming or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or controlled substance
- Committing or attempting to commit any activity that would constitute a violation of any federal, state or local ordinance
- Smoking or other use of tobacco (including e-cigarettes) except in designated areas outside
- Leaving young children unattended on library premises
- Engaging in sexual contact, activities or conduct
- Selling, soliciting or surveying; distributing written materials
- Canvassing for any political, charitable or religious purpose on library grounds without prior authorization of library director
- Eating or drinking in the library
- Using the library with a bodily hygiene so offensive that it constitutes a nuisance to others
- Interfering with the safe and free passage of the library patrons or staff on the premises including, but not limited to, placement of objects in walkways in manner that impedes free passage. Unattended items may be removed from library premises if they appear to be abandoned or have been left unattended for 30 minutes or more
- Improperly using library restrooms or facilities for purposes such as bathing, shaving or laundering
- Violating the library’s rules for acceptable use of the Internet and public computers. Attempting to disrupt or change the computer software or hardware
- Illegally possessing, selling, distributing, displaying or using any dangerous weapon
- Wearing of outfits that would be considered inappropriate by a reasonable, average community member, including, but not limited to, bathing suits, going barefoot or bare-chested
