Policy on Patron Behavior

The Hancock County Public Library is an active center of information, cultural activities, recreation and learning. It is the policy of the library to offer a full range of library services to all residents of the community, regardless of age, sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion, or economic status.

To better serve all library patrons, the library Board of Trustees has established certain standards of acceptable behavior to maintain an atmosphere which promotes the use and enjoyment of the resources and services of the library and which protects the safety of the general public, the library staff, and the equipment and materials of the library.

Any activity which interferes with the rights of other patrons to use the library; which could result in physical, emotional, or mental injury to oneself or others; or could result in damage to the facilities, equipment or materials is considered disruptive and unacceptable. The library reserves the right to require anyone who violates these rules of conduct to leave the premises and to restrict library privileges for a specified period of time. Unlawful activities will be reported to the police and when appropriate, violators will be subject to arrest.

Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Abuse/vandalism of library facilities, equipment or material
• Abusive or obscene language
  Language that is offensive to other patrons and staff is considered unacceptable behavior.
• Alcohol, Tobacco and Illegal Drugs
  There will be no alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs permitted anywhere on library property.
• Animals
  Patrons shall not bring pets or animals into the library, except for service animals.
• Any illegal activity
• Bikes, roller blades, skateboards and scooters
  Bikes, roller skates, roller blades, shoe-skates, skateboards and scooters may not be used or worn in the library.
• Blocking aisles or doorways
  Patrons shall not obstruct aisles or doorways or in any way interfere with the free movement of any person or persons.
• Cell/Portable Telephones
  The use of cellular or portable telephones by patrons is restricted to the entry corridor of the library building.
• Excessive noise and other disturbances
  Loud conversation, laughter or music which is disturbing to others is not allowed. Patrons are not to run or otherwise engage in disorderly conduct.
• Food
  Food and/or beverages are not allowed in the library, except at designated times or in designated rooms.
• Harassment
  Physical, sexual, or verbal abuse in any form, of other library users or library staff will not be tolerated.
• Intoxication
• Possession of Weapons
  Carrying weapons of any type on library property is not allowed except by law enforcement officers.
• Refusing to comply with the reasonable requests of any member of the library staff
• Shirt and shoes
  Persons without shoes and a shirt will not be allowed in the library.
• Sleeping
  Sleeping is prohibited, except by young children under a parent or caregiver's supervision.
• Soliciting
  Solicitation by any means of personal contact with library patrons or staff is not allowed.
• Unapproved Literature
  Printed materials from outside the library may not be left anywhere in the building.

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