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RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR PUBLIC BEHAVIOR IN THE LIBRARY
The Board of Library Trustees of Lakewood Public Library is responsible for determining the rules for behavior necessary to protect the rights of individuals to use library materials and services; to protect the rights of library employees to conduct library business without interference; to ensure the use of the buildings, materials and services by the greatest number of individuals; and to preserve those materials and facilities from harm. The purposes of the rules for behavior in the library are to protect these rights. The board has the right to exclude from the use of the library any individual who willfully violates the rules prescribed by the board.
The Board of Library Trustees believes that individuals have the right to use library materials and services without being disturbed or impeded by other individuals; that individuals and library employees have the right to an environment that is secure and conductive to the use of library materials, services, facilities and equipment; and that individuals and library employees have a right to materials, services, facilities and equipment available and in good condition and/or working order.
The rules for behavior in the library are listed below, along with the action that may be taken if these rules are violated. Employees are authorized to bring to an individual’s attention any act or omission which will detract from the decorum of the library. In cases in which it is deemed necessary to enforce library rules, the police will be called for assistance.
1. Any misconduct that disturbs individuals or employees, or that hinders use of the library materials is prohibited. Such misconduct might include, but is not limited to:
a. Loud or boisterous behavior.
b. Conversation that is above an acceptable noise level or is disturbing to other individuals or employees.
c. Playing personal tape recorders at level audible to others.
d. Using or parking bicycles, roller skates, skate boards or other vehicles within the library building.
e. Abusing library furniture, equipment, or materials.
f. Running in the library.
g. Harassing others, either verbally or through actions. Harassment may include initiating unwanted conversations with other individuals or employees, impeding access to the building or an area of the building, etc.In each case the individual receives one warning, and at the second
offense must leave the library for the rest of the day.2. Fighting is prohibited.
All individuals involved must leave the building for the rest of the day.3. No smoking is permitted in the library. Use of any tobacco product is prohibited in the library.
The individual must leave the building immediately and dispose of tobacco, and at the second offense must leave the library for the rest of the day.
4. Eating or drinking is prohibited in the library.
The only exceptions are in staff areas and for groups meeting in the Auditorium or the Meeting Room, if permission to serve refreshments is requested in advance
The individual responsible is required to put the food or drink away, remove food or drink from the library, or dispose of food or drink in a waste container. At the second offense the individual must leave for the rest of the day
5. sleeping is prohibited in’ the library.
The individual will be awakened to ensure that he or she is not ill and warned that sleeping is prohibited, and at the second offense must leave the library for the rest of the day.
6. selling for profit or solicitation for charitable purposes is prohibited on library property.
The individual receives one warning, at the second offense the individual must leave the library for the rest of the day
7. The distribution of leaflets on library property is prohibited.
Community organizations may submit literature to the administration for approval for display in the information racks in the lobby. Taking surveys, asking individuals or staff to sign petitions, or similar activities are prohibited in the library. The only exceptions are activities sponsored or cosponsored by the library.
The individual receives one warning, and at the second offense must leave the library for the rest of the day. Staff will dispose of any unauthor¬ized materials left in the library.
8. Animals, except handicapped aid animals, are not permitted in the library.
The individual must remove the animal from the building immediately.
9. Shoes must be worn at all times in the library.
An individual with no shoes must leave the building and is not permitted to return without shoes. An individual that has removed his or her shoes must put them back on or leave the library for the rest of the day.
10. An acceptable standard of personal hygiene is expected of all individuals.
Unpleasant body odor, which may offend other individuals in the library, is considered unacceptable.
An individual with an unacceptable standard of personal hygiene will be advised of the rule.
ll. Children under six years of age may not be left unattended in the library. They must be under the direct supervision of a parent or other adult when in the library.
If the parent or adult care-giver is in the building the child will be taken to the adult and the adult will be warned to supervise the child. One warning will be given. On the second offense, the parent or adult care-giver must take the child out of the building and will not be permitted to return with the child for the rest of the day.
If no parent or adult care—giver is present in the building, the parent or appropriate authorities will be contacted and advised that this is not permitted.
12. The library reserves the right to limit the number of individuals who may sit
together. There is a limit of one individual per chair.The individuals involved receive one warning, and at the second offense must leave the library for the rest of the day.
13. The library reserves the right to inspect all bags, purses, briefcases, packs, etc., for library materials.
14. Pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code, no person shall knowingly possess, have under the person’s control, convey, or attempt to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance onto library premises, unless otherwise authorized by law.
15. Violations of the Ohio Revised Code and Lakewood Public Library’s Accept¬able Use Policy for Computerized Technology and Electronic Library Ser¬vices are not permitted on Lakewood Public Library’s computer networks, equipment and software.
Employees are authorized to bring to the individual’s attention any act that will detract from the decorum of the library or will create a hostile workplace in violation of state and federal civil rights laws.
Individuals involved in misuse of computer equipment must leave the build¬ing for the rest of the day. In cases in which it is deemed necessary to enforce laws, police will be called for assistance.
The rules and regulations are based UPOn the Board’s powers under Ohio Statutory and Case Law to operate a public building and upon a codified Ordinance of the City of Lakewood.
Repeated violations of the Library Rules of Behavior:
Individuals who cause repeated disturbances in the library will have their Library privileges revoked or restricted.
Adults
An adult who has caused repeated disruption in the library will be warned that library privileges will be withheld and that use of the library may not be permitted if such behavior continues. If the individual continues to cause disturbances, the library may take legal action to obtain appropriate relief.Minors
A minor who has caused repeated disruption in the library will be warned that library privileges will be restricted if such behavior continues and a letter will be sent to the parents or guardians describing the problems and warning them of the consequences. A minor who becomes a continuing disturbance in the Library will not be permitted to use the library unless a parent or guardian accompanies and supervises the minor while he or she is in the library. The first time the minor’s privileges are restricted, it will be for a period of one month; if the disruptive behavior continues, the second restriction will be for one year.Adopted by the Board of Trustees April 21, 1988
Revised January 15, 2004Related documents: Acceptable Use Policy | Privacy Notice
15425 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
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Comments: lpl@lkwdpl.org
