POLICY FOR PUBLIC BEHAVIOR ON LIBRARY PROPERTY

The Wadsworth Public Library Board of Trustees is responsible for determining the rules for public behavior in the Library that are necessary to:

1.      Protect the rights of individuals to use Library property, materials, and services;

2.      Protect the rights of Library employees and volunteers to conduct library business without interference;

3.      Ensure the use of the facilities, materials, and services by the greatest number of individuals;

4.      Preserve those materials and facilities from harm; and

5.      Ensure the safety of Library patrons, employees, and volunteers.

The rules for public behavior are listed below.  Any individual who repeatedly violates the Library rules and regulations shall be denied the privilege of access to the Library by the Library Board of Trustees, on recommendation of the Library Director.  In case of emergency, the Director may take immediate action and inform the Board as soon as possible afterward.  Any individual whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Board of Trustees.  The Board authorizes the Library Director to bring to the attention of law enforcement authorities the identity and circumstances involving individuals who violate these rules.

Library employees are authorized to bring to an individual's attention any act or omission which violates these rules and detracts from the decorum of the Library.  Such an individual will be asked to change the problem behavior to conform to the rules.  If such change is not evident or forthcoming, that individual will be asked to leave the Library property.  Failure to leave if asked will result in the police being called.  A violation of section 2911.21 of the Ohio Revised Code (Criminal Trespass) will be considered if the individual does not leave of his/her own accord.

Any misconduct that hinders use of the Library of library materials is prohibited.  Such misconduct might include but is not limited to:

1.      Illegal activities.

2.      Loud or boisterous behavior.

3.      Conversation that is disturbing to other individuals or employees.

4.      Profanity or other abusive language toward other Library patrons or toward employees.

5.      Abusing Library furniture, equipment, or materials.

6.      Running in the Library.

7.      Harassing others, either verbally or through actions.  Harassment may include but is not limited to initiating unwanted conversations; impeding access to the building; or other actions another individual reasonably perceives to be hostile, threatening or offensive.

8.      Fighting on Library property.

9.      Using tobacco in any form while on Library property.

10.  Possession, sale, or use of alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, or weapons on Library property.

11.  Eating and/or drinking in non-designated areas.

12.  Buying, selling, or soliciting for personal or commercial gain.

13.  Using radios, tape players, or other personal listening equipment at a level that can be heard by other individuals.

14.  Skateboarding anywhere on Library property.

15.  Bringing animals other than guide dogs and the like into the Library.

16.  Not wearing a shirt or shoes.

17.  Using the emergency exits at times other than during an emergency.

The Library does not permit weapons of any kind, either concealed or in plain view, on its property or in its buildings, unless the owner of the weapon is a law enforcement officer.

The Library reserves the right to limit the number of individuals who may gather together where ingress and egress are blocked.

The Library reserves the right to inspect all bags, purses, briefcases, packs, personal listening equipment and overcoats for library materials.

Questions about this policy or about actions the Library has taken may be addressed to the Library Director or the Board of Trustees.

The above rules are based on powers granted to a public library board of trustees under the Ohio Revised Code, Section 3375.40(H).  They will be posted prominently in the Library building.

ADOPTED 2-15-93

REVISED 7-19-93

REVISED 9-19-94

Revised September 15, 2003

Revised January 19, 2004

Revised March 15, 2004