2.3 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 or 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. Taking photographs and/or recording videos of Library staff or patrons without their permission.
8. 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.
9. Brandishing knives, their use to threaten or intimidate others, or using knives in any manner deemed unsafe or which could reasonably result in personal injury or property damage.  
10. Public display of affection that is disruptive to the Library.  
11. Fighting on Library property.
12. Smoking and tobacco use in any form while on Library property.
    1. “Smoking” for the purposes of this policy means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated product intended for inhalation in any manner or in any form. “Smoking” also includes the use of an apparatus including but not limited to an electronic smoking device, mod box, or electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) that creates an aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any other smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this rule.
    2. “Tobacco use” for the purposes of this policy means the use of nicotine, tobacco-derived or containing products, and plant based products including products intended to mimic tobacco products, oral tobacco or other similar products or intoxicants.
13. Possession, sale, or use of alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, or weapons on Library property. Weapons are only permitted with the specific written authorization from the Director or his/her designee.
14. Eating and/or drinking in non-designated areas.
15. Buying, selling, or soliciting for personal or commercial gain.
16. Adults use of the LOFT (Library Outlet For Teens) or Children’s, Youth and Outreach Services areas for individual or group purposes, except when obtaining materials or services on behalf of a child or when providing tutoring or other approved services to children and youth.
17. An unacceptable standard of personal hygiene. Unpleasant body odor, which may offend other individuals in the Library, is considered unacceptable.
18. Using radios, audio players, or other multimedia equipment at a level that can be heard by other individuals.
19. Skateboarding anywhere on Library property.
20. Bringing animals other than licensed services animals onto Library property.
21. Sleeping in the Library.
22. Loitering on Library property.
23. Not wearing a shirt or shoes.
24. Using the emergency exits at times other than during an emergency.

The Library does not permit deadly weapons of any kind (as defined under O.R.C. 2923.12), either concealed or in plain view, on its property or in its buildings unless the owner of the weapon is a law enforcement officer or written authorization has been obtained from the Director or his/her designee.

The Library reserves the right to limit the number of individuals who may gather or sit together where ingress and egress are blocked. There is a limit of one person per chair.

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: 2/15/1993 | revised: 7/19/1993, 9/19/1994, 9/15/2003, 1/19/2004, 3/15/2004, 10/17/2011, 1/1/2018, 9/19/2022