Chapter: Services
Policy Number: 3.01
Original Effective Date: 7/21/21
Revision History: 3/15/23, 8/21/24
In order to provide a welcoming and inviting experience to all, patrons are expected to follow the Code of Conduct at all times when on Library property. It is expected that all visitors of the Library show respect for others, respect for property, and respect for the Library experience. The following behaviors and activities are examples, but not a complete list, of conduct prohibited on Library premises:
- Any illegal activity, including committing or attempting to commit an activity that would constitute a crime or violation of ordinances
- Bringing weapons of any kind into the Library, except those permitted by Village ordinance
- Inappropriate behavior towards staff, volunteers, Library Board members, or patrons, which may include physical or verbal harassment or threats, hitting or being violent, swearing, shouting, or raising one’s voice
- Following, stalking, leering or staring; photographing or recording others without consent from them or, in the case of minors, their parent/guardian
- Engaging in any sexual contact, activities, or conduct, including viewing pornography
- Not being fully clothed (upper and lower body clothing and footwear) or with bodily hygiene lacking to the point it constitutes a nuisance or health hazard to others
- Damaging, defacing, destroying, or stealing Library property or the property of others
- Entering unauthorized areas or remaining in the Library: after closing, when requested to leave during emergency situations, when requested to leave due to behavior, or when currently suspended/banned
- Leaving children under the age of 10 unattended according to the Safe Child Policy.
- Possession or use of intoxicating or controlled substances including alcohol and drugs
- Smoking or use of any tobacco product in the Library building (including the enclosed patios) and on Village property. This includes but is not limited to “vaping,” chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes
- Panhandling, solicitation and canvassing. Panhandling is defined as approaching others to ask for money, food, or other goods and services. Soliciting is defined as the sale or distribution of informational materials, merchandise, tickets, political campaign material, or anything not connected with the work of the Library. Canvassing is defined as petitioning or distributing written materials or soliciting for political, charitable, or religious purposes.
- Loitering, interfering with free passage, or sleeping
- Using restrooms for inappropriate purposes as listed on this Code of Conduct
- Using electronic equipment in a manner that disturbs others or interferes with Library use and services such as playing music on speakers, talking on speakerphone, et cetera
- Bringing animals into the Library except for persons with disabilities defined by the ADA
- Consuming food or drink in undesignated areas (as posted) or neglecting to clean up and dispose of all food waste, crumbs, wrappers, et cetera
- Refusing to follow directions of Library staff
Enforcement of the Code of Conduct
The Library Director or their designee will follow the procedures set out below to enforce the Library’s Code of Conduct in a fair and reasonable manner.
Failure to adhere to the Code of Conduct may result in a variety of outcomes, beginning with warnings from Library staff, up to and including suspension of Library privileges.
A patron who does not comply with one or more of the Library’s Code of Conduct expectations will typically receive an initial verbal warning from Library staff. If the patron’s misconduct involves actual or potential harm to another person, misuse of or actual damage to Library property, or illegal activity, a suspension of Library privileges may occur.
Suspension of Library Privileges
The Library Director or their designee takes the following into consideration when determining the penalty for violations of the Code of Conduct: severity of violation(s), frequency of the violation(s), and outcomes of communication with violator and/or their parent or legal guardian regarding future expectations.
A suspension or ban of Library privileges denies the patron access to the Library building and grounds as well as contact with Library staff other than the Director.
When a patron under 18 years of age is asked to leave, staff will attempt to notify their parent or guardian.
Patrons who engage in Code of Conduct violations which are deemed to be especially heinous may be permanently banned by Library administration.
The following chart is a guideline used when determining potential suspension lengths. It is not all-encompassing but is an example of the expectations for suspension length in relation to violation type and severity. Full discretion of the length of the suspension is given to the Library Director.
| Length of Suspension | Possible Violations Involved |
|---|---|
| One to Six Days | Refusal to follow Code of Conduct Refusing to follow the directions of Library staff |
| One to Four Weeks | Entering unauthorized areas or remaining on Library property after having been asked to leave the premises Minor damage to Library property A repeat or escalation of any of the above misconduct |
| One to Six Months | Possession or use of intoxicating or controlled substance A repeat or escalation of any of the above misconduct |
| Six Months to One Year | Threatening or harassing others with hostile or inappropriate remarks Serious damage to Library property A repeat or escalation of any of the above misconduct |
| One Year or Longer | Physically assaulting or inappropriately making contact with other patrons or staff Sexual contact, activities, or conduct Violating Weapons Policy Illegal activity as outlined in Code of Conduct A repeat or escalation of any of the above misconduct |
Trespassing on Library property or the harassment of staff, Library Board members, or volunteers by phone or online both violate the terms of the suspension and will be reported to the appropriate authorities and may be subject to criminal prosecution or other legal action.
A notice will be sent to those who have been suspended for longer than one week and will state the Code of Conduct violation(s) upon which suspension is based, if contact information is known. If the suspension lasts over one year or is indefinite, the patron and/or their parent or legal guardian will be informed of the procedure for requesting appeal of the suspension by the Library Board.
Appealing
Suspended patrons may appeal a suspension lasting one year or longer by submitting a written appeal to the Library Director within thirty days of the date of suspension. The Library Director shall submit the appeal to the Library Board for a determination at the next regularly scheduled board meeting. The Library Board shall only review written appeals and any background information provided by the Library Director. After its review, the Library Board shall uphold, modify, or repeal the suspension.
Re-Entry Meeting
After any suspension lasting longer than one day, a patron must request a meeting with the Library Director or their designee in order for the suspension to be lifted. The purpose for this meeting is to review the Code of Conduct Policy and the Library’s suspension process. In the case of a patron under age 18, a parent or guardian will be required to accompany the minor to the meeting.
During the re-entry meeting, the Library Director or their designee will:
- Review reasons for the suspension
- Review Code of Conduct Policy
- Require that the patron sign a document noting that they understand and agree to follow the Code of Conduct Policy
There may be additional reasonable requirements for reinstatement of Library privileges based on the situation and at the full discretion of the Library Director or their designee.