VALENTINE PUBLIC LIBRARY

BEHAVIOR POLICY

          The Valentine Public Library encourages people of all ages to visit the library.  Those using the library and its resources have the right to expect a safe, comfortable environment that supports appropriate library services.  Library users shall respect the rights of other persons and shall not behave in any manner that can reasonably be expected to disturb other persons.  Library users shall not interfere with the use of the library by other persons, not interfere with library employees’ performance of their duties.

            People demonstrating disruptive behavior will be required to leave the library after one warning from library staff.  Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to, noisy boisterous actions; inappropriate behavior, including eating, smoking, running or loud talking; misuse of library property; uncooperative attitude; or actions that annoy others or prevent the legitimate use of the library and its resources.  Abusive language and behavior toward staff will not be tolerated.  Additional conduct considered improper in the Library includes but is not limited to:

§         Physical abuse, assault

§         Loitering

§         Vagrancy

§         Offensive personal hygiene

§         Staring

§         Harassment of others

§         Sleeping in the library

            Personal appliances, such as computers, cassette players, and calculators may be used if the noise level is low and the use does not interfere with others.  Because of the lack of outlets and concern for electrical overload, all appliances must be battery-powered and may not be plugged into library outlets.  Portable telephones and pagers should be turned off or switched to a non-audible signal and should be answered outside the library.  Library furnishings and materials are not to be rearranged or disarranged by patrons without permission by the library staff. 

            Young children are not safe when left unattended in the library.  Staff cannot know if children are leaving with a parent, a friend, or a stranger.  Library staff will not deliberately seek out unattended children; however, unattended children frequently become disruptive when they become bored.  Parents are responsible for ensuring the appropriate behavior of their children while in the library.  If a parent or other responsible adult cannot be located, unattended children who are disruptive will be placed in the care of the police.  Under no circumstances will library staff take a child out of the building or transport children to another location.

            The Valentine Public Library offers an environment that is conducive to reading and study.  People using the Library must conduct themselves in a manner that is appropriate to the Library’s nature and purpose.  Individuals failing to follow this policy will be asked to leave until the problem is corrected.  There is also the possibility of suspension of Library privileges for failure to comply with these rules.  The appropriate law enforcement agency will be called.

Adopted by the Valentine Public Library Board of Trustees on: 02/07/06