VALENTINE PUBLIC LIBRARY

HARASSMENT AND LEWD BEHAVIOR POLICY

Patrons and staff have the right to enjoy an environment free from harassment or lewd conduct.  Anyone, including patrons, who harass staff or another patron will be asked to leave the library and a report will be filed with the director.  Repeated acts of harassment or acts that may escalate into violent or illegal actions will be reported to the police.

            Lewd acts or sexual misconduct is not appropriate in the library.  Those who commit minor acts, such as public display of affection in the library, will be given one warning and then asked to leave.  Serious acts and acts involving minors will be reported to the police.  All serious acts will be reported to the Director.

Patrons who fail to follow the library rules will be spoken to and asked to correct their behavior.  Repeated failure to follow the rules may result in the following actions:

1.  An individual’s library privileges may be restricted.  The restrictions may include; a. limitations to specific areas within the library or b. limitations to specific equipment within the library.

2.  Anyone may be barred from using the library and library equipment and resources until the individual has met with the Library Director.  Future use and restoration of privileges will be contingent upon the patron abiding by the conditions agreed to with the Director and compliance with policy.

3. The Valentine Police may be contacted and a formal no trespassing notice taken out against the individual.  The patron will be given written notice that due to repeated violations of policies, he/she will no longer be welcome on library property.  If such action has been taken and the individual is in violation of the no trespassing notice inside the library or on library grounds, the individual may be arrested.

            At the discretion of the Director and in consultation with the Board of Trustees, repeat offenders may be banned from the library for varying lengths of time, for up to one week to several months to permanently depending on the severity of the misconduct.  Any individual subject to disciplinary action may appeal the decision to the Director and to the Board of Trustees.  The Board of Trustees requires that all appeals be made in writing.  The individual may request a meeting in person with the Board of Trustees and Director and this request is also to be made in writing.

Adopted by the Valentine Public Library Board of Trustees on: 3/25/09