Patron Responsiblities and Conduct

I. It is the mission of the Lyons Township District Library to provide free public library services to the communities comprising the Library District as a whole. It will procure and make available to the general public quality materials and services which fulfill the informational, cultural, recreational, and educational needs of the entire community in an atmosphere that is friendly, welcoming, respectful, and businesslike.

II. The goal of the Lyons Township District Library is to provide a pleasant setting and appropriate atmosphere for the use of educational, reference and popular materials. The Library is a place to read, study, do research, use the library equipment or attend library programs. To this end, the Library is responsible for establishing rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of Library patrons and staff.

III. This policy applies to behavior in the Library building, in the parking lot and on all Library property.

A. Patrons shall respect the rights of other patrons and of Library employees.

B. The following actions are examples of the general types of conduct not allowed on Library property:

1. Verbally or physically threatening others through any activity.

2. Harassing library users or staff, to include such types of activities as staring, photographing, following or stalking, so that it interferes with the use of the Library by other patrons or Library employees as they perform their duties.

3. Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing or shoving or any physical, verbal or threatening aggresion or behavior.

4. Throwing objects of any kind.

5. Using obscene, threatening or demeaning language or gestures.

6. Creating unreasonable, or disruptive noises, such as loud talking, screaming or banging on computer keyboards, furniture or anything that interferes with other patron's use of the Library or that can be reasonably expected to disturb other persons.

7. Stealing, damaging, altering, disconnecting or inappropriate use of Library property in Library facilities or on Library grounds.

8. Lying down or sleeping.

9. Using cell phones inside the Library. Cell phones and pager audible ringers must be turned off inside the Library.

10. Possessing or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

11. Using skateboards, scooters or roller blades or similar or related devices in the Library or on Library property.

(Storage of bicycles and scooters is limited to bike rack.)

12. Visiting the Library without shirt or shoes.

13. Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children.

14. Unauthorized selling of items or services or solicitation.

15. Bringing food or beverages into the Library, except as part of a Library sanctioned or approved activity.

16. Use of tobacco products in the building.

17. Indecent exposure, sexual acts or behavior or any action which is in violation of federal, state or local law or ordinance.

18. Animals or pets are not allowed except service animals to assist disabled patrons or animals that may be part of a library sanctioned program.

IV. Violations of the Policy

A. The Library Director or the Director's designee may restrict access to library facilities by suspending the patron's access to library facilities for a set period of time, or by denying access to specific services and/or programs pursuant to this Policy. If necessary, the local police may be called to intervene .

 B. Incident Reports.

1. Library Staff shall record, in writing, in the form of an Incident Report with the date, any violation of the Patron Responsibilities and Conduct Policy that resulted in a verbal warning or a suspension of library privileges.

2. By the end of the day on which the incident occurred, an Incident Report shall be written and forwarded to the Library Director for logging and review.

3. The report should include physical descriptions in addition to the name of the patron, the date and specific circumstances of the Incident. A copy of a suspension of privileges letter should be attached, if applicable.

C. Violation of the Policy - Suspension of Privileges: Unless otherwise provided in this Policy, (See Section "D" below), the Library shall handle violations as follows:

1. Initial Violation: Library users observed violating this policy will be asked to cease the violation with a verbal warning. If the patron does not comply with the request, they will be asked to leave the building for the day. If they refuse, police may be called.

2. Subsequent Violations: The Director or the Director's authorized designee may further limit the patron's library privileges if infractions continue. Such limitation shall be in writing specifying the nature and date of the violation.

If repeated policy violations occur, additional suspensions will be at the discretion of the Director and/or Library Board.

D. Violations that Affect Safety and Security: Violations involing physical and/or verbal abuse, violence, threatening behaviors, sexual harassment, vandalism, drug sale or use or attempted drug sale or use, intoxication, theft or attempted theft, physical harassment, indecent exposure or other sexual misconduct or any behavior that threatens the safety and security of staff and/or patrons shall be handled as follows:

1. Initial Violation: The police will be called immediately. If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue. Violations of this nature will result in an immediate two-week suspension of library privileges. The Incident Report shall specify the nature and date of the violation.

2. Subsequent Violations: The police will be called immediately. If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue. The Director or the Director's authorized designee, may further limit the patron's library privileges in escalating responses, which will be documented in writing. If repeated policy violations occur, additional suspensions will be at the discretion of the Director and/or Library Board.

V. Right of Appeal

A. Any person may appeal the Library Director's decision by sending an appeal, in writing to the President of the Library Board within ten (10 ) business days.

B. Review by the Board of Trustees will occur at the next Board Meeting unless Meeting notice has already been mailed and posted, and in that case, review will be at next subsequent Board Meeting.

C. The decision of the Library Board is final.