[Michlib-l] Bad Patron Behavior

[aldenlib at torchlake.com]

On 10/13/16, Andrea Ingmire <aing at uproc.lib.mi.us> wrote: 

_...We are also working on our patron code of conduct.  I'd love to see
what_
_other libraries have in place.  I am looking for a full policy but also
a_
_shortened version that can be handed to patrons in the moment they are_
_behaving badly..._ 

Here's our policy: 

SECTION:  CUSTOMER SERVICE            

SUBJECT:  USE OF THE LIBRARY 

POLICY 

The rights of an individual to use the Library shall not be abridged or
denied.  A patron has the right to undisturbed use of the library
materials without the interference of others in the Library.  To
guarantee these rights for all persons, any person on the Library
premises shall be expected to conduct himself or herself in accordance
with the Library Rules of Conduct. 

Patrons are free and welcome to use all areas of the Library except the
office and work areas. 

The Library is designed to preserve a reasonably quiet atmosphere where
Library patrons may study and otherwise use Library materials without
disturbance.  This policy does not prohibit quiet conversation between
patrons and/or staff members or conversations required to carry on
Library programs and/or business, 

Library office equipment may be used only by the Library Director, staff
members and/or volunteers designated by the Library Director. 

The Library telephone may not be used by patrons.  Incoming calls for
patrons are prohibited except in the case of an emergency. 

The Library shall not be used outside of regular Library hours except
for scheduled Library functions. 

SECTION:  CUSTOMER SERVICE          

SUBJECT:  RULES OF CONDUCT 

POLICY 

Pursuant to Michigan Statutes (MCL 397-206), the Alden District Library
Board may exclude from the use of the Library any persons who shall
willfully violate such reasonable rules and regulations as the Library
Board may adopt.  Such exclusion shall occur on the orders of the
Director or Director's designee.  "Withholding of Library Privileges" is
defined as meaning that an individual may not enter or use the library. 

Behavior prohibited by the Helena Township Ordinances as well as Federal
or State Law is also prohibited on the premises of the Alden District
Library. 

The Alden District Library reserves the right to establish and implement
policies and procedures as needed, including, but not limited to: user
registration, scheduling and regulating usage of any audio, video and
computer equipment, regulating usage of library property and materials,
including, without limitation, specialized equipment and/or services
provided by the library and made available to the public.  Such policies
and procedures are intended to make Library property and/or services
available to everyone on an equitable basis, to protect the rights of
staff members to conduct Library business and to safeguard the Library's
property against misuse or abuse. 

The Alden District Library Board hereby adopts the following Rules of
Behavior and directs the Library Director to institute the necessary
proceedings of enforcement.  The Library Director is further authorized
to propose additional Rules of Behavior to the Board as the need may
arise. 

The Alden District Library: 

 	* Prohibits the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages on
Library property.
 	* Prohibits smoking on Library property.
 	* Bans all weapons from Library premises, including lawfully
registered concealed weapons, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

PERSONS WHO VIOLATE THE ABOVE RULES ARE SUBJECT TO THE WITHHOLDING OF
LIBRARY PRIVILEGES AS FOLLOWS: 

 	* First Offense: Library privileges will be revoked for six months.
 	* Second Offense: Library privileges will be revoked for one year.

 	* Requires patrons to wear clothing appropriate for public facilities
to insure their safety and the comfort of all patrons. Proper attire
includes shirts, slacks, skirts, dresses and shoes or other footwear.
 	* Requires all library patrons to conform to acceptable standards of
hygiene and cleanliness in order to prevent the disturbance of other
library users and their enjoyment of the library. A library patron who
displays a lack of bodily hygiene or whose odor initiates a complaint
from or unduly interferes with other patrons' and/or staff members' use
and enjoyment of the library shall be asked to leave the library until
they can meet acceptable standards of hygiene and cleanliness.  Lack of
hygiene includes offensive body odor, open runny sores, lice
infestation, or unclean clothing, hands or feet which may soil, stain,
deface or damage library property.  When such problems are corrected,
the patron may re-enter the library.
 	* Requires patrons whose perfume or other scents may trigger allergic
reactions to refrain from wearing such scents in the future.
 	* Prohibits food in the Library except in designated areas.
Non-alcoholic beverages in covered containers are permissible.
 	* Prohibits sleeping on Library property.
 	* Prohibits the use of roller skates, roller blades or skateboards on
Library property.
 	* Prohibits all campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, survey taking,
soliciting, sales or other speech or conduct which results in the
disruption of normal Library activities.
 	* Bans conversation and other sounds in louder volume than the general
noise level of the area.
 	* Bans animals from the Library, except those who assist the
handicapped, at the discretion of the Library staff.
 	* Prohibits loitering.
 	* Prohibits the use of cell phones.

PERSONS WHO VIOLATE THE ABOVE RULES ARE SUBJECT TO THE WITHHOLDING OF
LIBRARY PRIVILEGES AS FOLLOWS: 

 	* First Offense: One warning, then out for the day.
 	* Second Offense: Library privileges will be revoked for one month.
 	* Third Offense: Library privileges will be revoked for one year.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, any person may, without prior
notice or warning, be immediately removed from the Alden District
Library if his or her presence or conduct on the premises poses an
immediate and imminent danger to any person or property. 

Persons whose library privileges are withheld for more than 30 days
pursuant to the above rules may appeal to the Alden District Library
Board of Trustees by appearing in person during the Audience Comment
portion of the agenda at a special or regularly scheduled Board meeting.
 This appearance must be within sixty days after the Library's notice
withholding privileges.  To ensure such persons sufficient time to
address the Board, time limits placed on Audience Comments may be
extended at the discretion of the Board.  The Board shall hear the
appeal and respond in writing within 10 days.  

Any criminal activity, including theft or vandalism of Library property,
shall be immediately reported to law enforcement officials. 

I post these two related policies in the library, to have ready access
to it for staff, or for patrons to view.   We're a class 1, and over
nine years, I have had to ask someone to leave about three times.       
                  

---- 

_Susan Riegler_ 

Susan Riegler, Director 

Alden District Library
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