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Mountain Regional Library System Behavior Policy
Statement of Philosophy
Public libraries provide their communities open access to information for recreational and educational purposes. The Mountain Regional Library System is committed to providing its users an atmosphere and environment free from unnecessary distractions and conducive to the most efficient use of its library facilities.
Statement of Policy
In addition to a quiet, pleasant environment for study and casual use, library patrons and staff are entitled to a reasonable expectation of personal security and safety. Patrons have a right to assume that their visits to the library will be free from harassment, physical discomfort, danger, and psychological stress, and library staff have basically the same rights.
Rules of Behavior
This policy lists some examples of behaviors that are disruptive to or interfere with the use of the library by other patrons, but it is not intended to be exhaustive.
- Holding loud conversations or creating excessive noise which is disturbing to others. This includes the use of cell phones inside library buildings.
- Engaging in disorderly conduct, committing a nuisance, or unreasonably disturbing and offending other library users or staff.
- Threatening the safety or rights of another person, including but not limited to, violent or disorderly behavior, threats of violence, use of abusive language or profanity, and possession of lethal weapons.
- Physically, psychologically, or sexually harassing staff or patrons, including but not limited to, staring at, inappropriately touching, following individuals around the library premises, or interfering with the free movement of any person.
- Failing to supervise children or other dependent persons. Library policy is that parents or caregivers are responsible for monitoring the behavior of those in their care (see MRLS' Safe Child and Dependent Persons Policy).
- Damaging or defacing the library building or property, or mutilating library materials.
- Possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.
- Consuming food or beverages in library buildings, except at meetings where permission has been obtained to serve refreshments.
- Smoking in library buildings.
- Using library-owned or personal audio equipment, computers, or mobile devices in a manner that is disturbing to others.
- Loitering, or soliciting or selling of any kind that has not been approved by the Library Director.
- Distributing leaflets or pamphlets, or posting of notices on library premises without authorization.
- Use of library telephones by any person other than library personnel without permission.
- Bringing animals other than guide or service animals into library buildings without authorization.
- Rearranging library furniture or equipment from one location to another without permission.
- Entering a non-public area without permission from a staff member.
- Bringing animals other than guide or service animals into library buildings without authorization.
- Refusing to comply with requests of any member of the library staff.
Adopted by the Mountain Regional Library System Board of Trustees June 24, 2008.