Code of Conduct

Ohio County Public Library encourages the use of its facilities for reading, study, research, and the legitimate use of the Library’s resources and services. The Library pledges to provide an atmosphere conducive to delivering library services to its patrons. To further this goal, library patrons are asked to conduct themselves in a lawful, orderly and considerate manner.

Conduct Governed by Ohio County Public Library Policy

Any behavior that disrupts the orderly use of the Library is prohibited. This includes, without limitation, behavior that constitutes a nuisance, or presents a safety and/or security hazard or affects the ability of the library staff to provide service to its patrons. The following actions are examples of conduct not allowed on library property:

• Creating excessive or disruptive noise
• Using profane or offensive language
• Smoking or use of tobacco or tobacco products. Use of alcohol and/or drugs
• Being drunk or disorderly
• Verbally or physically harassing or threatening other patrons, staff or volunteers.
• Violating the Library’s Policy on Internet and Computer Use
• Entering library facilities with bare feet or without a shirt, or being otherwise attired so as to create a threat to health or safety or disrupt other patrons’ use of the library facilities
• Posting or distributing material without permission
• Soliciting, including, but not limited to, soliciting for money, donations, or signatures
• Trespassing in non-public areas
• Using personal communication devices (cell phones, pagers, etc.) or entertainment devices at a volume that disturbs other patrons or library staff
• A pattern of sleeping in or on library premises
• Having extreme body odor or other foul smells
• Using restrooms for bathing or laundry
• Eating and drinking
• Placing feet on tables or chairs
• Bringing suitcases, duffel bags or large bundles into library facilities
• Using skateboards or skates on library premises
• Bringing bicycles, scooters or carts into library facilities without permission
• Moving furniture or equipment without library authorization
• Blocking aisles, exits, entrances, or loitering anyway on library property
• Leaving packages or any other personal items unattended
• Bringing animals into library facilities, with the exception of guide dogs, assistance dogs, and animals brought in for special programs
• Bringing weapons into the library
• The OCPL Children’s Department is for the sole use of children, parents and others using the Children’s Department resources. In order to provide a secure environment for children, adults who do not have a legitimate reason for being there may not be in the department.
   

Consequences of Misconduct:

The Library Director or designee will apply these rules in a fair and equitable manner for the benefit of all. If any of the information is unclear please ask a member of the library staff for clarification. The consequences of misconduct may be any of the following: verbal warning, loss of library privileges or prosecution to the full extent of the law. Parents will be called or notified in writing in the case of a minor (less than 18 years of age). 

Subject to Search

The library reserves the right to inspect all bags, purses, briefcases, packs, personal listening devices, computers and coats.

 - Adopted March 16, 2010
 - Revised June 11, 2014