Conduct Policy

Purpose

The Franklin Park Public Library District offers an environment conducive to the use of the Library’s informational, educational and recreational materials, programs, and services. People using the Library must conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the Library’s nature and purpose.

Code of Conduct

All patrons observing proper conduct in the Library are allowed to freely make use of the Library. Those whose conduct is disruptive to Library operations and other patrons’ use of the Library may have the privilege of using the Library abridged or denied.

No list can be exhaustive, and any conduct that disrupts the Library is prohibited. Conduct which may lead to denial of Library privileges includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Damaging library property
• Threatening or harassing patrons or staff members
• Possessing a weapon unless in performance of official duties
• Bringing animals into the library except those needed to assist a disabled person
• Possessing alcohol or any illegal substance or being intoxicated to the point of impairment of mental or physical abilities
• Eating
• Bringing drinks that are not in covered containers into the library
• Bringing drinks, covered or otherwise, into areas of the library in which drinks are not allowed; drinks are not allowed in computer carrels or near library computers that are not housed in carrels such as Express Internets and online catalogs; drinks are not allowed in the aisles where library materials are shelved; covered drinks are allowed in the public seating areas of the main library and the Youth Services Department
• Smoking in the library or within 15 feet of a library entrance
• Entering the library not fully clothed, including shoes and/or shirt
• Playing of audio equipment so that others may hear it
• Talking loudly, and/or using offensive, abusive, or profane language
• Using the library restroom for bathing, shampooing, or as a laundry
• Using a skateboard, scooter, rollerblades or skates in the library or on library property
• Sleeping in the library
• Soliciting, selling, and/or promoting commercial enterprises in the library or on library grounds
• Passing petitions to library patrons, conducting surveys not undertaken directly by the Library, distributing pamphlets or other materials directly to library patrons or staff
• Trespassing into any area closed to the public
• Any behavior which may be reasonably expected to result in injury to self or others
• Any illegal activity

Parental Responsibilities

• It is the responsibility of the parents or legal guardian to supervise their child or children at all times in the library or on library grounds.
• Children under the age of seven (7) years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• The library is not a substitute for a child care center or babysitting service.

Conduct at Closing Time

All patrons must expeditiously leave the library premises at closing time. Transportation is the sole responsibility of the patron or parent, guardian or other authorized person. Adults or minors who remain at the library after closing may be referred to the police in order to ensure their safety.

Any staff member may enforce this Policy by pointing out violations to patrons and requesting compliance. Staff members must report serious or recurring violations to the Librarian-in-charge. The Librarian-in-charge may request that a patron who refuses to comply leave the library for the remainder of the day or until his or her behavior is brought into compliance with the Policy. The Librarian-in-charge may call the police for assistance if a patron refuses to comply and/or refuses to leave the library.

Video recordings made from security cameras showing a violation by a patron of the Library’s Patron Conduct Policy may be used to support suspension or termination of a patron’s library privileges and/or immediate ejection from the library. Video recordings made from security cameras may also be shared with police if illegal activity is suspected.

The Library Administrator is authorized to exclude from the use of the library any person who engages in disruptive behavior. The patron may appeal the decision to the Library Board of Trustees in writing within one month of the exclusion date. The Library Administrator or, if appealed, the Board of Trustees will determine the time period for which a patron is excluded from the library.

Adopted 2/12/08