CONDUCT POLICY
The Fountaindale Public Library District welcomes all individuals to use resources made available to the community. The Conduct Policy is designed to protect the rights of individuals who are in the library or use library materials or services, to protect the rights of staff members to conduct library business without interference, and to preserve and protect library materials and facilities.
Use of the Library is governed by the policy established by the Library Board of Trustees and any applicable rules or regulations adopted by the Library. The Executive Director as the executor of the policy for the Board of Trustees may exercise discretion in determining what use is “in the best interest of the Library” and is authorized to act accordingly, including limiting the use of the library by individuals and/or organizations whose activities interfere with Library operations, adversely affect public safety, or cause public disturbances. The Board of Trustees may modify, amend, or supplement this policy as it deems necessary and appropriate.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all visitors to any facility, including vehicles, of the Fountaindale Public Library and its properties.
PROVISIONS
In order to provide a secure and comfortable environment for all library patrons and staff, the Library reserves the right to respond to any and all conduct that disturbs library patrons or staff, or that hinders others from using the library or library materials.
Examples of conduct and actions that are not permitted anywhere on library property include, but are not limited to:
- Disorderly, disruptive, or unruly conduct.
- Improperly checking out library materials.
- Using devices at a volume and/or location that disturbs others.
- Consuming food near electronic equipment, Studio 300, or study rooms, or in a way that disrupts others’ ability to use the library.
- Occupying areas of the library that are age-inappropriate.
- Sleeping, inappropriate use of library furniture, blocking aisles, exits, or entrances.
- Having body odor or personal hygiene that disrupts others’ ability to use the library.
- Bathing, shaving, or washing clothing in public restrooms or other areas.
- Not wearing shoes and clothing that do not provide appropriate body coverage at all times.
- Campaigning, petitioning, proselytizing, or soliciting for any cause inside the library and/or in the immediate area surrounding the entrance or exits of the building. Placing pamphlets or other material in the library, on library property, or on vehicles in the library’s parking lot is prohibited.
- Bringing pets or animals other than service animals necessary for disabilities and animals which are part of library-sponsored programming. Please note that service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Illinois Service Animal Access Act, and White Cane Law, are allowed in accordance with federal and Illinois law.
- Smoking and/or vaping in the library and/or within 25 feet of a library entrance or exit.
- Being under the influence or in possession of alcohol, cannabis, or any illegal substance.
- Public indecency.
- Trespassing in non-public areas.
- Remaining on library property after being asked to leave.
- Damaging or defacing library materials or property.
- Stealing or attempting to steal personal or library property.
- Carrying or displaying simulated or real weapons on library property except for authorized law enforcement officials.
- Threatening and/or violent behavior.
- Any violation of federal, state, or local law or disregard of library procedures and policies.
ENFORCEMENT
Enforcement of the General Rules of Conduct will be conducted fairly and reasonably.
The Library reserves the right to require anyone violating the General Rules of Conduct or refusing to comply with staff instructions to leave Library property. Serious or repeated misconduct may result in the person’s Library privileges being limited or suspended for a period of time, depending on the severity of the offense.
APPEAL AND REVIEW
A person who feels his or her library privileges have been wrongly limited or suspended may appeal the decision in writing to the Executive Director within 30 days of receiving notification. The decision of the Executive Director will be final.
The Board of Trustees of the Fountaindale Library District will review the conduct policy and regulations periodically and reserves the right to amend them at any time. The Board authorizes the Executive Director to waive regulations under appropriate circumstances. The Executive Director is the chief person empowered to make decisions regarding the availability and use of the library. The Executive Director may delegate authority.
Any appeals for changes to, or exceptions to, any portion of the conduct policy will be considered. An individual wishing to file an appeal shall submit it to the Executive Director in writing. The Executive Director will respond in writing.