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 their surrounding 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 electronic devices with or without headphones at a volume and/or at a location disturbing to others
- Bringing food or uncovered beverages outside the cafe area
- Occupying areas of the library that are age inappropriate
- Sleeping, inappropriate use of library furniture, or blocking of aisles, exits or entrances.
- Having offensive body odor or personal hygiene which disrupts other patrons’ ability to use the library.
- Bathing, shaving, or washing clothing in public restrooms or other areas
- Not wearing shoes and clothing that does not provides adequate 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 of material in the library 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.
- Gambling.
- Use of tobacco products in the library and/or within 25 feet of a library entrance or exit. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, herbal products and e-cigarettes.
- Being under the influence or in possession of alcohol 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. Examples include but are not limited to: shoving; throwing things; fighting; verbally or physically harassing, bullying, or threatening other patrons or staff including stalking, or lurking.
- Any violation of federal, state or local law or disregard of library regulations and policies.
Administration
Enforcement of the Conduct Policy will be conducted fairly and reasonably. Library privileges encompass access to property, services, and materials.
- A person whose behavior violates this policy will be informed of the rules and asked to cease the behavior. Generally, except in cases of unlawful conduct or conduct which is immediately threatening to the safety of patrons or staff, a staff member will give a person whose behavior violates any of these rules one warning, and will advise him or her of the course of action to be taken by the Library should the behavior continue. A copy of this policy will be available on request.
- If the behavior continues, a staff member may require the person to leave the premises. Staff will notify the Police Department if an individual fails to heed staff requests.
- Subsequent offenses, refusing to comply with staff instructions, unlawful conduct, or conduct which is immediately threatening to the safety of patrons or staff may result in the person having his or her library privileges limited or suspended for a period of up to one year or longer, depending on the severity of the offense. Persons whose privileges are limited or suspended in this manner will be required to meet with library staff before their privileges are reinstated.
- A person whose behavior violates any of these rules may be asked to provide identification, including their library card. Refusing to provide identification or giving false information may result in being required to leave the premises or in having his or her library privileges limited or suspended.
- Library materials must be properly checked out before removal from the premises. Patrons may be asked to provide proof of checkout.
- A person responsible for damage to, or destruction or theft of Library property will have his or her library privileges suspended immediately. Privileges are not eligible to be reinstated until the person has compensated the Library for the full cost of damage, destruction or theft.
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.
APPROVED MAY 16, 2019
