Crook County Library is committed to providing a pleasant, safe and supportive environment for all of its patrons and staff. The library reserves the right to require anyone who engages in disruptive behavior to leave the premises, the right to restrict privileges for a specified period of time, and the right to ban the individual from the library for a specified period of time or permanently. In most cases, a staff member will notify the individual that he or she is in violation of the standards of conduct and will provide one verbal warning. Unlawful activities will be reported immediately to the police. To achieve this, the Library has established the following code of conduct.
Code of Conduct
A. Disruptive behavior is not permitted anywhere in or around the Library. This may include, but is not limited to:
- Running and rowdiness
- Shouting or talking loud enough to disturb others
- Use of electronic devices without earphones
- Initiating unwanted conversations with other library users or staff
- Impeding access to Library property
- Staring at another person
- Fighting
- Possession of weapons or objects that might be used as weapons
B. Engaging in or displaying of profane and obscene language, images or conduct is not permitted per ORS 167.060, 167.065 or 167.075.
C. Food and drink are not permitted inside the Library.
D. Bicycles must be left outside the Library in the bicycle rack and skateboards, inline and roller skates must not be worn inside the Library and must be stowed safely. Skateboarding, bicycle riding and skating are not permitted on Library grounds.
E. Taking surveys, asking patrons to sign petitions, or distributing pamphlets is to be done only with the Library Director’s permission.
F. Service animals for people with disabilities are welcome. No other animals are permitted inside the Library building.
G. Responsibility for the care and safety of children using the library rests with the parent/guardian or assigned caregiver age 12 or older, not with library staff. Unattended children who become disruptive will be taken to the responsible person who will be warned to supervise the child. If no responsible person is in the Library, the child(ren) will be asked to leave. In some cases, the Police Department may be called and asked to assume responsibility.
H. Parents or caregivers of babies who are crying, screaming or squealing loudly will be asked to take them out of the Library until they stop.
I. No Library property may be misused, mutilated, damaged, or defaced, nor may any material be removed from the Library without being checked out appropriately.
J. Cell phones may not be used in the Library.
Repeated Violations of the Behavior Policy
A. Adults: An adult patron who has caused repeated disturbances in the Library will be barred from the Library for one month. The Director will send a letter to the patron. If, when Library privileges are reinstated, the disturbances continue, the Library will take action to bar the individual from Library property for a length of time the Director deems appropriate.
B. Minors: Children who have caused repeated disturbances in the Library will be barred from the Library for one month. The Director will send a letter to the parent/guardian. To reinstate Library privileges, the minor will be required to visit with the Director accompanied by the parent or guardian. If disruptive behavior continues, the Library will take action to bar the individual from the Library for a length of time the Director deems appropriate.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees 01-13-2005