Library Code of Conduct
Rules and regulations are necessary for the protection and comfort of all Library users and for the safeguarding of the physical facility and its contents. The cooperation of all who enter is necessary to maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to study and to pleasant utilization of the Library by the public. As the Library is the property of the City and the taxpayers, each Library user is expected to exercise reasonable care in his/her use of the facilities, as in any other public property.
General Rules
- Library users are permitted to bring covered drinks into the Library
- Using tobacco products is not permitted in the Library
- With prior approval, appropriate light refreshments may be consumed in the Meeting Room
- Shoes, sandals or other appropriate footwear must be worn in the building for health and safety reasons
- Skating of any kind is not permitted on library property
- Patrons are not allowed to bring pets of any kind or size into the Library, except for legal guide dogs and other assistance animals
- Soliciting is prohibited in or on the Library premises
- No weapons are permitted in the Library (per Texas Attorney General’s opinion regarding criminal trespassing in Texas Penal Code sec. 30.05)
Disruptive Behavior
Library users have a reasonable expectation to use the facility without being disturbed by the behavior of others.
Disruptive behaviors include (but are not limited to):
- Running/jumping/throwing objects/standing on chairs or tables
- Excessive noise (above a conversational level)
- Unacceptable language (cursing, explicit language)
- Treating others with disrespect (name calling, insults, yelling, threats)
- Misuse of Library computers (not adhering to the Internet use policy)
- Vandalism of Library property (graffiti and any other intentional damage to the building or library materials)
- Fighting (any violent physical contact such as pushing, hitting, wrestling)
- Cell phones must be turned off, or set to silent, when entering the Library and may only be used in the Library lobby.
Consequences for Disruptive Behaviors
In most cases, individuals or groups who exhibit disruptive behavior will be asked to stop the specific behavior. If the behavior continues after a warning, the offending party shall be asked to leave the Library immediately. If the party refuses, the police shall be called. The length of the dismissal will be the rest of that day, unless otherwise decided by a Library manager.
- Individuals who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and who are displaying disorderly conduct shall be requested to leave the Library premises
- Physical abuse, harassment, assault on another person or the use of abusive, insulting or threatening language to any person shall be cause for dismissal of the offending person or persons from the Library
Chronic offensive behavior, including failure to abide by these rules, destruction of property or interference with service to others may be considered sufficient grounds for barring from the premises. A decision to bar someone from the premises should be made by the Library Director.