The Brookfield Library Policy 110: Code of Conduct Section 1: Purpose The purpose of The Brookfield Library is to provide materials, services, and programs for all members of the community with which to satisfy their informational, cultural, educational, and recreational-reading needs. In addition, the library administration works to provide safe, appropriate, attractive, and comfortable facilities within which the public may use its materials and services. The Library strives to provide an atmosphere in which library patrons, employees, and volunteers can: • use library materials and services without being disturbed or impeded by other library patrons • be relatively secure and comfortable • have access to materials and facilities that are readily available and in good condition. To help attain these goals, the Library Board of Trustees has established this Code of Conduct policy. It is intended to identify the standards and rules of appropriate behavior to which all users of the library will be asked to conform, to point out behaviors that are considered inappropriate and unacceptable, and to define the steps library personnel are authorized to pursue when dealing with disruptive patrons Section 2: Patron Behavior Standards And Rules 1. “Appropriate use” of the library is defined by the Library Board of Trustees. Appropriate use includes: A. Attending programs B. Borrowing, returning, renewing, reserving, and interlibrary loaning library materials C. Photocopying, telefaxing, and printing D. Reading E. Researching F. Studying G. Talking quietly so as not to disturb others H. Tutoring I. Using library materials and services in-house J. Using public computers to access the Internet or to use software installed by Library staff K. Viewing microforms, displays, exhibits, and public notices 2. “Inappropriate use” of the library also is defined by the Library Board of Trustees. Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to: A. Bringing animals into the library (except those needed to assist patrons with disabilities) B. Damaging, defacing, or stealing library or personal property C. Use of food or drink, unless provided at a library approved or sponsored event D. Fighting E. Interfering with library personnel in the performance of their duties F. Littering G. Loud talking or other excessive noise H. Pushing I. Running J. Sleeping K. Smoking or using tobacco in any form L. Using or selling alcohol or illegal controlled substances M. Soliciting goods, services, memberships, or signatures. N. Stalking O. Staring P. Threatening or harassing anyone (staff members, volunteers, or patrons, or others) either by words and actions Q. any other behavior determined by the staff, in its sole discretion, to be inappropriate and/or disruptive R. Carrying weapons of any kind (this provision does not apply to law enforcement officers) 3. Appropriate attire, including shirts and shoes, must be worn in the library at all times. 4. Library staff are not responsible for a patron’s personal belongings. Personal belongings should not be left unattended. 5. Library personnel are not responsible for the care and safety of patrons who use the library or who are left there, regardless of age or physical or mental condition. 6. Patrons’ computers, radios, or tape players with headphones may be used in the library as long as the use of such equipment is not disruptive to others. Cell phones or pagers should be set to silent or vibrate mode, and should be used in the lobby area or outside. Patrons whose phone conversations are loud, disruptive, profane, or abusive will be asked to leave the library. 7. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children while in the library. Children under the age of 8 may not be left unattended unless they are attending an age-appropriate program, and must be under the supervision of a parent, caregiver, or other responsible person who is at least 12 years of age. Library staff recognize that the children’s area may be louder than other areas of the library; however, if a child is disruptive, the parent or caregiver may be asked to remove the child from the library. The library staff does not accept responsibility for the safety, care, or supervision of unattended children of any age left in the library or on library grounds. Section 3: Staff Response To Inappropriate Patron Behavior Whenever a patron fails to conform with the standards of appropriate behavior defined in Section 2.1 of this policy, engages in any of the inappropriate behaviors defined in Section 2.2 of this policy, or violates Section 2.3 of this policy, the staff member in charge is authorized to pursue the following progressive steps: A. Issue a verbal warning, with a statement that the person(s) will be asked to leave if the behavior in question does not cease. B. Request that the person(s) leave the library. C. Call the police to have the person(s) removed from the library. Whenever Sections 2.4 or 2.5 of this policy are violated, the staff member in charge is authorized to speak to the responsible party. If this fails to remedy the problem, the staff member in charge is authorized to contact the appropriate civil authorities, including, but not limited to, the Police or the Social Services departments of the Town of Brookfield. If an unattended child is causing a disruption that interferes with patrons or staff members, staff may elect to call the parent, or to bar the child from the library in the future, unless accompanied by a parent. A staff member may intervene with a child in order to prevent injury or property damage. Whenever a staff member feels that a patron’s behavior threatens the safety of himself, other persons, or property, the staff member in charge is authorized to call the police immediately. Any patron committing an illegal act will be reported to the police. Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees, October 20, 1997 Revised by the Library Board of Trustees, March 9, 1998; revised 9/24/03
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