The Jamestown City Library Board of Trustees has established certain standards of acceptable behavior on library property in order to maintain an atmosphere that promotes the use and enjoyment of the resources and services of the library, promotes the safety of the general public and the library staff, and protects the building, furniture, equipment, and materials of the library.
Any activity or behavior that hinders the use of the library, is disruptive, or jeopardizes the safety of patrons or employees, inside or outside, is prohibited.
- General Restrictions:
- Shoes and shirts must be worn.
- Privileges may be limited for the following reasons:
- Damaging library property
- Stealing library materials
- Physically threatening or harming staff or patrons.
- Activities Not Allowed in the Library:
- Eating or drinking
- Playing audio equipment so others can hear it
- Smoking
- Bringing animals into the library except those needed to assist patrons with disabilities or for use in a Library sponsored program that has been authorized by the Librarian.
- Misusing or defacing the restrooms
- Leaving a child under the age of 7 unattended in the library
- Talking loudly, making noise, or engaging in disruptive behavior
- Interfering with another person’s use of the library or with Library personnel’s performance of duties.
- Loitering
- Body odor so offensive as to disturb others.
Patrons indulging in improper conduct may be asked to cease that conduct, to move to another location or activity, or to leave the library; severe or recurring problems may be dealt with by barring use of the library or individual involved, or by making library use conditional. In general, the least restrictive means which effectively deals with the conduct should be employed. Minor problems should be dealt with by the staff member observing it. Only the Librarian or Library Board may bar an individual indefinitely from use of the library. Police should be called when conduct is illegal, when it poses a threat to the library or an individual, or when an individual refuses to leave the library when asked to do so.
When any serious incident or one in which an individual is asked to leave the library occurs, the staff member on duty will prepare a written account for the Board by the end of the next working day.
Disruptive Children
Disruptive children are defined as children who are violating library rules and regulations as defined in library policy. Disruptive children age seven (7) or over will be asked to leave after receiving one warning.
The library shall adopt staff procedures that deal positively with issues of security and safety specifically related to minors.
Unattended Children
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Young children may not be left unattended anywhere in the Library including areas designated for children. A parent or a responsible person must accompany young children. While staff is concerned about the safety and well-being of children and young adults, they cannot assume responsibility for them in the absence of parents.
