Rules of Conduct for Library Use
Policy #004
- Adopted: August 27, 1990
- Effective: August 27, 1990
- Revised: June 22, 1998
- Revised: February 24, 2003
- Revised: March 24, 2003
- Revised: September 25, 2006
These Rules of Conduct were adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Kalamazoo Public Library to promote a quiet, safe, attractive, sanitary, and orderly atmosphere and to insure every person's ability to use the Library and Library materials to the maximum extent possible and to have reasonable access to Library facilities without unreasonable interference from any other person. Any person violating any of these Rules may be asked to leave the Library for the remainder of the day, or for a longer period of time under the circumstances described below. Any person who refuses to leave the Library after being requested to do so for violating these Rules, or who returns to the Library prior to the authorized time, will be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespass. These Rules apply to all Library facilities, including but not limited to the Central Library, Branch Libraries, and the Bookmobile.
Persons using Library facilities shall not
1. Make loud or unnecessary sounds or noises which disturb the quiet of the Library, other persons, or Library staff.
2. Loiter, which is defined as remaining in the Library without reading, studying, or using Library materials or facilities or being engaged in Library-related activities. Persons not using the Library shall leave the premises.
3. Harass, intimidate, disturb, or threaten any person by word or act, or interfere with any other person's use of the Library facilities by behaving in any manner which reasonably can be expected to disturb other persons or interfere with their use of the Library. Examples of such behavior include but are not limited to, fighting, staring at another person, following another person, singing or unwelcome talking to others or in monologues.
4. Use tobacco products, or possess or consume food or beverages. However beverages in capped or covered containers (for example, coffee cups with plastic tops or water bottles with caps) may be possessed and consumed and food or beverages may be consumed at library events when authorized.
5. Enter the Library barefoot or without wearing a shirt.
6. Sleep, solicit or beg.
7. Possess any weapon including but not limited to any firearm, knife with a blade longer than three (3) inches, any switchblade or mechanically operated knife, blackjack, brass or metal knuckles, bar, club, or bludgeon. Exception – law enforcement and security personnel.
8. Damage Library property.
9. Possess, consume or be under the influence of any intoxicant or any controlled substance (except as may be authorized by prescription.)
10. Bring any animal into the facilities, except service animals and animals brought into the Library in connection with Library programs.
11. Operate any personal electronic device or any other device that any other person can hear or that interferes with another person's use of the Library.
12. Have bodily hygiene so offensive as to constitute a nuisance to other persons.
13. Throw any thing or item, spit, use squirt guns, leave debris or waste materials in or on the study tables or in any other place except designated waste receptacles, or engage in any other conduct which is inconsistent with Library uses or activities.
14. Engage in public displays of affection, disrobe (completely or partially), or engage in sexual activity.
15. Bring into the public area of the Library, or possess or control while in the public area of the Library, any large bag or bags or other large items, including but not limited to suitcases, duffle bags, large backpacks, bedrolls, blankets, and plastic garbage bags. Diaper bags and bags measuring 10" x 16" x 24" or smaller are permitted.
16. Violate any of these Rules of Conduct or fail to follow posted policies, directives, or procedures, including but not limited to the Library's Internet and Computer Use Policy.
17. Refuse or fail to leave the Library facilities after having been requested to do so for violating these Rules.
Implementation of Policy
Any person who violates Rules 3, 7, 8, 13, or 14, or who repeatedly (two or more times) violates any other Rule, may be denied access to the Library by the Director (or his or her designee) upon notice to the person. While the denial period is intended to be progressive, i.e., 1st violation - up to 30 days, 2nd violation - up to 60 days, 3rd violation - up to 90 days, the Director may deny access for a period of up to 1 year for any violation that significantly disrupts the operation of the Library or significantly interferes with patrons' rights to use the Library. Before denying access to any person the Director shall inform the person of the reason he or she is being denied access and give that person a reasonable opportunity to state his or her response to the proposed denial. Any person denied such access may appeal the denial to the Library Board of Trustees. An appeal to the Library Board shall not stay the Director's denial. The Library Board of Trustees shall provide the person with an opportunity to be heard before deciding the appeal and may affirm, modify, or reverse the Director's denial.