Customer Code of Conduct Policy

Board Policy
DATE REVIEWED:   08/19/2024
DATE APPROVED:  08/19/2024
EFFECTIVE DATE:  08/26/2024
REPLACING POLICY EFFECTIVE:  03/18/2024           

In order to provide a comfortable environment for use of the Pickerington Public Library (PPL) and on the Library’s websites, the rules for customer behavior are listed below.  The term customer addresses anyone on or utilizing Library property. Any individual who repeatedly violates the Library rules and regulations shall be denied the privilege of access to the Library by the Board of Trustees. Specific violations with lengths of eviction are outlined in Appendix A. Any individual whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the board.

The board authorizes the Library Director to bring to the attention of law enforcement authorities the identity of and circumstances involving those individuals who violate these rules. Individuals who have been evicted may be required to discuss the violation with a manager, or a member of the Library’s Executive Leadership Team before being readmitted. Juveniles may be required to bring a parent or guardian for such a conference.

Any individual evicted from the Library has the right to appeal that eviction by following the steps outlined in the Eviction Procedure.

The Library’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) has the responsibility for maintaining order in the Library and enforcing the established rules. The ELT will maintain a Code of Conduct and ensure that the Customer Code of Conduct is posted prominently and communicated to Library customers in electronic and print formats. Library employees are authorized to bring to an individual’s attention any act or omission which violates these rules and detracts from the decorum of the Library.  Such an individual will be asked to change the problem behavior to conform to the rules.  If such change is not evident or forthcoming, that individual will be asked to leave the Library property in accordance to Appendix A of the Customer Code of Conduct.  Failure to leave, if asked, will result in the police being summoned.  A violation of section 2911.21 of the Ohio Revised Code (Criminal Trespass) will be considered if the individual does not leave of their own accord. 

Any misconduct that hinders the use of Library materials or services, that disturbs the use of the Library by other customers or Library staff, or endangers the safety of the customer in question or other customers or Library staff, is prohibited.  The rules of conduct include but are not limited to:

1. Appropriate attire, including a fastened/closed shirt must be worn.
2. Children under the age of twelve must be accompanied by an adult. Responsibility for all children (under the age of 18) using the Library rests with the parent/guardian or assigned chaperone, not with the Library personnel.
3. Customers must abide by the Library’s Computer & Internet Usage Policy.
4. Customers shall promptly leave the building at closing time or in an emergency.
5. Personal items are the sole responsibility of the owner. They should not be left unattended.
6. Behavior that interferes with Library services and activities is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Unreasonable noise (including radios and ringing/musical tones played by cell phones) or loud talking which interferes with the rights of others
• Physical or verbal abuse of Library customers or staff
• Profanity or other abusive language toward other Library customers or toward employees
• Harassing others, either verbally or through actions. Deliberate repeated behavior that is intimidating, hostile, offensive, or adversely impacts staff work performance
• Fighting on Library property
• Roughhousing or running in the building
• Misuse of Library furnishings, restroom facilities, materials, or equipment
• Unauthorized removal or attempted removal of materials (liable to prosecution —see Ohio Revised Code 2935.041)
• Animals in the building, except service animals or those used in programs authorized by Library staff
• Any illegal activity
• Gambling, panhandling, soliciting money, any activity for personal profit
• Trespassing, such as entering or remaining on premises after closing, or failing to leave property for violating the code of conduct
• Engaging in or soliciting a sexual act
• Consuming food or beverages while using Library technology
• Excluding programming, consuming food outside of designated areas of the Library (The Director shall determine designated areas)
• Offensive odors including but not limited to body odor
• Bathing, shaving, or washing clothes on Library premises
• Smoking, chewing tobacco, or using electronic cigarettes
• Other acts disruptive to customers or staff

The Library does not permit weapons of any kind, either concealed or in plain view, in its facilities pursuant Ohio Revised Code, Section 2923, unless the owner of the weapon is a law enforcement officer.

The Library recognizes that Ohio Law gives all individuals the right to own, possess, transport, carry, and keep a knife for purposes of personal protection and other legitimate uses (e.g., hunting and sporting activities), and establishes that such right shall not be subject to any license, permission, restriction, delay or process other than those which are imposed by the U.S. Constitution, the Ohio Constitution or applicable state or federal law. Therefore, while knives are allowed on library property, the library reserves the right to prohibit the brandishing of knives, using a knife to threaten or intimidate others, or using knives in any unsafe manner that could reasonably result in personal injury or property damage.

Filming and photography are allowed as described below only to the extent that they do not interfere with the mission of PPL or delivery of library services.

Public library facilities and grounds are defined as limited public forums subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. Sidewalks around our libraries are traditional public forums, defined as places held in trust of the public to use for free speech and other activities protected by the First Amendment.

PPL is within its rights to limit filming and photography on library properties or inside facilities when such restrictions serve library purposes. Foremost of these is ensuring the right of PPL customers to acquire knowledge and information freely and confidentially without scrutiny, intimidation, or distraction by others.

PPL may film, photograph, or record library-sponsored programs or events at its discretion.

The Library reserves the right to inform law enforcement if any customer appears to be under the influence of any controlled substance.

The Library reserves the right to limit the number of individuals who may gather together where ingress and egress are blocked.

The above rules are based on powers granted to a public Library Board of Trustees under the Ohio Revised Code, Section 3375.40(H).  They will be posted prominently in the Library building.

With everyone’s cooperation with the above policy, the Library will continue to be a pleasant environment for our customers and visitors.

The Board of Trustees of the Pickerington Public Library reserves the right to change this policy without notice.

Appendix A
Customer Code of Conduct