Code of Conduct

1. POLICY
   Dayton Metro Library strives to provide a clean, comfortable and safe environment for patrons and staff, and to protect facilities, equipment and materials. Conduct that violates the safety of others, threatens to damage property, or disturbs the comfortable atmosphere of the facility are prohibited. Failure to comply with a reasonable request from staff or guards may result in an individual being required to leave Library premises. Repeated and blatant disregard of the Library’s Code of Conduct may result in banishment from Library facilities or arrest and prosecution.
   
   
2. REGULATIONS
   1. If a patron complains about the behavior, belongings or personal hygiene of another patron, staff or guards will approach the offending patron and request that the behavior end, belongings be removed, or the hygiene situation be rectified.
      
      
   2. If a staff member or guard becomes aware that the behavior, belongings or personal hygiene of a patron is inappropriate, staff or guards will approach the offending patron and request that the behavior end, belongings be removed, or the hygiene situation be rectified.
      
      
   3. The following behaviors and actions are examples of conduct not allowed on Library property:
      
      Conduct which disturbs others or interferes with any person’s comfort or safety
      
      
      • Be disruptive, disorderly, use profanity, verbally or physically threaten or harass patrons or staff
      • Use cell phones or play audio equipment in a loud or disturbing manner
      • Run or walk in a manner that disturbs others
      • View sexually explicit images on the Internet or violate the Library’s Internet Acceptable Use Policy
      • Sleep
      • Panhandle or solicit for sales or charity
      • Petition or distribute non-Library approved materials
      • Congregate on Library premises in a manner which obstructs access or interferes with use of Library facilities or services or where such activity may result in an unsafe or intimidating environment.
      
      

      Conduct towards Library property and facilities

      • Steal, destroy, deface or abuse Library facilities or property
      • Eat or drink in restricted areas
      • Fail to dispose of trash in proper receptacles

      
      

      Conduct relating to personal property

      • Leave packages, backpacks, luggage, or any other personal item unattended
      • Enter Library buildings with backpacks or luggage which measure more than 18”W x 18”H x 24”D
        
        

      Conduct which violates local, state, and federal statutes

      • Possess anything that is unsafe, including firearms or other weapons
      • Smoke or use tobacco products inside the building, on library property, or within twenty five feet of an entrance or operable window.
      • Be under the influence, consume, or possess alcohol or illegal substances
      • Violate any local ordinance or state or federal statute
        
        

      Conduct relating to health and hygiene

      • Show signs of offensive hygiene issues, including body odor and infestation
      • E-cigarettes and spit tobacco, also known as smokeless, dip, chew, and snuff, in any form
      • Bathe or clean personal items
      • Enter Library premises without shirt or shoes
      • Bring into the Library pets or animals other than certified service animals necessary for those with disabilities
      • Disregards public safety guidelines during a recognized public health emergency
        
        

      Conduct relating to children

      • Leave children eight years and under unattended
      • Attempt to solicit interaction with any minor by adults
        
        
   4. The Library reserves the right to restrict the use of its facilities and premises to persons who do not abide by the Library’s Code of Conduct.  Library personnel or guards may ask persons who are exhibiting inappropriate behavior to modify their behavior.  Library staff or guards may ask adults using spaces intended for youth to vacate as needed.