Code of Conduct

  1. POLICY
    Dayton Metro Library supports the rights of all individuals to use Library facilities. Dayton Metro Library strives to provide a 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 disrupts the use of the library are prohibited. Failure to comply with a reasonable request from staff or Safety and Protective Services officers may result in an individual being required to leave Library premises. Repeated and blatant disregard of the Library Code of Conduct may result in being banished from Library facilities, arrested, or prosecuted to ensure the safety of and respect for all Library patrons.
  2.  REGULATIONS
    1. If a patron complains about the behavior, belongings, or personal hygiene of another patron, staff Safety and Protective Services officers will review the situation and determine a course of action up to and including removal.
    2. If a staff member or a Safety and Protective Services officer becomes aware that the behavior, belongings, or personal hygiene of a patron that does not adhere to the Library Code of Conduct, staff or Safety and Protective Services officers will review the situation and determine a course of action up to and including removal from all Library facilities.
    3. The following behaviors and actions of conduct not allowed on Library property include but are not limited to:
      • Conduct which disturbs others or interferes with any person’s safety and well-being:  
        • Be disruptive, disorderly, excessive use of profanity, verbally or physically threaten or harass patrons or staff
        • Posturing or attempting to provoke a fight, physically and/or verbally
        • Use cell phones or play audio equipment in a disruptive manner
        • Run or walk in a manner that is an unsafe or disruptive use of the Library
        • 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
      • 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 trash receptacles
        • Fail to clean a Library area used or maintain the cleanliness of an area to the standard of upkeep prior to use.
      • Conduct relating to personal property:  
        • Leave packages, backpacks, luggage, or any other personal item unattended
        • Enter Library buildings with carts intended to convey personal property with metal wheels or of excessive weight (excluding wheelchairs or other devices intended to support mobility).
      • 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 illegal substances
        • Be under the influence, consume, or possess an open container of alcohol on Library premises
        • Violate any local ordinance or state or federal statute
      • Conduct relating to health and hygiene:  
        • Show signs of pervasive hygiene issues, including body odor and infestation
        • E-cigarettes and spit tobacco, also known as smokeless, dip, chew, and snuff, in any form
        • Clean personal items or bathe in multi-user restrooms
        • 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
        • Adults attempting to solicit or engage any minor who is not under their care. This does not include Library staff, volunteers, Safety and Protective Services officers, or law enforcement.
    4. The Library reserves the right to restrict the use of its facilities and premises to persons who do not adhere to the Library Code of Conduct. Library staff or Safety and Protective Services officers may ask persons who do not adhere to the Library Code of Conduct to modify their behavior or leave the premises. Library staff or Safety and Protective Services officers may ask adults using spaces intended for youth to vacate as needed.
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