As the center of learning for a diverse and inclusive community, Rock Creek Public Library encourages the use of its facilities by the people we serve. We pledge to conduct our interactions with respect and to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning and the effective delivery of library services to our patrons. In return, our patrons are asked to conduct themselves in a lawful, orderly and considerate manner.
Library Patron Conduct Policy As the center of learning for a diverse and inclusive community, Rock Creek Public Library encourages the use of its facilities by the people we serve. We pledge to conduct our interactions with respect and to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning and the effective delivery of library services to our patrons. In return, our patrons are asked to conduct themselves in a lawful, orderly and considerate manner. Section 1: Conduct Governed by Rock Creek Public Library Policy Any behavior that disrupts the orderly use of the library is prohibited. This includes, without limitation, behavior that constitutes a nuisance, or presents a safety and/or security hazard or affects the ability of the library staff to provide service to its patrons. The following actions are examples of conduct not allowed on library property: 1. Using threatening, profane, or offensive language or gestures 2. Trespassing in non-public areas 3. Blocking aisles, exits or entrances 4. Creating excessive noise or a disruption 5. Using computers, phones, and other devices at a volume that disturbs other patrons or library staff 6. Leaving packages or any other personal items unattended 7. Bringing large items into library facilities 8. Leaving a child, age six or under, unsupervised or unattended, anywhere in or on library premises 9. Monopolizing equipment, materials, or furnishings 10.Moving furniture or equipment without library authorization 11.Bringing animals into library facilities, with the exception of service animals and animals brought in for special programs 12.Furnishing false information to a library staff member or library representative 13.Being in library facilities with bare feet or without a shirt, or being otherwise attired so as to create a threat to health or safety or disrupt other patrons’ use of the library facilities 14.Using skateboards or skates on library premises 15.Bringing bicycles, scooters or carts into library facilities without permission 16.Violating the Library’s Policy on Internet and Computer Use 17.Misusing computers 18.Disabling, circumventing, or breaching library software on public computers 19.Soliciting, including, but not limited to, soliciting for money, donations, membership, or signatures 20.Posting or distributing material without permission 21.Engaging in horseplay or running 22.Using restrooms for bathing or laundry 23.Smoking or using e-cigarettes inside the library 24.Littering Section 2: Conduct Governed by Federal, State, and Local Law Patrons must comply with federal, state and local laws, including, without limitation, those that concern the following: 1. Physical harm or threat of physical harm 2. Menacing by stalking 3. Fighting 4. Selling, using or possessing alcohol or illegal drugs 5. Defacing or intentionally damaging library property 6. Theft and/or attempted theft of library property or the property of patrons and staff 7. Abusive language 8. Sexual conduct 9. Indecent exposure 10.Trespassing 11.Gambling 12.Being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs 13.Smoking 14.Computer usage 15.Sending, receiving, printing, disseminating, or displaying text or graphics which may be construed as obscene or as “harmful to juveniles” under Chapter of the Ohio Revised Code Infractions of the Law Infractions of the law may result in a patron’s expulsion from the Library, criminal prosecution, or other legal action, as appropriate. Section 3: Guidelines for Children and the Persons Responsible for Them Children are encouraged to use the Library’s resources and services, to enjoy the Library as a place of study and inquiry, and to participate in the Library’s programs. The Library encourages parents, guardians, and caregivers to use the Library with their children. Children six and under must be accompanied at all times by a responsible parent or guardian. Any child not able to travel alone must be picked up prior to closing. Disruptive juveniles may be asked to disperse or leave the Library at the librarian’s discretion. Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children, and guardians and caregivers are responsible for the behavior of the children in their care. The Library is not responsible for the safety or security of children left unattended, or the safety or security of children utilizing the Internet or electronic mail in the Library. Section 4: Enforcement The Board of Trustees of the Rock Creek Public Library has delegated to the Director and other library staff the authority to enforce the Policy on Patron Conduct. A patron who violates this policy will be notified of the portion of the policy that has been violated. A violation of this policy may result in a patron’s expulsion from the Library, criminal prosecution, or other legal action as appropriate, depending upon the severity or frequency of the violation. If possible, a patron who has violated this policy and is expelled for more than one (1) day will be given written notice of the violation called a Violation and Expulsion Notice at the time the infraction takes place. Otherwise, a Violation and Expulsion Notice shall be mailed to the patron. Section 5: Weapon Policy A. The Rock Creek Library Board of Trustees has decided that the following statement is to be posted on the entrance doors of each library facility which is its policy: “Unless otherwise authorized by law, pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), no person shall knowingly possess, have under the person’s control, convey, or attempt to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordinance onto these premises.” ORC 2923.1212 B. The Board prohibits possession of firearms by minors, the brandishing of firearms, using firearms to threaten, harass or intimidate others, and the handling of firearms in an unsafe manner that could result in personal injury or property damage. C. Enforcement of this policy will be based on the policy as stated in Section 2, subsection 4 of the library’s policies. D. As further protection, the Board grants the Director or designee the authority to call the appropriate police agency to resolve any incident that causes library personnel unease or apprehension. Appeal Rights Decisions of the Director or designees may be appealed to the Board of Trustees. A patron may request an appeal by submitting a written statement explaining why the Director’s decision should be overturned, with any supporting documentation or evidence the patron wishes the Board to consider. Statements may be mailed to: Rock Creek Public Library, 2988 High Street, Rock Creek, OH 44084. Expulsions will take effect immediately at the time of the violation, unless the patron requests an Administrative Appeal within five (5) working days from the date of the Notice, in which case the expulsion will not take effect until after the patron has had an opportunity for an Administrative Appeal, depending upon the outcome. If a patron does not request an Administrative Appeal, the patron’s expulsion will take effect at the time of violation. Expulsions will take effect immediately at the time of the violation when a patron is expelled for behavior which constitutes an immediate threat to health or safety. Approved by Rock Creek Public Library Board of Library Trustees: July 14, 2023 Revised by Rock Creek Public Library Board of Library Trustees: May 28, 2024