Patron Conduct Code
2.6 Patron Conduct Code (Covers conduct on grounds and in library buildings)
In order that everyone who comes to our libraries may feel safe and comfortable, and have equal access to the facilities, equipment, collections, and services, the following guidelines for personal conduct are outlined. Patrons are expected to be respectful of others by complying with these.
In particular, the following conduct is prohibited:
1) Discharge of any projectile on library property.
2) Theft, destruction or injury to library equipment or property; or, using library equipment in a manner other than that intended by the manufacturer or Library District.
3) Engaging in behavior which is disruptive or potentially harmful to other patrons or staff including but not limited to: verbally intimidating or threatening staff or other patrons; verbally harassing staff or other patrons, or physically harassing staff or other patrons by following, staring at, or photographing them; making unreasonable noise; or engaging in loud, offensive, or boisterous behavior or talking.
4) Bringing an animal to the Library other than a service animal, or leaving an animal unattended on library property.
5) Using cellular telephones, radios or other sound-producing devices in a manner capable of being heard by staff or patrons, other than those needed to accommodate a disability (applies only in the library building).
6) Soliciting or selling items without permission.
7) Sleeping or lying down.
8) Intentional misuse of any library computer (as defined in the Internet Use Policy), or of library copiers, phones, or other equipment.
9) Running in the library, or climbing on shelves, furnishings, or outside structures in ways for which they were not designed.
10) Impeding the free movement of persons into or out of the Library.
11) Smoking in the library building or within 25 feet of building entrances.
12) Using wheeled devices such as bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, or the like inside the library building or on the entry area immediately surrounding the building other than those required to accommodate a disability.
13) Blocking access to the main entry or any exit with wheeled devices such as bicycles or strollers.
14) Consuming food or beverages other than water except at library authorized functions.
15) Having an odor which unreasonably interferes with the ability of staff or patrons to use the library.
16) Being in the library barefoot or without a shirt.
17) Washing clothes or bathing in the restrooms.
18) Gambling on library property.
19) Bringing large parcels or pieces of luggage into the library which interfere with the free passage of persons or equipment.
20) Possession of alcohol except at library authorized functions.
21) Being in the library or on library grounds while intoxicated.
22) Entering non-public areas of the building without permission.
23) Leaving a child under 8 unattended at the library.
Conduct in violation of Federal, Idaho, or local laws on LCLD property may result in loss of library privileges and will be reported to law enforcement authorities.
Approved November 2004; Revised April 2006, November 2008, March 2010, March 2019
2.6.1 Enforcement
Staff members are expected to use their discretion to resolve conduct issues that unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of the library by staff and patrons. If a violation of the Conduct Code, Unattended Children Policy, or Internet Use Policy cannot be resolved informally or is of such a serious nature that, in the opinion of the staff member, immediate enforcement action is warranted, the staff member may ask a patron to leave the library or may terminate the patron’s use of library computer equipment for the day.
Repeated or serious violations or refusal to comply when asked by a staff member to leave the library or relinquish control of a library computer may result in being barred from the library or denied use of library computers for a period of time not exceeding thirty (30) days. Refusal to comply with a staff member’s request to leave or terminate use of library computer equipment may also result in law enforcement being called for assistance.
The LCLD Director has sole authority to work with law enforcement to issue a trespass order, which may last for up to one (1) year.
A staff person who takes an action under this policy shall document the action in writing on a form to be approved by the Director.
Approved November 2004; Revised April 2006, November 2008, March 2010, March 2019, May 2019
2.6.1.a A policy for the administration, operation, and use of the libraries under control of the Board of Trustees of the Latah County Library District to contain the spread of communicable diseases
It is the policy of the LCLD Board of Trustees that the Library Director shall have the authority to regulate the manner of use of library facilities by patrons regarding any health measures deemed necessary by the Director for the mitigation or prevention of communicable diseases. Patrons who consider themselves aggrieved by any measures implemented by the Director may submit a written request to the Board of Trustees to have the measures reviewed. The Director shall forward such request to the Board chair who shall have discretion as to whether such measures should be added to the agenda of the next board meeting for review.
Approved September 29, 2021
2.6.2 Appeals
Any patron who is barred or trespassed from entering the library or from using library computers for a period of two (2) or more consecutive days may appeal the decision, in writing, to the Director. The Director may interview any party involved or witnesses and consider any other evidence available in reaching a decision which shall be communicated in writing to the patron and staff person. The patron may further appeal the Director’s decision in a writing delivered to the Chair of the Board of Trustees who shall place the issue on the agenda of the next scheduled meeting. The Board may interview any party involved or witnesses and may consider any other evidence in reaching a decision which shall be delivered in writing to all parties involved.
Approved November 2004; Revised April 2006, November 2008, March 2010, March 2019, May 2019
2.6.3 Unattended Children
LCLD is dedicated to providing services to patrons of all ages. Staff are available to assist children in using the libraries’ resources. However, it is not the role of LCLD or staff to provide child care. For liability reasons, the staff cannot take responsibility for children left alone at the library. Parents or guardians are responsible for the safety and behavior of their children at all times while in the library. For the safety and comfort of all of our patrons, LCLD has established the following policies:
1) A child who violates the patron conduct code may be asked to leave the library. If the child is unable to leave the library without supervision by a parent/responsible person, the parent/responsible person may be asked to leave the library with the child.
2) All children should carry emergency contact information at all times. In the following situations library staff may attempt to contact a child’s parent or guardian:
a. A child is found alone and frightened or crying in the library;
b. A child is alone and doing something dangerous;
c. A child violates the patron conduct code but is unable to leave the library alone;
d. A child under age 8 is left alone at the library;
e. Another person at the library seems to be a danger to the child.
f. No parent or caregiver comes at closing time to pick up a child who needs transportation to leave the library.
If the parent or guardian cannot be reached, or cannot arrange to immediately pick up their child, staff may place the child in the care of the appropriate law enforcement agency.
3) A child who repeatedly violates the patron conduct code may lose library privileges. If any of the situations described in subsection 2 occur repeatedly the child and/or the parent/responsible person may lose library privileges.
A staff person who takes an action under this policy shall document the action in writing on a form to be approved by the Director.
Approved November 2004; Revised April 2006, November 2008, March 2010, March 2019, May 2019
