Adopted by the Eagle Public Library Board of Trustees, December 20, 2023
Purpose
The purpose of the Eagle Public Library’s Code of Conduct is to maintain a safe and pleasant environment for all library guests. It also ensures access to library facilities, the safety of guests, staff, and the protection of the library collection, equipment and facility. Library guests unwilling to modify unacceptable behavior (as outlined below) will be asked to leave the premises. Police will be called when conduct is illegal, when a threat is posed to the Library or individuals, or when an individual refuses to follow library policies or refuses to leave the Library when requested to do so.
Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- verbally or physically assaulting, harassing, or abusing either guests or Library staff;
- following, stalking, or photographing any individual;
- inappropriate public displays of affection;
- viewing pornographic material;
- being under the influence of, consuming, possessing, or selling of alcoholic beverages or any controlled substance;
- using a cell phone, pager, audio player, or other electronic device in a manner that disrupts library operations;
- running or other boisterous behavior;
- bringing animals into the Library with the exception of service animals and animals for library programs;.
- bringing bicycles inside the Library (park and secure bicycles outside [a bicycle component, collapsed scooters, roller blades, or skate boards may be carried into the building and stored so they are not an obstacle or trip hazard]);
- smoking or using other tobacco products or electronic vaping or smoking devices such as e-cigarettes;
- eating or bringing food into the Library (beverages may be brought into the Library only in containers with appropriate lids);
- sleeping or loitering;
- using restrooms for bathing, shampooing, or doing laundry;
- having offensive body hygiene which disturbs others;
- campaigning, petitioning, interviewing , survey taking, soliciting, posting notices, fundraising, or selling, unless authorized by the Library Director or designee;
- destroying, defacing, or stealing the property of either guests, Library staff, or the Library;
- violating any federal law, state law, or city ordinance;
- possession of a firearm or deadly weapon (as defined by Idaho Code) unless expressly permitted by law;
- or, any behavior which infringes on the rights or safety of others to use or work in the Library.
The Library is not responsible for unattended children or for the personal property of library guests.
Guest-Between-Guest Disputes
In cases of guest between guest disputes, the involved guests are highly encouraged to resolve the matter between themselves. If matters escalate to include library staff, library staff will be the sole determiners of:
- staff level of involvement (if any), and
- whether to call law enforcement
Staff decisions will be final.
Repeated harassment of staff by complaining guests when staff have previously determined that there is no issue, will be considered harassment of the staff and the complaining guest will be considered in violation of this policy.
Enforcement
The Library reserves the right to require anyone violating the Eagle Public Library’s Code of Conduct to leave the Library. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in the loss of library privileges up to, and including, suspension of library privileges, legal action or criminal prosecution. Bans of more than one day must be authorized by the Library Director or designee.
Library guests who have their Library use privileges suspended may appeal in writing to the Library Director to have their Library privileges restored. The appeal must be submitted to the Director within fifteen (15) days from the date of suspension or, for a suspension period consisting of less than fifteen (15) days, anytime prior to the expiration of the suspension period. Any appeal submitted after fifteen (15) days from the date of the suspension will not be considered. The Library Director or the Director’s designee shall review a timely written appeal and provide the patron with a written decision within ten (10) business days of the receipt of the appeal. The banned library guest may appeal the Director’s decision to the Eagle Public Library Board of Trustees in writing within twenty (20) days of the date of said decision. The Board shall review the appeal and the Director’s written decision along with any other relevant documentation and will deliberate on the matter. The written decision of the Board shall be provided to the library patron and the Director within forty-five (45) days of the appeal to the Board. The suspension of privilege to use the Library will remain in effect throughout this appeal process.
Questions about this policy or about actions taken by the Library may be addressed to the Library Director or the Library Board of Trustees. The above rules are based on powers granted to a public library’s Board of Trustees under Idaho Code 33-2607 and is available for inspection in the Library.
Amendment of Policy
The Board of Trustees of the Eagle Public Library reserves the right to review and amend this policy at any time.