Note: This policy applies to all library locations, the Main Library in Columbus and the Saluda Branch Library, as well as the Bookmobile.
Disruptive Behavior
It is the policy of the Polk County Public Library to offer the full range of library service to all residents of the community, regardless of age, sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion, economic status, etc. It is the intent of the library to provide its services with a minimum of regulations and restrictions, adopting only those which are absolutely essential to the library's operation.
The library recognizes that the users of the library are in fact the owners of the library. As user-owners, the public has certain expectations of the library. These include an outstanding collection of library materials; pleasant, attractive surroundings; and courteous, efficient and effective service from the staff.
Library users have a right to assume that visits to the library will be free from harassment; free from physical discomfort and danger; free from psychological and emotional stress.
The library staff has basically the same rights. Each member of the staff should be able to do his/her work free of harassment, abuse, discomfort, and undue psychological stress.
The rights of both the public and the staff are sometimes violated by the attitudes and behavior of a very small minority of persons.
- It shall therefore be the Policy of the Library Board of Trustees to maintain in the library system a quiet, pleasant environment conducive to serious study as well as casual use. To assure the successful implementation of this policy, the Board considers the following to be unacceptable*:
Loud conversation or laughter which is disturbing to other users.
Obscene or abusive language.
Smoking in any part of either Library, the Bookmobile or Isothermal Campus.
Consumption of food or beverages outside of sanctioned library events.
Use of cell phones and/or pagers inside the building.
Use of radios, iPods, etc., if not using headphones.
Willful destruction of or damage to any library property.
Bringing animals other than service animals into the building or tying them outside.
Removal of any library property from the building without properly borrowing it.
Soliciting or selling of any kind.
Distribution of leaflets or posting of notices without permission.
Use of library telephones by any person other than library staff unless approved.
Following staff or users around the building, or any other harassing behavior.
Blocking or in any way interfering with the free movement of any users or staff.
Rearranging of any library furniture or equipment.
Carrying unauthorized weapons of any sort.
Engaging in disorderly conduct, committing a nuisance, or unreasonably disturbing and offending library users.
*A copy of these unacceptable behaviors in the Library is posted on the Library’s bulletin board. (See Appendix: A).
Special Note on Theft Detection:
The Library uses a theft detection system to protect materials from theft.
If the theft detection system sounds an alarm as a patron leaves, library staff members will advise the patron that a detection system has been activated and briefly explain to the patron that a target label placed in library materials may have activated the system. The library staff members will then offer the patron the opportunity for the patron to check his or her own carrying case/materials to ascertain whether any such activated material was mistakenly placed in the patron’s possession or carrying case.
Library staff members may look but not touch patrons or their possessions.
If the patron will not open his/her carrying case, the patron will be asked to state the basis of his/her refusal. The Library Director or his/her designee may be called who will again ask the patron for permission to look in his/her carrying case.
If the patron continues to refuse access to his/her carrying case, the staff member or Library Director (or his/her designee) will inform the patron that they will inform the appropriate police authority.
NORTH CAROLINA LAWS PERTAINING TO THE DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR POLICY
G.S. 14-33 Misdemeanor assaults, batteries and affrays.
G.S. 14-76 Larceny, mutilation, or destruction of public records and papers.
G.S. 14-127 Willful and wanton injury to real property.
G.S. 14-132 Disorderly conduct in and injuries to public buildings and facilities.
G.S. 14-134 Trespass on land after being forbidden
G.S. 14-190.9 Indecent exposure.
G.S. 14-204.1 Loitering for the purpose of engaging in prostitution offense.
G.S. 14-269 Carrying concealed weapons.
G.S. 14-277.1 Communicating threats.
G.S. 14-398 Theft or destruction of property of public libraries, museums, etc.
G.S. 153A-266 Powers and duties of trustees.
Librarians should also be familiar with applicable local ordinances.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, April 14, 1994
Policy last updated/modified on October 19, 2006
Appendix A:
Welcome to the Polk County Public Library
We hope that you enjoy the time you spend here! To make everyone’s experience a pleasant one, we do ask for your cooperation by avoiding:
Loud conversation or laughter which is disturbing to other users.
Obscene or abusive language.
Smoking in any part of the Library, the Bookmobile or Isothermal Campus.
Consumption of food or beverages outside of sanctioned library events.
Use of cell phones and/or pagers inside the building.
Use of radios, iPods, etc., if not using headphones.
Willful destruction of or damage to any library property.
Bringing animals other than service animals into the building or tying them outside.
Removal of any library property from the building without properly borrowing it.
Soliciting or selling of any kind.
Distribution of leaflets or posting of notices without permission.
Use of library telephones by any person other than library staff unless approved.
Following staff or users around the building, or any other harassing behavior.
Blocking or in any way interfering with the free movement of any users or staff.
Rearranging of any library furniture or equipment.
Carrying unauthorized weapons of any sort.
Engaging in disorderly conduct, committing a nuisance, or unreasonably disturbing and offending library users.
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