Northland Public Library Behavior Policy
The patrons using Northland Public Library and its resources expect a safe, comfortable environment that supports appropriate library services.
This means:
- No disruptive behavior.
- The use of tobacco products, including electronic and vapor cigarettes is not allowed in the building or within 15 feet of the building.
- The use of illegal drugs and unapproved use of alcohol is not permitted.
- The use of profanity or abusive language will not be tolerated.
- Children under the age of 5 must be within arm’s reach of their parent/caregiver.
- No one under the age of 10 may be left unattended in the library without a parent/care-giver (at least 16 years of age) present on the same floor.
- No solicitation to be conducted on library property.
Disruptive behavior may include: loud talking, running and jumping, playing inappropriate games, throwing objects, horseplay, pushing and shoving, that may result in disturbing other patrons, injury to patrons or staff or damage to library property, abusive language and behavior towards staff, inappropriate use of personal electronic devices or any other behavior that, in the view of library staff, hinders or precludes the legitimate use of the library and its resources.
Staff members will, unless the behavior is physically endangering, abusive to staff or other patrons, follow a 3-step process as outlined below:
Step 1: Individual will be warned about the disruptive behavior and directed to cease.
Step 2: Individual will be warned again, with the additional message that if a third warning is needed, they will be asked to leave the building.
Step 3: Individual is asked to leave the building. If individual refuses to leave, inform them that the police will be called and they will be charged with trespassing and/or disturbing the peace and/or any other appropriate statute.
Any person expelled shall forfeit all library privileges for a period of up to one (1) year per occurrence at the discretion of the Executive Director; subject to review by the Board of Directors upon application by the expelled individual. The period of loss of library privileges may be adjusted by the Executive Director depending on the nature of the disturbance. Repeated violations will be dealt with by the Board of Directors on an individual basis.
If, in the judgment of a library staff member, an individual’s behavior is unmanageable, abusive or indicates a threat of physical harm to library employees, patrons, or property, the staff should execute Step 3 immediately or call the police immediately. Under no circumstances is a staff member to lay hands upon the subject except to prevent injury to staff or patrons. If an individual is under 18 years of age and cannot safely leave the library to return home on their own, staff should permit the child to contact a parent or guardian.
Approved June 27, 2017
Rev 1/24/2023
Rev 1/23/2024
