Customer Conduct Policy

Visitors should be aware that certain activities are not acceptable in the library’s public setting.

• All BCLS buildings are smoke-free. Smoking or vaping is not permitted in any area of the library and within 25 feet of the building.
• Food is not permitted in the library. Libraries that have a café may permit food in these designated areas. Food may be provided at library events and activities with pre-approval from the Events Department. Beverages in closed containers are permitted in all areas except in technology centers or areas prohibited via signage.

BCLS reserves the right to restrict the use of its facilities and premises to individuals and groups that do not adhere to standards of conduct outlined in this policy.

In order to manage its operations BCLS differentiates between two categories of behaviors.

Some examples of disruptive behavior are provided. This list is not exhaustive and staff may determine other behaviors that affect the library’s ability to provide a welcoming, safe space that is free of disruption.

Category 1:

• Engaging in any illicit or illegal activity prohibited by law.
• Physically harming or threatening to harm an individual, a group or property.
• Sexual misconduct such as exposure or inappropriate touching.
• Possessing, distributing or consuming OR being under the influence of alcoholic beverages, illicit substances or intoxicants.
• Viewing inappropriate materials on library computers, devices or on personal devices using the library network.

Category 2:

• Noisy conduct such as talking loudly in general, talking on personal devices and listening to audio or video on library or personal devices that is disruptive to others.
• Verbal or written abuse, including obscene language, racial slurs or inappropriate gestures.
• Bringing in animals except those assisting an individual with a disability.**
• Improper removal or theft of library property or personal property of others and tampering with library equipment or furnishings.
• Bathing, washing of clothes or hair, and other misuse of the restrooms.
• Leaving children unattended.
• Loitering or using the library for extended habitation or accommodation including sleeping for an unreasonable length of time.
• Misusing library spaces that are designated for particular users or uses such as the teen or children’s room or areas that are not meant for public use. Adults in the teen or children’s areas must be accompanying a child or teen.

** Service animals are defined by the American Disabilities Act.

For category 1 behavior(s), staff will contact law enforcement officials and individual(s) will risk immediate removal from all BCLS locations for a period of six-months.

For category 2 behavior(s), staff will ask visitor(s) to modify disruptive behavior and give the individual(s) opportunities to comply. Upon failing to do so and after reasonable and repeated requests, staff will notify law enforcement. The library will consider banning the individual for a period of three-months at that location.

Once the individual has been banned and they continue disruptive behavior at other BCLS libraries they be will be excluded from all library locations for a period of six months.

Exclusion will commence starting on the day of the incident and the individual(s) will be notified by postal and/or electronic mail. If the individual’s contact information is unavailable the letter will be given to them at their next visit.

Appeals

A decision to prohibit visits may be appealed in writing or via email to the Director within 10 calendar days of the notification. The appeal must outline why the visitor’s privileges should be restored. The Director will respond to the appeal in writing or by email within 10 business days of the date the appeal was received. The exclusion will be in effect until the Director has reviewed the appeal and issued a decision.

Unattended Children

An unattended child is defined as a minor of any age whose safety would be endangered if they were without guardians on library premises.

1. Children ages 11 and younger should have an adult or caregiver within sight and sound range at all times.
2. Caregivers must be at least 16 years of age. They do not need to be related to the child.
3. The adult/caregiver is responsible for the actions of the children in their care. Library staff cannot take responsibility for the care of any child.
4. Children ages 12 to 15 should not be left unattended in the library for extended periods of time. The allowable length of time will be determined by a staff member and will depend on the age and conduct of the child.
5. Staff are empowered to administer this policy as needed, including when the child’s safety is at risk or when the child is behaving in a disruptive manner.

Intervention: If a child age 15 or younger has been left unattended in the library, staff are authorized to take necessary steps to remediate the situation. Staff will attempt to contact the parent or guardian. If the parent or guardian is unreachable staff will call local authorities. The steps are applicable for a lost or unattended child who is over age 15, if the staff member believes that the safety of the child requires it.

Individuals with Mental or Cognitive Disabilities

The library welcomes visitors of all abilities. However, individuals with mental or cognitive disabilities may create extraordinary situations due to behavioral issues that affect library operations or use of library services by others. When the safety of others is compromised the individual will be asked to correct their behavior.

Intervention: Staff will take reasonable interventions and/or work with a family member or aide to manage the behavior(s).

Visitors requesting a reasonable modification due to a disability, health reasons or special circumstances may contact the Director for an accommodation. The inquiry must state the reason for the request, a justification and the time period that the accommodation is needed. Accommodations will not be offered when the individual(s) pose a direct threat to another individual or the library's ability to provide service.