Public Behavior in Library Policy

View Board-Approved Policy (PDF)

This webpage has been formatted for easier online reading. The PDF is the official policy document approved by the Board of Trustees.

Statement of Policy

The Hudson Library and Historical Society is committed to ensuring that its customers’ Library experience is positive and free from safety concerns. To achieve that end, the Library requires users be engaged in activities associated with the use of the facility and its services. Disruptive behaviors can have a chilling effect and will not be tolerated. Library users who violate this policy may be subject to suspension of their Library privileges, be barred from the Library and/or face legal action.

Regulation

In situations where the Library feels the health, safety or security of its users or employees is threatened, staff may take any and all appropriate measures including, but not limited to, calling the police for assistance to resolve the situation.

Library staff may ask a user to leave the premises with or without warning, depending upon the severity of the offense. Library staff may also exclude a user from the Hudson Library. If the seriousness of the offense requires a suspension, the user will be notified by registered mail. Any user whose Library privileges are suspended under these rules has a right to appeal such action. In such instances the Library Director will review the appeal and will render a decision within a reasonable time frame.

Guidelines

Library users must adhere to these rules of conduct and not engage in the following prohibited behaviors:

Illegal Activities, including but not limited to the following:

• Committing or attempts to commit any action that constitutes a violation of any federal, state or local statute/ordinance
• Carrying and/or using weapons on Library property (guns, knives, bomb-making materials)
• Engaging in sexual conduct or lewd behavior on Library premises, as defined under the ORC (Title 37, Chapter 3767)
• Using or selling controlled substances on Library property
• Smoking or using other tobacco products on Library property
• Drinking alcoholic beverages on Library property (except in the case of an after-hours Library-sponsored event)

Harmful, Disruptive or Destructive Behavior, including but not limited to:

• Engaging in conduct that disrupts or interferes with the normal operation of the Library, or disturbs staff and Library users. Such conduct includes:
  • The use of abusive or threatening language or gestures. This harassing action can also include inappropriate staring, following or stalking
  • The creation of unreasonable noise which interferes with customer’s use of the Library
  • Photography, filming or recording other patrons without their consent
  • Loud or boisterous behavior/talking or the use of a cell phone on the second floor of the Library (Cell phone conversations on the first floor should be made quietly and be kept short)
  • Interference with Staff – Includes engaging in conversation/behaviors that monopolizes staff attention or making inappropriate personal comments/sexual advances
• Using Library materials, equipment, furniture, fixtures or the building in a destructive, abusive or potentially damaging manner, in a manner likely to cause personal injury to any person or in any other manner inconsistent with the customary use
• Disobeying the reasonable direction of Library staff
• Solicitation (see Library Solicitation Policy)
• Interfering with the free passage of staff or users onto Library property including, but not limited to, placing objects such as bicycles, strollers, shopping carts or bags in such a manner as to impede the free passage onto the premises.
• Use of scooters, roller-skates or similar wheeled devices
• Use of an open flame or any burning/heating device

Other Inappropriate Behavior

• Bringing animals other than service animals or animals used for Library programming into the building
• Consuming food in the Library except for designated areas or at a special event(s) sanctioned by the Library. Drinking from a non-lidded beverage is also not allowed
• Entering unauthorized non-public workspaces
• Violating the Library’s Technology Use Policy
• Sleeping on Library property (except during a Library-endorsed event)
• Using emergency exits other than in an emergency situation
• Committing vandalism (destruction of library materials or furniture)
• Entering the Library with bare feet or chest
• Disturbing others because of offensive body odor/overpowering perfume/cologne
• Using the Hudson Library and Historical Society restrooms for bathing, shaving, washing hair, laundry, or changing clothes
• Exhibiting unhygienic behavior such as spitting, clipping nails, or changing diapers in public areas
• Leaving personal belongings unattended

Adopted: 12/2013