Harbor Springs Library Patron Behavior Policy
Purpose
In order to ensure that the Harbor Springs Library facilities are safe, welcoming, and provide equitable access to materials and services for all patrons, users of the library must abide by the following rules of conduct.
Rules of Conduct
The following types of disruptive behavior will not be tolerated in the library:
- Any behavior that endangers the safety or health of others.
- Violation of any local, state, or federal law.
- Vandalism or deliberate destruction of library materials.
- Theft of library materials or the personal property of other patrons and staff.
- Use of abusive or intimidating language or gestures to patrons or staff members.
- Behavior that is willfully annoying, harassing, or threatening to another person.
- Monopolizing library resources or staff time.
- Excessive noise, horseplay, or use of audio equipment or cell phones that could disturb other patrons.
- Use of alcohol, cigarettes, vape pens, or any illegal substances in the library or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.
- Poor hygiene that constitutes a nuisance.
- Other kinds of behavior deemed inappropriate in the opinion of the director or staff.
- Leaving children under the age of 8 unattended on library premises. (See the following)
Response to Infractions
Violation of these rules of conduct can result in expulsion from the library and forfeiture of library privileges. Minor violations will result in a warning. If violations continue, a staff member may order library users to leave the premises for the day. However, any conduct that threatens the life or safety of any person or that is damaging to library property may result in immediate and indefinite expulsion. Staff will contact the Harbor Springs Police Department to respond to such situations, including a patron’s refusal to leave when told by staff to do so.
Rules Concerning Minors in the Library, their Behavior and Supervision, and Selection of Materials
The Harbor Springs Library welcomes children. Parents or caregivers are responsible for their child’s safety and behavior while in the library whether the parent/caregiver is present or not. Library employees do not function as caregivers. The Harbor Springs Library assumes neither responsibility nor liability for the actions, care, supervision, or safety of minors.
For the safety of children, a caregiver over the age of twelve must accompany children under the age of eight when they are using the Harbor Springs Library. This individual must supervise, guide, and control the behavior of their charges at all times, including during storytime or other children’s programming.
If a child under the age of eight is left alone in the library after closing, the librarian on duty will attempt to contact the parent or caregiver, and if they are unable to, will notify the police and leave a note on the door for the parent or caregiver.
The Harbor Springs Library is not responsible for a minor’s selection of library materials. The library believes it is the right and responsibility of a parent or guardian to determine what is appropriate material in order to meet personal family standards and guidelines. Therefore, parents are encouraged to accompany their children and to select material with their children or review their children’s selections.
This policy was adopted on August 8, 2019
