Patron Responsibilities and Conduct
Patron Code of Conduct
It is a patron’s responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior in order to protect his/her individual rights and the rights and privileges of other patrons. Patrons are expected to adhere to the social norms and customs associated with public places.
If a patron creates a public nuisance, that patron may be restricted from the Library and from the use of the library facilities. Limited privileges may be instituted for the following reasons:
- Damaging library property
- Stealing library materials
- Physically or verbally threatening staff or patrons
- Being disruptive
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to abide by the computer/internet policies
- Not wearing appropriate attire; i.e., shoes and shirts
- Leaving a child under the age of six unattended
An individual who violates these standards of conduct will be requested by library staff to abide by the rules. If the individual refuses to comply with the request, he/she will be asked to leave the library premises. Those who are unwilling to leave or do not leave within a reasonable amount of time, after being instructed to do so by the staff, will be considered to be trespassing and the staff will phone “911” for assistance.
The amount of time for restriction will be determined by the director, assistant director and/or the library board on the basis of the severity of the violation
Unattended Child Policy
Blackwell Public Library encourages visits by young children and it is our desire to make this important visit both memorable and enjoyable for the child. Library staff is not expected to assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the library. Therefore, it is library policy that all children under age six must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the library. Also, if the young child is attending a library program, we require the parent/responsible person to remain in the library throughout the program.
Children of all ages are encouraged to use the library for homework, recreational reading, and program attendance. The library staff realizes that the library will be noisier at busy times and that children by nature can cause more commotion. However, children (whether with parents or not) who are being continually disruptive will be given a warning that he/she must settle down or will be asked to leave the library. If after a second warning the child continues to be disruptive, he/she will be asked to leave the library. If the child needs to contact a parent, they may do so and then wait with a staff person until the parent arrives.
Telephone Use
Library patrons may ask to use the library telephone to arrange from transportation from the library. No other use of the library’s telephone lines by patrons is permitted. The calls may only be made from the circulation desk.
Patrons may not receive phone calls on library phones. If a caller asks to speak to a library patron, the staff will not confirm the patron’s presence in the library, respecting the right to privacy. The exception to this is parents seeking their children.
Permission must be given by library staff for patron telephone use. The staff member may inquire if the call is for transportation needs. If a patron uses the phone without permission, the librarian may ask the patron to end the call immediately.
All calls placed by patrons are to be completed as quickly and quietly as possible.
Patrons are not permitted to use the library telephones to place toll-free or long distance calls.
Library staff may refuse all use of the library telephones to a patron who uses the phone inappropriately or who appears to rely on the library for phone service.
Cell Phone Use
Library patrons are expected to use a quiet voice in making or receiving cell phone calls at the library. Patrons should set their phones on silent, vibrate, or a low volume ring setting so as not to disturb other patrons.
Patrons may be asked to take their phone calls outside if they disturb others in the building.
Patrons are permitted to make or receive phone calls at the circulation desk as it pertains to their business at the library.