Standards of Library Behavior
Clermont County Public Library Standards of Library Behavior Policy
The Clermont County Public Library is committed to providing a secure and inviting environment for use of its resources and services. To achieve this, the Library has established standards of behavior to protect the rights and safety of Library guests and employees, and to protect and preserve the resources, facilities and property of the Library. Library policies can be found at https://clermontlibrary.org/policies/.
To consistently enforce these standards of behavior, the Library has established consequences for inappropriate behavior. Persons who violate the standards of behavior may be asked to leave Library premises, may be barred from all Library premises, and/or have their Library privileges suspended for the periods of time listed below.
Parents, legal guardians, and caregivers are responsible for the conduct of their children or legal ward. The Library does not accept or assume responsibility for unattended children and law enforcement may be notified of unattended children in accordance with the Library’s Unattended Children’s Policy.
Anyone may, without prior notice or warning, be removed from the premises and subject to temporary or permanent suspension of Library privileges if his or her presence or conduct is harassing, threatening, willfully malicious, or poses a danger to any person or property.
Failure to leave if asked or failure to abide with the suspension, restriction and/or eviction imposed may be viewed as criminal trespassing and violators will be prosecuted.
Persons committing criminal acts on Library premises, or using Library resources in violation of the law, including acts of theft or vandalism may be subject to temporary or permanent suspension of Library privileges and may be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Persons convicted of damaging Library property may be held liable for full restitution.
Any person whose Library privileges are suspended or restricted or who is evicted from Library premises has the right to appeal by requesting a hearing, provided such hearing is requested by written notice addressed to the Director, Clermont County Public Library, 5920 Buckwheat Road, Milford, OH 45150, mailed no later than ten (10) calendar days after the date on which the Library’s notification of suspension, restriction and/or eviction was mailed to such person.
The Library is not responsible for personal property. Guests should not leave items unattended and do so at their own risk.
| Violations | 1st Offense | 2nd Offense Suspension | 3rd Offense Suspension | 4th Offense Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of a firearm, dangerous ordnance, and/or weapon, by anyone other than a law enforcement officer or person otherwise authorized by law, in a Library building | 6 months suspension | 1 year | 3 years | permanent |
| Non-Compliance of the Library’s Internet Use Policy | Warning/or leave | 3 months | 6 months | 1 year |
| Disruptive behavior caused by the influence of alcohol or drugs. Consumption or possession of alcohol and/or illegal drugs | Warning/or leave | 3 months | 6 months | 1 year |
| Conduct likely to cause personal injury; interferes with Library operations, access, or another person’s use of the library; or interferes with staff performance of their duties | Warning/or leave | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Disorderly, disruptive behavior; use of abusive, obscene, or excessive profanity | Warning/or leave | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Improper use of Library resources, furniture, or equipment | Warning/or leave | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Taking photographs and/or recording videos of the Library staff or guests without their permission | Warning/or leave | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| With the exception of personal vehicles; smoking, vaping, or use of any tobacco products in or on Library property | Warning/or leave | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Panhandling, petitioning, soliciting or distributing non-Library approved materials in violation of Library Policies** | Warning/or leave | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Recreational use of bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, or similar items | Warning/or leave | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Bringing animals into the Library, with the exception of service animals or as allowed at a Library approved event | Warning | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Entering non-public areas of Library premises, such as staff workrooms, without prior permission | Warning | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Consumption of food in the Library, except in designated areas or during scheduled events | Warning | 1 day | 1 week | 2 weeks |
| Talking above acceptable noise levels, making unreasonable noise, running, use of profane language, etc. | Warning | 1 day | 1 week | 2 weeks |
| Sleeping, bathing, or washing clothing | Warning | 1 day | 1 week | 2 weeks |
| Offensive and pervasive odor, or posing a health or sanitary risk | Must immediately leave the Library premises and may not return until problem is corrected | |||
| Wearing swimsuits or other revealing or distracting clothing, no shoes or no shirt | Must immediately leave the Library premises and may not return until problem is corrected | |||
** Members of the public MAY solicit signatures on a petition on the sidewalk OUTSIDE the facility provided they are not interfering with access to or use of the Library.
Last Reviewed:
6/2/22
By: By-Law and Policy Review Committee
Approval
History:
Approved by the Board of Trustees on Sept. 21, 2009; Updated by the Board of Trustees on July 8, 2013; Revised by the Board of Trustees on June 11, 2018; September 20, 2021; and June 27, 2022