3.3.1 — Code of Conduct

Effective: July 1, 2024
Last Reviewed: June 14, 2024

  1. Purpose

    2. The purpose of this policy is to establish an atmosphere conducive to appropriate use of the Library and its services and facilities. It also describes the situations under which a customer may be asked to leave the Library premises.

  2. Board of Library Trustees Authority

    3. Pursuant to sections 90.101 and 662.101 of the City of Jacksonville Ordinance Code, the Board of Library Trustees (BOLT) is authorized to administer and maintain a public library for the use and enjoyment of the citizens of the Consolidated Government.


  3. Customer Expectations

    4. The Library expects its customers to:

    1. Comply with all federal, state, and local laws as well as Library policies.
    2. Cooperate with staff, including but not limited to leaving at closing time, allowing belongings to be searched.
    3. Accompany any child in their care under the age of 8. Per Library policy, a parent or caregiver is responsible for the safety and well-being of their children on library property.
    4. Use Library interior and exterior spaces safely and for their intended functions. Stay out of non-public areas. Bathing is prohibited.
    5. Use covered containers when bringing beverages into library buildings and comply with posted 'No Food' and 'No Drink' zones.
    6. Attend to personal belongings. The Library is not responsible for personal belongings left in or on Library property.
    7. Wear shoes and shirts.
    8. Maintain bodily hygiene in a manner that does not constitute a nuisance to other persons.

  4. Conduct Not Permitted
    1. Conduct not permitted in the Library or on Library grounds include:
      1. Behaving in an unlawful, disruptive or potentially harmful manner, including being under the influence.
      2. Harassing or speaking abusively to Library staff or customers.
      3. Blocking or interfering with the movement of individuals or bringing items larger than 26” L x 16” W x 16” H, or that present a potential danger, inside the building.
      4. Bringing animals and pets into the library, with the exception of service animals per § 406.501, Ord. Code.
      5. Loitering outside the building in a way that creates a reasonable concern for the safety of persons or property as set forth in § 614.106, Ord. Code, § 856.021, F.S.
      6. Wearing any mask, hood, or device whereby any portion of the face is so hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer while on Library property as set forth in § 876.13, F.S.
      7. Monopolizing Library spaces, furniture, equipment, or materials preventing others from using them.
      8. Solicitation of any kind for any purpose unless explicitly permitted by the Library in compliance with Library policy.
      9. Sleeping.
    2. The Library reserves the right to require anyone violating the Library Code of Conduct to leave. Anyone who is required to leave due to a violation of the Library Code of Conduct will not be permitted in the Library for the remainder of the day. Serious or repeated misconduct may lead to legal action or criminal prosecution.

  5. Serious Violations
    1. The Board of Library Trustees considers the following activities to be serious violations of the Library Customer Code of Conduct:
      1. Violation of federal, state or local laws, including but not limited to
        1. Sexual activity of any kind, sexual harassment or indecent exposure.
        2. Consumption or possession of alcohol except at approved events.
        3. Consumption or possession of illegal drugs.
        4. Illegal possession of weapons of any type.
        5. Mutilating or destroying library buildings, materials or equipment.
      2. Repeated offenses of any kind.
    2. Anyone who engages in these activities will be required to leave the Library. Serious activity violations will result in the suspension of an individual's Library privileges and being barred from all Jacksonville Public Library locations for one year.
  6. Board of Library Trustees Authority and Appeals Process

    7. In the event the Jacksonville Public Library determines that an individual shall be suspended from any Library for one year, the Library shall provide such individual written notice of said suspension, the duration of the suspension, and the reasons for the suspension. This notice shall be referred to as an Order of Trespass. If the individual chooses not to use Appeal Process established in policy 5.5.1 - Appealing the Implementation of Policy, the order of trespass shall remain in effect for the full period included in the order of trespass.

  7. Procedures

    8. The Board of Library Trustees authorizes the Library Director to establish procedures to administer this policy, and to delegate any and all responsibilities herein to other staff through such procedures.

Associated Policies:

Relevant Legislation: