Library Code of Conduct

The Board of Trustees of the Jacksonville Public Library, by adopting the following code, seeks to insure that our library provides an atmosphere conducive to appropriate use of its services and facilities.

We expect our customers to:

1. Attend to personal belongings. The library is not responsible for personal belongings left in or on library property.
2. Adhere to the guidelines in the Jacksonville Public Library's Unattended Child Policy. A parent or caregiver must accompany any child under age 8. Parents/Guardians, whether present or not, are responsible for the safety and well-being of their children on library property.
3. Use restrooms only for their intended purpose. Bathing is prohibited.
4. Wear appropriate clothing. Shoes and shirts must be worn.
5. Maintain acceptable bodily hygiene. If bodily odor is offensive enough to constitute a nuisance to other people, the customer shall be required to leave the building.
6. Follow established loan procedures or other authorization before taking library property or materials outside the building.
7. Cooperate with staff and allow belongings to be searched in the event that the material detection alarm is activated.
8. Use library furniture, equipment, and materials properly and for their intended function.
9. Use library parking areas, sidewalks, and lawns properly and safely. These areas are not intended for recreational activities. Vehicles parked improperly are subject to being towed at owner's expense.
10. Use auditoriums or meeting rooms appropriately and as scheduled. Groups using these rooms are expected to adhere to the guidelines in the Jacksonville Public Library's Meeting Room Policy.
11. Stay out of non-public areas, such as offices, workrooms, and storage areas, unless authorized by staff to enter.
12. Use covered containers when bringing beverages into library buildings and comply with posted "No Food" and "No Drink" zones.
13. Leave the library at the designated closing time.

The following actions and forms of conduct are not permitted:

1. Sleeping.
2. Abusive language or harassment of library staff or customers.
3. Mutilation or destruction of library buildings, materials, or equipment.
4. Solicitation of any kind for any purpose.
5. Bringing animals and pets into the library, with the exception of service animals.
6. Loitering on library property (prohibited by Section 614.106, Jacksonville Municipal Code).
7. Any unlawful, disruptive or potentially harmful activity on library property. (Illegal or disturbing behavior will be subject to immediate, appropriate, and necessary action.)
8. Blocking or interfering with the movement of individuals or bringing in items that take up an excessive amount of space, present a potential danger, or have no usefulness in the library.
9. Sexual activity of any kind, sexual harassment, or indecent exposure.
10. Consumption or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs or being under the influence. See Policies and Procedures for Use of the Main Library Conference Center and Meeting Rooms for exceptions regarding alcohol consumption.
11. Monopolizing library equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them.
12. Carrying illegal weapons of any type.
13. Loud talking and other noise-producing activities that disturb other customers. Limit use of cell phones. Cell phones should be placed on silent or vibrate mode.
14. Intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing any customer's or employee's property.

The library reserves the right to require anyone violating the Library Code of Conduct to leave the library. Serious or repeated misconduct may lead to legal action or criminal prosecution.

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees November 15, 2006