Code of Conduct

The Board of Trustees of the Richland Library has adopted the Code of Conduct to provide a safe and comfortable environment for those using library facilities and resources. Warnings are at the discretion of library staff. Ejections and loss of privileges are possible.

By using library facilities, all persons have consented to be searched in the event that the theft detection alarm activates upon exit. 

When you use the library, you agree to:

Respect Staff and Customers
Conduct not permitted includes:

1. Any action or behavior that is disruptive, disturbing or potentially harmful to others, including but not limited to:
   • Fighting, challenging to fight or provoking violence;
   • Loud talking and other noisy activities, including use of cell phones or other electronic devices;
   • Blocking or interfering with the free movement of individuals; and
   • Offensive personal hygiene.
2. Any acts or conduct in violation of federal, state or local laws, ordinances or regulations, including but not limited to:
   • Disorderly conduct;
   • Sexual activity;
   • Possession of illegal weapons of any type; and
   • Possession, consumption or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs;
   • Use of tobacco or electronic cigarettes on library property.
3. Sleeping, loitering or remaining at the library for no obvious reason. Users must be engaged in a library activity such as reading, studying, doing research or participating in a library program.
4. Soliciting, surveying, political campaigning, petitioning, selling of any kind, distributing or posting of materials not specifically authorized by the Executive Director are prohibited on library property.
5. Using libraries for child-care services; leaving a child under 11 years of age for any amount of time (children 10 and under must be attended by someone 16 years of age or older); or leaving a child under the age of 18 for an excessive period of time or after closing.
6. Leaving personal possessions unattended on library property.
7. Not wearing shoes or shirts in the library at all times.

Respect Materials and Equipment
Conduct not permitted includes:

1. Damaging, destroying or stealing any property of the library, library staff or customers.
2. Taking library property or materials outside buildings without following established loan procedures or other authorization.
3. Violating library procedures or policies.

Respect Buildings and Property
Conduct not permitted includes:

1. Acting in a manner that is potentially harmful to library buildings, property, users or staff, such as unauthorized use of another person's library card for any purpose.
2. Improperly using furniture, equipment or materials.
3. Bringing in any items, backpacks or other personal baggage that take up an excessive amount of space (limited to two pieces, each no larger than 20 inches in length, width or height), that restrict the movement of individuals, that present a potential harm, danger or distraction, or that have no usefulness in the library. Luggage, bedrolls, musical instruments, sports equipment, skateboards, skates (includes heelies), scooters and bicycles are examples of items that are prohibited.
4. Consuming food outside designated areas or consuming drinks around library computers or equipment.
5. Improperly using restrooms, including solicitation, meetings, bathing or shaving.
6. Using or monopolizing library equipment, materials or facilities in an unauthorized manner that prevents others from using them, including but not limited to:
   • Library computers;
   • Library telephones; and
   • Printers, copiers and fax machines.
7. Using non-public doors or any other non-public areas in an unauthorized manner. 
8. Using parking areas or other property in an unauthorized, improper or unsafe manner, including but not limited to the use of tobacco products or electronic cigarettes; skates or skateboards; bicycles and scooters. Vehicles parked improperly are subject to being towed at the owner's expense.
9. Bringing animals, except service animals, into library facilities.

Any of these actions may result in the customer being asked to leave the library. Those who persist and refuse to leave the buildings and grounds when requested will be subject to their behavior being reported to local police. Repeat violators are subject to loss of library privileges.

Suspension Appeals Process

Customers who have lost their library privileges are entitled to an appeal process and can request a hearing after serving 6 months of a one-year suspension.  Suspensions of less than one year cannot be appealed and must be fully served. In addition, customers who have 4 weeks or less remaining of a one-year suspension cannot appeal.

Hearings are officiated by a 5-member panel and held in April and October.

1. All requests should be signed and dated and must be either submitted in writing using the Request for Appeal of Library Suspension form or through the online form below.
2. The customer will be notified in 10 business days of their scheduled hearing date.
3. The suspension remains in effect during the appeal process.
4. Richland Library does not commit to lifting a suspension or reinstating privileges at the hearing but will consider the information presented and will respond with a decision within one week following the appeals hearing.
5. All decisions are final, and no other appeals will be allowed regarding the same incident.
6. Customers with reduced or rescinded suspensions are expected to follow the Code of Conduct.  Further instructions are in the letter provided at the conclusion of the hearing.

Library staff are available to assist customers needing help completing the request form, based on availability.  Customers can refer to the frequently asked questions for more information about the suspension appeals process.

Rev. November 2024