The Library has a right to maintain each of its facilities in a clean, pleasant and safe manner. Every individual has the right to use the Library undisturbed and every Library employee has the right to work without undue interference. All Library users and employees should be free of any threat of harm, invasion of property, or gross indignity. It is impractical to address every behavioral situation that may occur in the Library. Library employees have the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the Library whenever the rules do not specifically cover certain situations.
Disruptive conduct including but not restricted to the following is prohibited:
- Behavior that unreasonably disturbs others or interferes with Library operations and services including but not limited to:
- Speaking in a loud voice
- Playing any audio equipment or device that can be heard by others
- Running, horseplay or fighting
- Behavior that annoys, harasses or threatens another person, including but not restricted to the following:
- Conveying threats of any kind of physical force or harm
- Using obscene, abusive or racially charged language
- Engaging in sexual misconduct
- Stalking, staring or invading personal space
- Being under the influence of or in possession of any intoxicating drug or alcoholic substance on Library grounds
- Sleeping in, or using as sleeping quarters (Code of the City of Huntsville 1982)
- Drinking uncovered beverages in the Library
- Using any tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices, inside the Library building or on the grounds
- Defacing, destroying or tampering with Library property or equipment
- Soliciting funds, panhandling, gambling, selling, advertising or petitioning for contributions or support
- Using restrooms to bathe, shave, or change clothes where it unreasonably interferes with other patrons use or staff use of the restroom, or involves willful and lewd exposure in violation of ordinances and state law (It is not a violation of this rule for a woman to breastfeed an infant or a person to change a child’s diaper.)
- Interfering with patrons use of the Library through poor personal hygiene
- Failing to wear shirts or shoes
- Entering the Library with animals or vehicles, except as required by persons with disabilities
- Leaving unattended persons in the Library who seek or need personal assistance for other than Library related services, and where staff has a reasonable basis to be concerned for the safety of the unattended person (Examples may include persons less than 10 years of age or persons needing supervision because of physical or mental conditions.)
- Failing to observe Internet use guidelines and policy
- Entering the Library with any firearm, knife or other weapon with the potential for causing bodily harm or reasonable apprehension of bodily harm to employees or patrons
- Violating any City Ordinance or State Statute while on Library property or grounds.
The Library reserves the right to search bags, briefcases, etc. for Library materials not properly checked out.
Each person is expected to take full responsibility for his/her personal property. The Library is not responsible for personal belongings in the Library or on Library property.
Parents may be notified of incidents involving minor children (under the age of 19) that occur in the Library or on Library property. Parents may request a copy of the security report. Minors who are repeat offenders may be denied access to the Library.
Anyone violating these rules is first warned by Library security or the supervisor in charge of the Library at the time of the offense. If the conduct continues the offender will be ordered to leave the premises. Staff members or security officers at their discretion will expel patrons without a warning in situations of serious, threatening, or willfully malicious behavior. Failure to observe these rules may lead to revocation of Library privileges, including the right to visit the buildings and grounds. Anyone wishing to appeal their exclusion may submit an appeal in writing to the Executive Director. Repeat offenders or persons ordered from the premises who do not comply may be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespassing
Approved Date: 7/15/09
Revised Date: 8/17/11
Revised Date: 5/21/14
Revised Date: 10/15/14
