Patron conduct policy

 

Approved August 2024

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The Moweaqua Public Library District (MPLD) is dedicated to providing access to knowledge and information through reading, writing, and quiet contemplation, providing patrons the right to use materials and services without being disturbed or impeded, and providing patrons and employees a secure and comfortable environment. The Public Library Act provides the Library Board of Trustees with the general power to carry out the spirit and intent of the Act in establishing and maintaining the Library and providing Library services and with the specific power to “exclude from the use of the Library any person who willfully violates an ordinance or regulation prescribed.”

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The Board of Library Trustees of the Moweaqua Public Library District establishes its conduct ordinance as follows:

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1. A patron who engages in any activity that disrupts the use by other patrons of Library facilities, collections, or services or who materially disrupts the ability of Library staff to perform their duties shall cease such activity immediately upon request by Library personnel.

2. In such instances involving minors, identification will be requested and the incident will be reported to the parent or guardian.

3. If, following a request, the patron fails or refuses to comply or responds to the request in an abusive fashion, they will be required to leave the Library premises immediately for the balance of the calendar day. If they fail to leave, the police will be summoned.

4. Library personnel will record instances in which patrons are required to leave the Library in a ledger maintained for that purpose. Upon the second recorded instance in which a patron is required to leave the Library premises within a 30-day period, the head librarian shall bar the patron from use of Library premises for a period of 30 days.

5. Parents or guardians of minors failing to respect the policy will be (1) notified in writing after the second recorded instance in which the minor is required to leave the Library and (2) advised of the consequences of any further recorded instances. Parents wishing to appeal such action may do so upon written request to the Board of Trustees.

6. In the event a patron barred from the use of the Library attempts entry to the Library during any such period of exclusion, the police will be summoned and informed of the prior action.

7. In the event the patron persists in abusive conduct or disruptive behavior following such period of exclusion, the head librarian shall report to the Board of Trustees such conduct following prior exclusion and the Board will consider a long-term exclusion of that patron.

8. This policy will take effect immediately upon board approval and be in full force and effect thereafter. A copy shall be posted within three days of enactment at the Library and on the library website.