8/3/2019 MTLibraryCode of Conduct Policy 2009

1/4

Manheim Township Public LibraryCode of Conduct Policy

Introduction

In order to provide resources and services to all people who visit the Library, in amanner that ensures their safety and in an atmosphere of courtesy, respect, and serviceexcellence, the Library Board of Trustees has adopted the following Code of ConductPolicy. Its purpose is to guarantee that the Manheim Township Public Library is able tocarry out its mission and ensure that no person or group is denied access to Libraryfacilities, programs, or services because of behaviors that create an environment that isunsafe, disruptive, or not conducive to the Library mission.

Consistent with the Manheim Township Public Library non-discrimination policies, theenforcement of the Code of Conduct will be applied evenly, consistently, and fairly.

The rules set forth below are not intended to limit the Manheim Township Public Libraryfrom taking action to ensure safety, security, and excellent customer service. Anybehavior that is disruptive or that inhibits or prevents Manheim Township Public Libraryfrom ensuring a safe environment or from accomplishing its mission may elicit anappropriate response to deny access to facilities and/or services.

Rules for a Safe Environment

Concealed weapons that are not legally licensed and open display of weaponsare prohibited (Open Display of Weapons Policy and Colo. Rev. Stat. 18-12-105).

Sidewalks outside and passageways indoors must remain obstacle-free.

Library patrons must park bicycles or other vehicles only in authorized areas. Use of skateboards, roller blades, roller-skates, or scooters is not allowed in the

Library, on Library premises, or in common areas shared with other businesses. Animals or personal transport vehicles are not permitted in the Library except as

required by persons with disabilities. Programs sponsored by the Library thatinvolve animals are permitted.

Smoking inside Library facilities is prohibited. Smokers must use exteriorashtrays and refrain from littering with cigarette butts.

Using alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs or being under the influence of alcoholor drugs is prohibited. Persons under the influence of alcohol or non-prescriptiondrugs are not allowed on Library property. Approved Manheim Township Public

Library events may serve alcoholic beverages. Shirts and shoes are required for health reasons and must be worn at all times

while in the Library.

The use of incendiary devices, such as candles, matches, and lighters, is prohibitedinside the Library, unless approved by the Director.

8/3/2019 MTLibraryCode of Conduct Policy 2009

2/4

Rules for Personal Behavior

Personal property brought into the Library is subject to the following: Size must be limited to no larger than a students typical book bag or a

backpack used as a book bag (approximately 10X16X24).

The Library may limit the number of parcels carried into the Library. All bags are subject to search based upon reasonable suspicion that they

contain material that is in violation of Manheim Township Public Librarypolicy or Library materials that have not been properly charged out.

The Library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended. The Library does not provide storage for personal property. Items inappropriate to Library use, including but not limited to bicycles,

wagons, shopping carts, luggage, large grocery bags, large trash bags,backpacks, bedrolls, and strollers without children are not allowed in theLibrary.

Personal possessions must not take up seating or space needed by

others. Personal possessions such as grocery bags, trash bags, backpacks,

bedrolls, shopping bags, and luggage left outside Library facilities aresubject to disposal.

Food must be consumed only in authorized areas. Patrons must leave the Library promptly at closing time. Loitering is prohibited. Spitting is prohibited. Sleeping or lying on the floor or furniture in the Library is prohibited. Soliciting or panhandling inside the Library or on Library property is prohibited. Using profane, obscene, threatening, or injurious language or gestures directed

at another patron or a staff member is prohibited. Patrons may not interfere with the staffs performance of duties. This includes

engaging in extended conversation or behavior that engages or forces theattention of staff for an inappropriate period of time, inappropriate personalcomments, sexual advances, or physical and/or verbal harassment.

Signature gathering for petitions is permitted outside the Library, but must notblock a Library entrance or exit.

Selling merchandise without prior permission from the Director is prohibited. Unreasonable use of the restrooms, including laundering, shaving, hair cutting or

trimming, and bathing is prohibited. The Library prohibits any activity or condition that unreasonably interferes with

Library user or staff comfort, safety, use, or quiet and peaceful enjoyment of theLibrary, including but not limited to:

harassing or threatening Library users or staff; staring at, following, or photographing Library users or staff; making any loud or unreasonable noise or other disturbance such as

running or talking loudly; disruptive use of personal communications or entertainment devices, such

as cell phones, head phones, and radios. Cell phones and pagers should

8/3/2019 MTLibraryCode of Conduct Policy 2009

3/4

be answered promptly. Patrons should speak in low tones and keepconversations brief. If phone calls cannot be concluded quickly, patronsshould move away from reading, research, and study areas;

offensive body odor due to poor personal hygiene, overpowering perfume,or cologne;

excessive public displays of affection; sexual misconduct.

Rules for the Use and Preservation of Library Materials and Property

Patrons must not deface, vandalize, or improperly remove Library materials,equipment, furniture, or buildings.

Patrons must abide by established time limitations and Manheim TownshipPublic Librarys Acceptable Use of the Internet Policy.

Library phones are for staff use only.

Rules for the Safety of Children

Parents or caregivers must be present and responsible for the supervision ofchildren under the age of 10.

Staff may restrict adult use of Childrens areas, including Childrens restrooms. A child may not be photographed by anyone besides the parent or caretaker of

that child.

Disciplinary Process for Library Facilities

The person-in-charge with line authority may restrict access to Library facilities with

immediate dismissal of the patron from the premises, by suspending the patronsaccess to Library facilities for a set period of time, or by denying access to specificservices and/or programs.

Suspension of Library Privileges

The person-in-charge with line authority may suspend the Library privileges of a patron,including access to activities, services, or facilities, without prior approval of the directorif the situation is a serious offense and constitutes a violation of Manheim TownshipPublic Library policies. Examples of serious offenses include but are not limited to:verbal abuse, violence, threatening behaviors, sexual harassment, vandalism, drug sale

or use or attempted drug sale or use, intoxication, theft or attempted theft, physicalharassment, sexual misconduct, or any behaviors that threaten the safety and securityof staff and/or patrons. The person-in-charge shall call the Police Department ratherthan place themselves, other staff members, or patrons in a threatening situation.

The person-in-charge may issue an immediate suspension order by requestingthat the offending person leave the Library immediately. If the person refuses toleave Library premises, MT Police should be called - 717-664-1180 or the State

http://library.ppld.org/AboutYourLibrary/admin/Policies/InternetUsePolicy.asphttp://library.ppld.org/AboutYourLibrary/admin/Policies/InternetUsePolicy.asp

8/3/2019 MTLibraryCode of Conduct Policy 2009

4/4

Police Department could be called at the non-emergency number - 800-957-2677. Call 911 if situation is threatening.

For offenses that do not require immediate suspension of privileges, theoffending patron may be issued a warning letter if the repetition of the offensewould be cause for suspension (example: situational anger inappropriately

expressed in a disruptive manner). The person-in-charge may issue a suspension of privileges letter (extended

period of time) when the behavior is serious as described above or when thebehavior is repetitious after a verbal warning has been issued. A copy of thesuspension of privileges letter shall remain at the Library.

The Library may send a letter to the patron that describes the action taken bythe Library. Since names and addresses are occasionally unavailable,suspension letters may be handed to the patron at the time of the action by theperson-in-charge. In the event a person refuses to accept the suspension letter,the order will be in effect.

Initial suspension of privileges is for 3 months. Subsequent suspensions may be

for additional 3-month periods. Long-term suspensions require notification andapproval of the Director. A Security Incident report shall be written immediately and forwarded to the

Director for logging and review. A copy of the suspension of privileges lettershould be attached, if applicable. The report should include physical descriptionsin addition to the name of the patron. Incident reports shall be written for allsuspension orders, verbal actions, and warning letters.

After issuing the suspension of privileges letter, the person-in-charge notifies theDirector within 24 hours, specifying the behavior or rule violation. The Directorinforms the Board of Directors via email (description of the patron, description ofthe behavior).

Library staff and Director may photograph patrons (as safety permits) and/or usephoto records of patrons who have had their Library privileges suspended. Thephotos may be attached to the security log and kept on file at the ManheimTownship Public Library.

The Library keeps a database of patrons whose privileges have been suspendedwith the effective dates.

Right of Appeal

You may appeal this decision in writing to the Director within 10 working days of thedate of the letter. Please state clearly why you believe that your library privilegesshould be restored.

The Director or a designee will respond to the appeal in writing within 10 working daysof the date your appeal was received.

The decision of the Director's office is final.