It is the policy of the Prescott Public Library to provide, to the extent possible, an environment which supports the library patron in his or her search for information and in which to read or study.  The extent of that support includes such qualities as a building that is well-maintained, reasonably comfortable and barrier-free; staff who are knowledgeable, responsive, and pleasant; programs, services, and materials which are relevant to this community; and a general sense of order.

In recognition of the fact that more than 1,000 people pass through our doors each day, the creation and maintenance of a sense of order within our building obligates the institution to establish standards of acceptable patron behavior which staff can reasonably enforce.  The following Standards of Behavior are to be used by staff as general guidelines in maintaining order within the Library. 

Standards of behavior
Library patrons are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that enables their fellow patrons, staff, and themselves to accomplish their intended library tasks in a safe, reasonably pleasant, and orderly atmosphere.  Staff will take appropriate action when a patron’s behavior causes disruption or unreasonable interference in the delivery of services.  Staff respects, and will respond to, complaints from patrons, and will exercise professional judgment in taking appropriate action on a case-by-case basis.

As a minimum, the following list of specific prohibitions may be enforced by staff:

Library patrons shall NOT...
1. Destroy, damage, deface, or illegally remove library materials or property.
2. Eat or drink except in designated areas of the building. See Food & Drink Policy
3. Disturb or harass other patrons or staff by (including, but not limited to):
    a. staring fixedly or leering at patrons or staff;
    b. using the library as a place to bathe or to wash personal items;
    c. following or stalking patrons or staff in the library building or the
        parking lot;
    d. annoying patrons by talking to them while they are trying to read,    
        study  or contemplate;
    e. abusing or verbally harassing patrons or staff;
    f. engaging in harassing or intimidating behavior.
4. Create a disturbance or potentially unsafe situation by behavior such as yelling, running, throwing objects, misusing the library facilities, laying on the floor, playing in or around the dumpster, the elevator, stairs, and entrances, or along the tops of walls, etc.
5. Sell, solicit funds, or panhandle in the library building, on the grounds or in the parking lot, except by permission of the Library Director or designee.
6. Enter areas marked "staff only".
7. Bring pets (except service animals) into the building or leave them unattended on library grounds for more than fifteen (15) minutes. PCC: 5-2-5 See Unattended Dog Policy for details.
8. Come into the library without being fully clothed, including shirt and shoes (or the equivalent thereof), at all times.
9. Refuse to relinquish computer equipment after scheduled time period for use has expired.
10. Leave cell phone ringers on.  Please turn ringers to vibrate or off.  See Cell Phone Use Policy for details.
11. Bring weapons into the library.
12.  Smoke (except in the Designated Smoking Area) anywhere on library property.
13. Skateboard (or comparable wheeled activity) anywhere on library property, including the timeline.
14. Engage in loud conversation at computers.  At staff’s discretion, the rule of one person per computer shall be applied.
15. Expect staff to be responsible for personal items.
16. Take up space, beyond what is needed for one person, or leave personal possessions to hold a space.

The Library Director or designee may ask patrons to leave, if their bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to patrons and staff.  We urge staff to provide the patron with the “Temporary Assistance in Prescott” handout, as it lists free showers and bathing facilities.

Enforcement
A. Violation of the foregoing may result in the patron's library privileges being limited or revoked, removal of the patron from the building, or criminal prosecution if the conduct constitutes a violation of either State law or the Prescott City Code.

B.  Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult who assumes responsibility for their safety and behavior while in the library.  A child who is disruptive will be given a warning that he/she must settle down or will be asked to leave the library.   If after a second warning the child continues to be disruptive, he/she will be asked to leave the library. If the child needs to contact a parent, staff will do so, and the child may wait quietly in a safe place until the parent arrives.

C. The Library Director, or authorized designee, upon staff recommendation, may revoke library privileges for a period of up to one year.

D. A patron whose library privileges have been revoked must schedule a meeting with the Library Director or designee prior to resumption of library privileges.  The purpose of the meeting will be to review the Standards of Behavior Policy.

Revised January 20, 2009