Behavior Policy
It is the policy of the Broadwater Public Library to offer the full range of library service to all residents of the community, regardless of age, sex, race or ethnicity, religion, economic status, etc. It is the intent of the Library to provide its services with a minimum of regulations and restrictions, adopting only those which are absolutely essential to the library’s operation.
Library users have a right to assume that visits to the Library will be free from harassment, physical discomfort, danger, and psychological stress. The Library staff has the same rights. Each member of the staff should be able to do his/her work free of harassment, abuse, discomfort, and undue psychological stress.
The rights of both the public and the staff are sometimes violated by the attitudes and behavior of a very small number of persons. Therefore, it shall be the Library’s policy to maintain a quiet, pleasant environment conductive to serious study as well as casual use. To assure the successful implementation of this policy, unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:
MINOR VIOLATIONS
- Blocking or in any way interfering with the free movement of any person or persons.
- Bringing animals other than service or assistance animals into the building.
- Distribution or posting materials such as flyers, leaflets, or other literature without authorization.
- Failure to wear shoes or a shirt.
- Wearing shoes or clothing that is dirty or greasy to the degree that it is a risk to damage Library materials or facilities.
- Loud conversation or laughter which is disturbing to other users. Exceptions may be made during scheduled Library programs.
- Obscene or abusive language.
- Rearranging of any Library furniture or equipment from one location to another without authorization by staff.
- Soliciting or selling of any kind.
- Use of Library telephones by any person other than Library personnel unless approved.
- Use of radios, tape players, etc., if not using headphones so that sound is transmitted to others.
- Any other behavior that is disruptive or any failure to comply with directions from Library staff.
MAJOR VIOLATIONS
- Carrying unauthorized weapons of any sort.
- Engaging in disorderly conduct, committing a nuisance, or unreasonably disturbing and offending Library users.
- Following staff or users or other harassing behavior such as staring or other intimidating acts.
- Indecent exposure as defined by applicable Morrill County and Nebraska Law.
- Intimidation of Library staff or Library users.
- Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.
- Removal of any Library property from the building without authorization through established leading procedures.
- Sexual activity .
- Threatening Library staff or Library users.
- Willful destruction of or damage to any Library property.
- Any other behavior that is illegal, intimidating, threatening or dangerous to Library patrons, staff or property.
ENFORCEMENT OF THE DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR POLICY
Persons who violate any of these policies will be addressed in the following manner:
Minor Violations
- First Violation-Verbal Warning
- Second Violation-Verbal Warning
- Third Violation-Person must leave Library property.
Major Violations
- First Violation-Person must leave Library property.
If criminal behavior is involved, law enforcement authorities will be notified immediately. Repeat violators of these minor violations, or any persons who commit major violations, may be subject to exclusion from the Library premises. Decisions to exclude persons from Library property will be made by the Library Director. If such exclusion is to extend past the time of the next regularly-scheduled Library Board Meeting, such exclusion will be brought before the Library Board, who will make a decision on whether to continue such exclusion for a period of time or permanently. Persons may be temporarily banned by the supervisor or staff in charge for the remainder of that day. It is unlawful for any person to fail to leave Library property after being asked to leave. Criminal behavior will be prosecuted under the law.
Children
- Children of any age may use the library alone or accompanied by adults or other children in relative quiet to select and check out materials.
- Children are expected to observe the same noise or loud talking rules as everyone else. There will be two verbal warnings, followed by the child being ejected from the Library for the day. Note that this may not apply during some Library programs with loud activities, such as singing.
- Parents or other adults bringing children to the library are responsible for their children’s behavior while in the Library. It remains the parents’ responsibility to determine whether particular library materials are suitable or unsuitable for their own children.
- Children under the age of 17 may not check out movies carrying an “R” rating, as assigned by the MPAA.
- The Library is not a child care service, and does not accept responsibility for children. All children are expected to leave by closing time. If they are unable to walk home on their own, parents or guardians are expected to provide them transportation home. If children remain at the Library at closing time, attempts will be made to contact family or other individuals who will take responsibility for them. In extreme cases, Police or Child Protective Services may be called for their assistance if no such person can be identified or contacted. Under no conditions will Library or Village staff drive or transport children anywhere.
- Running, or other activities which place persons or property, or the child’s own safety at risk are prohibited. The first and second offenses will result in a verbal warning from Library Staff, and a second instance will result in ejection from the Library.
Last Updated: July, 2018