The Herrick District Library is a community resource available to all. To ensure access to resources and services is provided in a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment, the Library Board of Trustees has adopted this Patron Conduct Policy. This Policy assists the Library in equitably and effectively fulfilling its essential mission: to empower our community to connect, discover, and create.
1. Committing or attempting to commit an act in violation of federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation is prohibited.
2. All weapons are banned from Library premises to the fullest extent permitted by law.
3. Fighting, provoking a fight, or engaging in disorderly conduct is prohibited.
4. Stealing, defacing, or otherwise damaging library equipment, materials, or facilities is not allowed.
5. Library patrons may not possess, consume, or be under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any other intoxicant. Smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes, and the use of tobacco and marijuana products are not allowed on Library property.
6.Respect other patrons and Library Staff. Do not annoy or harass other people, engage in loud or disruptive conduct, or cause a nuisance or disturbance.
- Patrons may use cell phones in the library as long as they do not disturb others.
- Communications on speaker are considered disruptive.
- Patrons must use headphones to listen to audible devices. Headphone volume must not disturb others.
7. Those seeking a signature on a petition, protesting, or demonstrating may do so only within designated areas on Library Property and only while the Library is open for public use.
8. Soliciting and panhandling are not allowed on library property.
9. Personal belongings may not be left unattended. Unattended items may be considered abandoned and subject to disposal.
10. Guardians are responsible for ensuring those in their charge follow the Library’s policies and may not use the Library in place of a care facility. Children may not be left unattended.
11. Belongings must not limit others’ use of the Library. Carts, sleds, bicycles, etc. are not permitted inside the Library. Strollers or wagons used to carry children will be allowed. Patrons cannot bring more items into the Library than they can reasonably carry. Skates, skateboards, scooters, etc. must be carried and remain with their owner at all times.
12. All walkways, entrances/exits, including staff only and emergency exits, must be accessible at all times. Patrons may not place items in front of, gather, or otherwise loiter within six feet of exits.
13. Service animals are allowed in the Library. Emotional support, comfort, and therapy animals untrained to provide assistance to a person with a disability do not qualify as service animals under ADA guidelines and are not permitted in the Library.
14. Food and uncovered beverages are only allowed in designated areas of the Library.
15. Patrons must leave the Library promptly at closing. The Library does not permit overnight parking in the Library’s parking lots or staying, sleeping, resting, or otherwise remaining on Library Property overnight.
16. Unreasonable use of restrooms is not allowed including bathing, shaving, laundering clothes, sexual activity, or using plumbing for the improper disposal of material.
17. Any smells/odors that cause a nuisance are prohibited.
18. Adequate clothing covering the upper and lower body is required in addition to shoes or other footwear for hygiene and safety purposes.
19. Patrons may not jeopardize the health and safety of other Library users, Library staff, Library materials, and Library facilities by having fleas, lice, bed bugs, urine, or feces on themselves or their possessions.
20. Sleeping and/or lying down is not allowed on Library Property. For safety purposes, patrons must remain conscious and alert with eyes open at all times.
It is the responsibility of the Herrick District Library to ensure the rights of all individuals to safely use the Library. Patrons who violate these rules are subject to immediate removal and may be trespassed from the Herrick District Library by the Library Director or a designated employee of the Library. A patron whose Library access has been restricted may appeal this decision by contacting the Library Director. A final appeal may be submitted to the Library Board.