--RULES OF CONDUCT--
CLASS 1 OFFENSES:
Any person engaging in the following prohibited behavior(s) will be given:
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The 1st violation is a verbal warning and explanation of the rule and the patron(s) will be asked to comply
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A 2nd violation, the patron (s) will be asked to leave the premises for the remainder of that day.
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A 3rd violation, the patron (s) will be suspended for 5 days.
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A 4th violation, the patron (s) will be suspended for 2 weeks.
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A 5th violation, the patron (s) will be suspended for 30 days.
**Should any person refuse to comply or leave the premises for the remainder of the day they will be considered in criminal trespass and in violation of Class II Offense # 19. This will result in an expulsion from thirty (30) days up to one (1) year. **
*Class 1 Prohibited Behaviors:
1. Distributing or posting printed materials and literature that have not been approved by the library, soliciting, petitioning, canvassing on library premises except as approved by the library.
2. Participating in a gang or gang-related activity. Gang-related activity includes, but is not limited to: the display or possession of gang symbols or paraphernalia, gang recruitment, gang initiation, and gang intimidation.
3. Food and covered drinks are allowed in the breakroom only; debris, mess and strong odors are not. Alcohol is not permitted on library property.
4. Smoking in the library or in areas immediately adjacent to any entrance or use of smokeless tobacco in the library.
5. Sleeping, placing head on table for prolonged periods of time; congregating on library premises in a manner which obstructs access or interferes with use of library facilities or services or where such activity may result in an unsafe or intimidating environment; not using the library for intended purposes, lying or sitting on floors, or tables, lying on benches; school age students being on library premises during school hours excluding home school students or school sponsored visits.
6. Using library materials, equipment, furniture, fixtures or buildings in a manner inconsistent with the customary use thereof; or in a destructive, abusive, or potentially damaging manner; or in a manner likely to cause personal injury. Bringing bicycles, shopping carts or similar devices into library buildings including vestibules and covered doorways, the use of skates, skate boards and/or roller blades or similar devices on library premises.
7. You may bring in animals or pets, but you are responsible for any damages, body fluid messes, or disturbances made by the animal. Please don not leave an animal tethered and uncared for on library premises.
8. Creating loud noises and/or disturbances which interfere with staff and or other patrons’ use and enjoyment of the library including, but not limited to, by verbal utterances or with electronic devices.
9. Leaving children unattended or unsupervised where the child may be in danger or when the child’s behavior is disruptive to other patrons. Leaving children or young adults in library facilities after closing time (see library's policy regarding children remaining at the library after closing time).
10. Misuse of bathrooms. Misuse includes leaving a mess, graffiti, etc.
11. Bringing large items that take up excessive space (packages, duffel bags, suitcases, etc.), onto library premises without the prior approval of library personnel. Excessive space shall be defined as an item or group of items exceeding 2.5 ft. in length, or 2.5 ft. in width, or 2.5 ft. in height. Leaving personal items unattended for longer than thirty (30) minutes, including but not limited to: bags, suitcases, electronic devices and other personal belongings. Items left longer than thirty (30) minutes may be taken to lost and found and inventoried for security reasons.
12. Being on library premises between one (1) hour after official public closing time and one (1) hour before official opening time except for returning library materials to after-hours book drops and attending special events authorized by the library. Entering the library with no shirt, or with sagging pants. Pants must cover the butt area with no underwear showing.
13. Disturbing others because of offensive odor of the body, clothes, or belongings.
14. Violations of posted Library policies, procedures or guidelines.
CLASS 2 OFFENSES:
Any persons engaging in the following prohibited behavior will be suspended from all MT’s Library premises for a period of Thirty (30) to ninety (90) days. Subsequent violations by that person will result in a suspension of up to one (1) year depending upon the number of repeat offenses.
*Class 2 Prohibited Behaviors:
1. Directing a specific threat of physical harm against an individual, group of individuals or property.
2. Intentionally engaging in harassing or threatening behavior towards other patrons or library employees for the purpose of annoying, intimidating or causing fear to the recipient. Using obscene or abusive language or gestures in a manner which reasonably can be expected to annoy or disturb other patrons or library staff (including following persons around the premises or prolonged staring).
3. Bringing any firearm and/or weapon onto library premises. This prohibition does not apply to permit carrying citizens or law enforcement personnel.
4. Entering library premises while on suspension for patron conduct rules.
5. Any violation of Federal, State, or local laws.
CLASS 3 OFFENSES:
Any person engaging in the following prohibited behavior will be suspended from all MT’s Library premises for a period of one (1) year and the library may/will pursue criminal charges. If the person is convicted or pleads guilty to criminal charges, the patron will be suspended for five (5) years or for the length of the sentence imposed by the court, whichever is longer, pending review and approval by the Library Director.
*Class 3 Prohibited Behaviors:
1. Physical assault of a customer or employee
2. Engaging in sexual conduct including but not limited to indecent exposure or the physical manipulation or touching of a person’s sex organs through a person’s clothing in an act of apparent sexual stimulation or gratification.
3. Intentionally damaging, defacing, destroying or stealing property belonging to the library, a patron or employee resulting in criminal charges.
Appeal Process:
PATRON’S RIGHT TO APPEAL CERTAIN ACTIONS TAKEN BY ANY LIBRARY PERSONNEL
The Board of MT's Library (the "Board") recognizes a responsibility to make all reasonable efforts to facilitate the enjoyment of library facilities by all library patrons. The Board also recognizes that a library patron's disorderly conduct or other serious violations may require library personnel to take immediate action for the protection of other personnel and patrons.
For these reasons, the Board hereby delegates to the Library Director the authority to suspend from all Library Facilities as noted in the rules.
Any suspension imposed under this policy shall be issued in writing and given directly to the patron at the time of the incident. In the event the patron leaves the premises before the notice is issued or if the patron refuses to receive the notice, the notice will be held at the location of the incident until the patron returns or in the case where the patron refuses to receive the notice, the notice will be retained as documentation of the suspension at the location where the incident took place. The notice shall state the length and reason for the suspension and the effective date of the suspension. The notice shall also include a statement informing the patron that he/she may appeal the suspension.
The patron may appeal a suspension greater than three days by submitting a request for reconsideration form within seven (7) days from the date the patron receives notice of the suspension to the Board at the address provided to the patron in the notice of suspension. The request for reconsideration should include reasons why the suspension should changed or lifted.