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Dunklin County Library

Inappropriate Patron Behavior

Policy on Inappropriate Behavior

DCL 2-4                            Inappropriate Patron Behavior

Statement of Policy: 

The Dunklin County Library Board of Trustees has adopted this policy so that the Library may provide an atmosphere conducive to appropriate use of the facilities.

The following behaviors and actions are prohibited on and within Library property throughout Dunklin County:

  1. Engaging in disorderly conduct, fighting or challenging to fight, or using offensive words to provoke violence .
  2. Using obscene language, bullying or name calling.
  3. Loud, disruptive behavior, running or tag playing
  4. Indecent exposure
  5. Extended public displays of affection. 
  6. Misuse of restrooms, including bathing.
  7. Harassing or annoying others by staring at, or following with the intent to disturb
  8. Distributing, or posting printed materials that have not been approved by the Library
  9. Selling or soliciting for money or items or services
  10. Obtaining signatures on a petition, conducting surveys or similar investigations, or distributing printed materials, which cause a disturbance. Obtaining signatures cannot take place inside the Library facilities and the use of tables is not allowed. Petitioners must stand at least fifty (50) feet away from any of the Library property entrances.
  11. Removing Library materials from the premises without authorization through established lending procedures.
  12. Vandalism of Library property
  13. Eating or drinking (Bringing food or beverages into the Library), except with permission of the Library Director, and only in specific areas designated where food and drink are permitted.
  14. Smoking, or other uses of tobacco
  15. Possessing or consuming alcohol or illegal drugs, or being in a state of intoxication that causes a disturbance
  16. Not wearing shoes and shirt
  17. Neglect of bodily hygiene, to the point when it is offensive and constitutes a nuisance to patrons.
  18. Carrying weapons of any kind, concealed or unconcealed
  19. Littering
  20. Loitering in the lobby, stacks, restrooms, entryways, or parking lot
  21. Using the Library business phone for other than emergency purposes, or for the purpose of notifying parents of location, or calling a cab, or for a ride home
  22. Prolonged sleeping on Library property
  23. Skateboarding, roller-skating, rollerblading, or bicycle riding, except to come directly to and to directly leave Library property. (Bicycles must be left outside of Library entrances. Skateboards, roller-skates and roller blades must be removed at the entrances and may be checked at the Circulation Desk.)
  24. Bringing animals or pets into the Library, except guide dogs for the blind and/or hearing-impaired, for medical purposes
  25. Leaving a child under eight (8) years of age unattended by an adult (For the safety and well being of young children, those children eight (8) years of age or younger must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver when using the Library.)
  26. Leaving any child or young adult under the age of eighteen (18) at the Library after closing time
  27. Any illegal acts or conduct in violation of Federal, State, or local law, ordinance, or regulation

Enforcement 

  1. The Library reserves the right to request that patrons open purses, briefcases, packages, and parcels.
  2. Violation of any of the above rules can and may result in temporary expulsion, permanent expulsion, or arrest.
  3. Library staff members have been instructed not to hesitate calling local police when and if circumstances dictate.