Having a library card is a privilege, not a right.  In order to protect that privilege, Library Patrons must conduct themselves in an acceptable manner.  To maintain an atmosphere appropriate for work, study and enjoyment for all Library Patrons and Staff, the Board of Trustees has established the following policy on behavior and conduct in the Library and on Library property.  This policy will be courteously, but firmly, enforced by Library Staff and by the Mentor Police Department as warranted.

Mentor Public Library welcomes children to use its facilities and services.  However, responsibility for the behavior and well-being of children using the Library rests with the Parent / Guardian or assigned caregiver, not with the Library’s personnel.  Library Staff Members cannot supervise the children in the Library.  The proper authorities will be notified if children are left unsupervised.

Appropriate library activities include doing homework, writing reports, researching, browsing for materials, reading, thinking, attending programs, and using library equipment such as computers and copiers.  These activities are to be conducted in a manner so as not to disturb others.  Group study by four at one table and quiet tutoring of one or two students are permitted.  Group study by, or tutoring of, more students at one time, or any group work which creates enough noise to disrupt other Patrons will not be permitted.  The Library offers the use of meeting rooms for small group activities per our meeting room policy.  However, not all areas of the Library are open to the public.

Inappropriate activities include, but are not limited to, running, throwing, loud or abusive talking, swearing, fighting, moving furniture, putting feet on the furniture, sleeping, loitering, excessive socializing, petting, soliciting, selling, distributing leaflets, proselytizing, any dangerous activities (including, but not limited to, any act which threatens the safety of oneself or others, damages library facilities or materials, involves drunkenness or other conditions created by the use of controlled substances, or any illegal acts), and any other activities which disrupt the library.

The following behavior or conduct is specifically prohibited on the premises of the MPL:

(a)  The use of chewing tobacco or snuff tobacco on the premises or any similar substance which involves expectoration.
(b)  Smoking using tobacco products (pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3794; Ohio Revised code §3791.0 31; Mentor Code of Ordinances §521.10 and Ohio Administrative Code §3701-52-09)
(c) Smoking using an electronic or any other substitute for tobacco.

Vandalism, theft of library or patron property, and harassment of any kind towards staff and patrons will not be tolerated.

Disruptive behavior is defined as any noisy, boisterous, acting-out, or abusive behavior, which is inappropriate in a setting where business is conducted.  This behavior may represent a physical danger to people or property, or may interfere with the legitimate library business of other Patrons or Staff.

No photographing or videotaping the activities of other patrons is permitted.

Patrons shall not be permitted to enter the building without shirts or other covering of their upper bodies, or without shoes or other soled footwear.  Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building.

While on Library premises no person shall possess, have under the person’s control, convey, or attempt to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance or other dangerous instrumentality, onto the Library premises, which, in the opinion of the Library management, constitutes a potential threat to the health, safety and welfare of anyone.

All cell phones, beepers, and other communication devices should be set to vibrate or on low tones before entering the building, and extended conversations should be moved to the library foyer.

Patrons who are behaving inappropriately or disruptively will be warned that the behavior must stop.  If the behavior is not corrected, the person will be told to leave the premises.  Anyone who does not leave after being told to do so will be considered a trespasser and will be treated accordingly.  However, if any behavior or activity is deemed dangerous or illegal, eviction will be immediate and the proper authorities contacted.  Habitual abusers of library rules may be banned from the premises.  A juvenile who creates chronic problems may be required to bring a responsible adult who will remain with the juvenile at all times.  Appeals may be made to the Library Director.

 

Thank you for your cooperation.

If these guidelines are not followed you will be asked to leave the library.

 

Revised and approved August 21, 2019
Resolution # 19-076
Revised and approved December 16, 2015
Resolution # 15-110