Peoria Public Library System

Peoria Public Library - Standards of Acceptable Behavior Policy Peoria Public Library - Standards of Acceptable Behavior Policy

Statement

In order to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for reading, learning, and other library activities, the Peoria Public Library requires all patrons to comply with the following behavior policy. Engaging in any conduct that disturbs, interferes or interrupts normal library operations for staff or other library visitors will be considered a violation of the behavior policy.

Policy

Dangerous, destructive, or illegal conduct, including but not limited to the following will not be tolerated:

Physical abuse or assault, including fighting, or challenging others to fight.
Engaging in intimidating or harassing behaviors, including following or stalking other patrons or Library staff, staring fixedly or leering at others.
Making a violent or threatening statement to others or using vulgar language.
Damaging, destroying, stealing, or otherwise vandalizing property.
Verbal abuse or inappropriate language directed at a staff member or another patron.

Any patron engaging in one or more of the above behaviors will be instructed to leave the library immediately and may have his or her Library privileges suspended for a period of up to (1) year depending on severity of the violation. In addition, law enforcement may be called and appropriate legal action may follow.

The following behaviors are prohibited:

Carrying weapons of any type where there is reasonable temporary and secure storage. Weapons need to be secured in weapons lockers where available.
Possessing, consuming, exchanging, selling or being under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or illegal drugs inside or outside the library building.
Smoking/Vaping (electronic cigarettes, electronic vaping devices, personal vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems, marijuana, etc.) or chewing tobacco inside the building or within 25 feet of the building.
Making loud or unreasonable noise, including but not limited to the use of electronic equipment or mobile telephones at a volume that disturbs others. Patrons will be asked to set their phones to silent or vibrate.
Animals that are not defined as assistance animals by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for title II (State and local government services) and title III (public accommodations and commercial facilities), or as defined under Arizona Revised Statutes §11-1024.
Solicitation of goods and services inside the library, unless approved by Library Manager or appropriate City Official.
Solicitation outside the library, except in accordance with the Library Free Speech guidelines and designated spaces.
Blocking the Library entrance or impeding the flow of traffic.
Failing to wear a shirt, top, pants, skirts or shoes. Shoes must remain on feet.
Excessive body odor or excessive use of perfume or cologne that interferes with other patrons’ use of the library is not allowed.
Using the public restrooms in any manner that is not usual or customary, including laundering or bathing.
Eating or drinking in the Library, except for meetings or special library programs. Water bottles with anti-drip caps are permitted.
Children under the age of ten unaccompanied by and within eyesight of a parent or guardian while in the library. (See Unattended Children Policy.)
Lying on the furniture/floor or sleeping is not permitted
Engaging in sexual activities
Disruptive behavior outside of the library such as skateboarding, riding a bike or blocking the entrance
Adults loitering in the children’s area without their own child
Refusal to follow reasonable direction from Library staff, including but not limited to leaving the Library during normal closing procedure or following a suspension of Library privileges or refusing to evacuate during an emergency.

Engaging in any of the above behaviors may result in one or more of the following consequences, depending on the severity of the violation:

Initial warning, given a copy of policy.
Library privileges suspended for one day.
Library privileges suspended for seven days.
Library privileges suspended up to one year.
Depending on severity, the time may be determined at the discretion of the Library Manager.

Patrons who are suspended from the Library for a period exceeding one day may petition to have their suspension reviewed by the Library Manager.

Please inform Library staff if you observe anyone behaving in a suspicious or inappropriate manner.

This policy has been endorsed by the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Board on May 25, 2021.

Americans With Disabilities Statement

The Library fully complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides accommodations on request for physical access, communication or other needs that ensure our services, activities and employment are available to people with disabilities.

Content Statement

The beliefs and opinions expressed within the Peoria Public Library and/or the literature, materials, programming and web-content accessed through the Library do not represent the viewpoint of the Peoria Public Library or the City of Peoria.