Members of the public are to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that is in keeping with the nature of the Library’s programs and services, and that does not interfere with others.

The Library provides areas in the library building for the public to read, study, select and examine library and other materials, or to participate in related library programs. The Library also provides designated areas in the library building for the public to engage in game playing in a manner that does not involve gambling, disturb others, or interfere with the provision of primary library services. Members of the public who elect to use the Library shall not interfere with the use of the Library by other members of the public or interfere with Library employees’ performance of their duties.

No member of the public shall behave in a manner which reasonably can be expected to disturb others. Such behavior includes but is not limited to harassing or annoying others through noisy or boisterous activities, staring at another person, following another person about the building, playing audio equipment so that others can hear it, singing or talking to others or in monologues, using offensive or abusive language, engaging in loud or extensive personal telephone conversations, photographing the Library or other customers without prior permission, intentionally displaying offensive images not appropriate for a public place, or behaving in an unlawful manner. In addition, no member of the public shall establish an office for the purpose of meeting or interacting with others in the public service areas of the Library.

Members of the public who are involved in harassment, including but not limited to sexual harassment, of any member of the staff or the public shall be required to leave the building. In addition, they may be sued or prosecuted in accordance with applicable ordinances or statutes.

Members of the public who refuse to comply with staff directions regarding safety procedures in actual or simulated emergencies shall be required to leave the building or shall be denied readmittance once standard operations resume.

Members of the public shall not consume food or beverages in the library building except in conjunction with library programs or in designated areas. The use and the preparation for use of tobacco products including but not limited to smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff is prohibited in the library building. By City ordinance smoking is prohibited not only in the building but also within 25 feet of its main public entrance.

Members of the public shall not enter the building unless fully clothed including, but not limited to, a shirt or other covering of their upper bodies and shoes or other footwear. Persons whose bodily hygiene is so lacking as to constitute a nuisance or health hazard to other members of the public or to the staff create an impediment to the use and/or the provision of Library services and so shall be required to leave the building.

Members of the public who are involved in stealing, defacing, damaging or altering Library property including but not limited to printed materials, recorded materials, digital resources, electronic equipment and furnishings shall be required to leave the building. In addition, they may be prosecuted per applicable ordinances or statutes.

Anyone who disregards these or other rules and regulations of the Library is subject to removal from the building and/or to restriction of library privileges in the manner prescribed by the Bylaws and Policy Statements of the Mead Public Library Board.

Adopted by the
Mead Public Library Board of Trustees
April 22, 1993
March 25, 1999
Last revised July 24,2003

*Subject to change without notice