Policy Title: Code of Patron Conduct

Purpose

This policy ensures every community member’s right to a welcoming, productive, and safe environment when using Library facilities, services, and programs. We uphold access for all individuals regardless of age, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, ability, or appearance, provided their conduct does not infringe upon others’ ability to use Library resources effectively. This code is supported by related policies and procedures.

Scope

This policy governs conduct across all Library spaces, including physical buildings, bookmobiles, digital platforms, and sponsored events. It applies to all users who interact with Library resources, ensuring that consistent standards for respectful participation and safety are upheld at all times.

Policy

Animals

Animals, with the exception of service animals and animals brought in for special programs or as permitted by the Library Director, are strictly prohibited in the Library. Service animals are permitted as defined by current federal and Florida standards. For federal requirements, please refer to the Americans with Disabilities Act website: www.ada.gov. For information about Florida’s regulations regarding service animals, see Florida Statute § 413.08

Attire & Hygiene

In the interest of public health and safety, appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times while inside all Library buildings. Exceptions may be made for infants and toddlers. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building.

Customer Expectations

All library visitors are asked to observe the following expectations while using our facilities:

• Comply with all federal, state, and local laws as well as library policies.
• Cooperate with staff, including but not limited to leaving at closing time.
• Patience and respect while waiting for and using services such as Reference, Circulation, or computer assistance, including maintaining a reasonable noise level and parental restraint of lively or noisy.
• Respecting others using the library, including maintaining a reasonable distance concerning reading, using library computers, and sharing worktables.
• Keep personal belongings with them at all times. The Library is not responsible for items that may be lost, stolen, or damaged.

Conduct Not Permitted

• Behaving in an unlawful, disruptive, or potentially harmful manner, including being under the influence, or in unlawful possession of illicit substances, firearms, or other weapons.
• Creating any disturbance that interferes with normal operations of the Library, including but not limited to: fighting; harassing or intimidating others, including Library staff, security, or patrons; use of abusive, disruptive, loud, obscene, threatening language/behavior, or explicit sexual language/behavior.
• Abuse of Library facilities and/or equipment, including, but not limited to defacing, cutting, destroying, or stealing Library property or materials.
• Engaging in inappropriate personal hygiene practices, such as urinating or defecating in Library spaces, will not be tolerated.
• Loitering outside the building in a manner that obstructs entry or creates a reasonable concern for the safety of individuals or property.
• Monopolizing Library spaces, furniture, equipment, or materials, preventing others from using them.
• Refusing to respond to and/or comply with direction from Library staff or security, including refusing to leave the Library at closing time or during an emergency evacuation.
• Use and/or possession of alcohol.
• Accessing websites containing material involving illegal activity, pornography, or obscenity.
• Improper use of public restrooms, including, but not limited to, bathing and laundering.
• Use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes inside the building.
• Behaviors such as sleeping, running, or consuming food or beverages in non-designated areas.
• Solicitation or panhandling on Library property unless explicitly permitted by the Library in compliance with County policy.

Mobile Phones and Other Electronic Devices

Use of mobile telephones or other electronic communication devices in the Library must be kept to a minimum. These items should be set to “silent” or “vibrate” mode with no audible alerts. While we understand that use of these devices is sometimes necessary, the Library System reserves the right to ask patrons to cease this activity when it interferes with other patrons’ use of the Library.

Violations

The Library reserves the right to require anyone violating the Library Code of Conduct to leave immediately. Individuals who are directed to leave due to a violation will be barred from Library premises for the remainder of the day up to one week. Serious or repeated violations may result in a Trespass Warning issued by local law enforcement under Florida Statute §810.08, which governs unlawful entry or refusal to depart after a lawful warning. Upon issuance of a Trespass Warning, the individual will receive written notice specifying the suspension duration, reasons for the action, and the right to appeal. Depending on the severity of the infraction, suspensions may include revocation of Library privileges and a ban from Library premises for a minimum of one year. Failure to comply with staff directives or Library policies may result in immediate law enforcement involvement.

Unattended Children*

The Library encourages children to use its facilities. However, as a public building staffed by professionals trained to deliver library services, it is not designed or intended to serve as a childcare provider, whether for short or extended periods. To ensure their safety and well-being, children should be accompanied by a responsible adult or caregiver while in the Library. Parents or caregivers are expected to supervise and manage their children’s behavior during their visit.

* The State of Florida defines a minor as a person under the age of 18. For the purposes of this policy, the terms “child”, “minor”, and “youth” are interchangeable.

Approved by LAB: 11/14/18
Approved by BCC: 12/18/18
Revision Approved by LAB: 7/9/25
Revision Approved by BCC: 8/18/2025