Gunn Memorial Library, Inc. Behavior Policy
In our efforts to provide a comfortable, welcoming environment for all library users, we have established a Library and Museum Behavior Policy. The purpose of the Policy is to define unacceptable behavior and to suggest conduct that is appropriate in the library and museum.
Violations of the Policy will result in increasing levels of action, ranging from asking the patron to leave the library for the remainder of the day to the patron’s permanent loss of all library and museum privileges to legal prosecution. The level of action shall be determined on a case-by-case basis and shall be within the sole discretion of the Director or his/her designee.
Gunn Memorial Library, Inc.(GMLM) staff may contact police or other governmental agencies if it is deemed necessary or advisable to protect a GMLM or staff member, or to comply with applicable law.
The following are considered unacceptable behavior, and are NOT permitted in the GMLM:
1. Behavior that results in excessive noise levels, creates disturbances, interferes with other patrons’ use of the library or damages library property. The GMLM staff and this policy recognize that the children’s area of the library may be louder and have more commotion than the adult areas of the library. However, if a child is disruptive and cannot be quieted or calmed, the parent or caregiver must remove the child from the library. Please see our Policy on Unattended Children for additional information.
2. Failing to comply with the GMLM’s Internet Use and Wireless Internet Use Policies.
3. Carrying dangerous weapons of any type (except by law enforcement officers).
4. Being under the influence of any controlled substance, including cannabis, or selling, using, or possessing any controlled substance.
5. Being under the influence of alcohol or selling, using or possessing alcohol. Specific to GMLM related functions, certain exceptions to the alcohol policy may be made by the Director or Board of Trustees.
6. Smoking, chewing or other tobacco use, including e-cigarettes and vaping on GMLM property.
7. Behavior that causes patrons or staff to feel harassed or threatened.
8. Appropriate clothing and shoes must be worn at all times in the GMLM.
9. Theft, defacement, or mutilation of GMLM materials or property. Anyone involved in the theft, defacement, or mutilation of GMLM materials or property will be subject to arrest and prosecution.
10. Entering or remaining in GMLM with communicable diseases, contagious illnesses, or lice or other body or article infestation. The staff reserve the right to ask the patron to leave.
11. Personal hygiene that interferes with the orderly operation of the GMLM or with the ability of other patrons to use and/or enjoy the facility.
12. Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving or throwing things.
13. Solicitation, vending and distribution of petitions or surveys in or on GMLM grounds without prior consent of the Director or his/her designee.
14. Photographing, videotaping or recording any patron without the patron’s prior approval and consent.
15. Entering any staff-only areas of the GMLM. These areas are for staff and volunteers only.
16. Bringing an animal into the GMLM. Service animals needed to aid individuals with disabilities are exempt from this rule.
17. Loitering on the GMLM grounds.
GMLM also places the following restrictions on conduct:
1. All patrons must leave the premises after closing, unless they are participating in a prescheduled program or meeting.
2. Drinks and snacks are permitted provided that all trash is properly disposed of and other patrons are not disturbed. Patrons should take great care when eating or drinking in the GMLM. Any damage caused by food or drink will be subject to full payment by the patron.
3. Use of cell phones should be limited, discreet and at a level that is not disruptive to others.
4. Animals left outside GMLM must be on a leash and not disruptive to patrons entering the building or causing noise levels that is disruptive to patrons inside GMLM.
5. Adults should only be in the Children’s Room if they are accompanied by children/teens or using/browsing the collection. The study tables, chairs, and catalog computer located in the Children’s Room are reserved for use by children, teens and caregivers only.
Adopted by Gunn Memorial Board of Trustees on January 20, 2022
