Patron Code of Conduct

Yorktown-Mt. Pleasant Twp. Public Library

Patron Code of Conduct

The Yorktown-Mt. Pleasant Twp. Public Library is a public library serving the residents of Mt. Pleasant Township (excluding those areas annexed by the city of Muncie). All visitors are asked to respect other patrons and the Library staff and are required to behave appropriately while on the premises.

To ensure that all patrons and visitors are able to use the Library’s resources and services effectively, the Library requires that all visitors comply with the following rules and regulations:

1. Behavior that interferes with Library services and activities is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to the following:

                    a. Unauthorized removal or attempted removal of materials
                    b. Being in an unauthorized area
                    c. Disorderly or disruptive conduct
                    d. Obscene, profane or abusive language or acts
                    e. Possession or use of alcohol or illegal drugs
                    f.  Intoxication or impairment
                    g. Mutilation, defacement, or theft of Library property
                    h. Use of library furniture or equipment in a manner for which they were not intended or designed
                     i. Inappropriate use of Library computers and/or the Internet
                     j. Sleeping and/or offensive bodily hygiene
                    k. Harassing or threatening others
                     l. Selling, soliciting or mass distribution of materials
                   m. Smoking in the Library or on Library grounds
                    n. Failure to evacuate in an emergency or during a drill

2. All patrons age 5 and older wishing to use the Library computers must read the Computer Use Policy, sign the Limitation of Liability, and be a patron in good standing. Patrons age 17 or younger may use the Library computers only after their parent or guardian has read and signed a Minor Computer Use Permission Form. 

3. Consumption of food is not permitted anywhere in the Library. Beverages with screw-on caps are allowed only in the Teen/YA area of the Library. This area is in the south end of the building where the soda shop tables are located. Drinks are never allowed in the Eleanore Halleck Reading Nook or at the computer stations.

4. Children 10 and under must always be accompanied by an adult or caregiver 18 years of age or over. After 6 pm children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult or caregiver 18 years of age or over. Parents attending meetings at the Library must leave children home, keep children with them at the meeting, or have an accompanying adult supervise the children. If unattended children 12 and under are still present at the library 10 minutes after closing, Library staff will call the Yorktown Police Department to pick the children up.

5. Patrons will keep the volume of their conversations as low as practical. Please be respectful of other patrons and employees who may be disturbed by loud talking, laughing, running and other forms of horse play. Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children; however, if their behavior is disruptive or dangerous, staff may request them to stop or leave the Library.

6. Patrons will use headphones with all sound equipment.

7. Patrons are asked to turn cell phones to silence, vibrate or low volume out of respect for other visitors in the Library.

8. Library telephones are for business use, not the personal use of patrons. However, when necessary, staff may permit the use of Library phones for short calls (for example, to get a ride home).

9. All briefcases, handbags, luggage, packages, overcoats, backpacks, and shopping bags may be subject to inspection by Library staff.

10. Interference with Library employees in the performance of their duties is prohibited. This includes engaging in inappropriate conversation or behavior, sexual advances or physical and/or verbal harassment.

11. Any violation of federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulations will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement body.

12. Visitors whose conduct or activities violate this policy will be asked to modify their behavior. Failure to comply with these rules and regulations will result in the loss of Library privileges and removal from the building and Library property.

13.  First removal will be for a one week period; second removal will be for one month; third removal will be permanent. When removal involves a minor, a letter will be sent to a parent or guardian informing them of the violation and length of removal. The violator may appeal permanent removal by petitioning the Library Board of Trustees in writing. The violator may then be scheduled to appear before the Board of Trustees at the next regularly scheduled public Library Board meeting. 

Adopted 5/13/04; Revised 10/14/04; Revised 4/13/06; Revised 5/17/07; Revised 11/13/08