Policy Effective Date: 6/14/2024

Pickaway County Library encourages the use of its facilities for learning, enrichment, and use of the library’s resources and services. To preserve that opportunity, we ask patrons to be respectful of each other and staff, and to behave in a manner that does not disrupt other patrons or staff. The rules of public behavior are posted in the library. All library staff are authorized to bring to an individual’s attention any act or omission that violates these rules.

The intent of this policy is to make the Pickaway County Library a pleasant and enriching place for all library patrons and staff. Behaviors that interfere with the right of other patrons to enjoy the library include but are not limited to:

1. Eating or drinking inside the library except in designated areas and at library-sponsored events. Spills must be immediately reported to staff.
   a. Main Library – All food and drinks are allowed in the Gallery. Covered drinks are allowed in all areas except for the genealogy room and where otherwise posted.
   b. Younkin branch – No food is allowed. Covered drinks are allowed in all areas.
2. Violating the library’s smoke free property policy.
3. Using, selling, or being under the influence of drugs, including alcohol, on library property.
4. Leaving children who are under 10 years of age, or those who need supervision, unattended. Responsibility for all children using the library rests with the parent/guardian or assigned chaperone, not with the library personnel.
5. Sleeping and/or lying on the floor.
6. Engaging in behavior that could disturb other patrons or staff including, but not limited to:
   a. loud talking, singing, and/or boisterous activity.
   b. running, shoving, and/or throwing objects.
   c. loud and/or prolonged periods of crying.
7. Harassing others, either verbally or through actions.
   a. Harassment may include but is not limited to initiating unwanted conversations or other actions another individual reasonably perceives to be hostile, threatening, or offensive.
8. Using profane, obscene, or abusive language; racial and ethnic epithets; fighting, or the threat thereof.
9. Taking photographs and/or recording videos of Library staff or patrons without their permission.
10. Impeding access to the building, monopolizing/obstructing space, seating, tables, or equipment to the exclusion of others.
11. Leaving items unattended on library property, including in library buildings.
12. Improper dress including bare feet and/or no shirt.
13. Using the restrooms as bathing or laundry facilities or as gathering places.
14. Using rollerblades, spiked shoes, skateboards, other sports equipment, or other self-propelled or motorized recreational transportation devices, in the building or on library property.
15. Bringing a bicycle or other self-propelled or motorized recreational transportation device into the building, unless authorized.
16. Bringing animals other than service animals into the library unless authorized by library staff.
17. Selling, advertising, or soliciting for contributions or support, except as authorized. Petitioning, such as for voting or ballot issues, is permitted outside of the building on library property but petitioners cannot block the building’s entrances and exits.
18. Entering non-public areas such as workrooms, offices, and storage areas without permission.
19. Abuse or improper use of furniture, equipment, or materials.
20. Damaging, destroying, vandalizing, or stealing property belonging to the library, other patrons, or staff.
21. Weapons of any kind or other items deemed dangerous by library staff, either concealed or in plain view, are not permitted in the library building, unless the owner of the weapon is a law enforcement officer.
22. Engaging in any act of sexual misconduct, including exposure, offensive touching, or sexual harassment of other patrons or staff.
23. Trespassing, violating an eviction, or entering library property when banned.
24. Violating the library’s Internet Access policy.
25. Any illegal act or conduct in violation of federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation, including those performed on a computer.
    Failure to follow these rules will result in patrons being asked to leave library property (Please see Policy 2.4.1. Suspension of Library Privileges and Eviction).