Library Code of Conduct

Purpose

It is the City's goal to ensure that the Library is a pleasant, safe and welcoming environment where visitors can acquire knowledge through studying, reading, writing and researching. This Code of Conduct sets the minimum standards of conduct required by all of those who visit and come onto Library property ("visitors").

General Conduct

This Code of Conduct is intended to encourage behavior that is courteous, respectful, and considerate. Anyone who disregards this Code of Conduct may be removed from the Library and may have restrictions placed on their Library privileges. Restrictions may include denial of the use of Library computers, denial of the right to use the Library for a specified time period, temporary or permanent suspension of library card, or limiting access to specific areas of the Library. In the event a minor does not comply with this Code of Conduct, then that child's guardian will be notified by the Library staff.

Violence and/or threats of violence will not be tolerated. Any visitor who engages in violent behavior or threatens to use violence against others will be required to immediately leave Library property and may not be allowed to return.

Visitors who do not comply with this Code of Conduct will be notified by Library staff, provided with a copy of this Code of Conduct and informed of the consequences should their noncomplying behavior continue. A visitor who fails or refuses to comply with this Code of Conduct will be required to immediately leave the Library property for the balance of the calendar day. A visitor who refuses to leave the Library may be escorted out by a security guard or a Police Officer.

When a visitor is asked to leave the Library for any reason, a staff member shall immediately make a written statement of the incident, including the person's name and address, if known or able to be determined, the reason the person was asked to leave the Library, specifying which rule(s) was violated by the visitor, and stating whether a copy of this Code of Conduct was provided to the visitor ("Written Statements").

The records of a visitor who is the subject a Written Statement may be reviewed by the Library Director, or a person designated by the Library Director in the Director's absence, who will make a decision regarding suspending that visitor's right to use the Library facilities for a longer period of time and/or until certain conditions are met. A visitor will be notified of the decision to suspend them from the Library facilities for a longer period of time, or until conditions are met, in writing. The writing will specify the duration of the suspension, and/or the conditions that need to be met for the suspension to be lifted, and provide an explanation for the decision. If the visitor who is suspended is a minor, then his/her guardian will also be notified of the decision. The Library Director shall offer the suspended visitor the opportunity to appear before the Assistant City Manager to appeal the decision. In case of a minor, his/her guardian may appeal the decision on behalf of the minor so long as the minor is present at all meetings pertaining to the appeal. A person who fails to comply with this Code of Conduct after his/her suspension is lifted, may be banned from the Library facilities.

Public notice: By visiting library property, all persons waive any reasonable expectation of privacy that they may have and consent to have all bags searched in the event of a security gate alarm.

Please be advised that there are security cameras throughout the library and that it is the visitor's duty to comply with this code of conduct at all times while on library property.

This code of conduct applies uniformly to all library visitors.

The following activities are prohibited on Library property:

• Skateboarding, bicycling, rollerblading or using other motorized items not medically required for mobility.
• Eating, consuming or possessing alcohol, illegal drugs, or being under the influence.
• Engaging in illegal activity.
• Smoking, chewing tobacco, or vaping.
• Damaging or vandalizing Library property such as equipment, computer software or Library materials.
• Interfering with Library employees' performance of their duties.
• Disturbing other visitors' use and enjoyment of Library materials.
• Downloading or installing any program on the computer's hard drive.
• Posting printed materials on Library property.
• Bathing, shaving, or washing clothes.
• Selling, soliciting, or distributing materials inside the Library. This prohibition does not prevent individuals from selling, soliciting or distributing materials outside of the Library in designated areas so long as doing so does not, in any way, interfere with the safe and efficient entry or exiting of the Library.
• Engaging in noisy or boisterous activities such as playing audio equipment so that others can hear it, speaking loudly, using a cell phone except in the lobby area, or excessively crying.
• Harassing or speaking abusively to or in front of Library staff, volunteers, or other visitors.
• Engaging in sexual activity of any kind, including sexual harassment or indecent exposure.
• Staying on Library property when the Library is closed.
• Viewing, printing, or sending pornography.
• Engaging in activities not associated with the use of a public Library.

Children's Policy

The Boynton Beach Public Library welcomes and encourages children to visit the Library and use Library resources and services. Staff members are available to help and support children; however, the Library is not able to provide short- or long-term child care, or be responsible for unattended children.

No child aged 13 or under may be left unattended in any area of the Library. Children 13 years of age and younger must be supervised by a chaperone or caregiver who is over the age of 13 and is able to attend to the child's safety and insure appropriate behavior. If a child 13 years or younger is found to be unattended in the Library, staff will attempt to find the child's chaperone. If the staff cannot locate a chaperone, the Boynton Beach Police Department may be notified.

Parents, guardians, chaperones and/or caregivers are responsible for the safety, behavior, and supervision of children at all times in the Library and on Library property. Children are expected to respect Library property and adhere to the rules outlined in this Code of Conduct.

Animals in the Library

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are welcomed and permitted in the Library, all other animals, including comfort animals, are strictly prohibited from entering the Library. Pursuant to ADA guidelines, service animals are defined as dogs or miniature horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Pursuant to Section 413.08, Florida Statutes, "The crime-deterrent effect of an animal's presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for purposes of this definition."

Determination of a Service Animal: Section 413.08, Florida Statutes states that "To determine the difference between a service animal and a pet, (staff) may ask if an animal is a service animal required because of a disability and what work or tasks the animal has been trained to perform... Documentation that the service animal is trained is not a precondition for providing service to an individual accompanied by a service animal."