RULES OF CONDUCT | Peach Public Libraries

Rules of Conduct Policy (PDF Version)

The Library’s first priority is public service. Every day, people visit Peach Public Libraries to read, select materials, use electronic resources, attend programs and request information.

The Library Board of Trustees has established Rules of Conduct so that library users and staff have a clean, pleasant and safe environment. We need your cooperation to reach this goal.

The following activities are prohibited at Peach Public Libraries:

Engaging in any activity prohibited by law.
Disruptive or unsafe behavior including interfering with library employees in the performance of their duties, or obstructing or intimidating patrons of the library, or entering non-public areas without authorization.
Use of loud, abusive, threatening or insulting language.
Sexual misconduct such as exposure or threatening touching.
Activities or behavior that may result in injury or harm to any library patron or staff member, including challenging another person to fight or engaging in any fight.
Patrons with hygiene conditions, including, but not limited to, clothing odor, body odor and lice, that interfere with the use and enjoyment of the library by other library patrons or with the functioning of library staff.
Activities or behavior that may result in damage to library property, furniture or equipment, including making any attempts to damage computer equipment or alter software configurations.
Eating, drinking or displaying open food or liquid containers, except in areas designated for those purposes and/or when served with prior approval of the Library.
Sleeping, smoking or misuse of Library restrooms or water fountains (including bathing, shaving, and changing or washing clothes).
Animals, except for service dogs.
Bicycles, shopping carts, or other large wheeled conveyances are not permitted inside library buildings. Wheelchairs and strollers are only permitted if being used for the transport of an adult or child. Skates, skateboards, and collapsible scooters must be carried while on library premises.
Petitioning, soliciting or distributing/selling merchandise without the express permission of the Library Director.
Unnecessary noise, including the use of cell phones, pagers, headphones, and other communication, audio and electronic devices which disturbs other patrons or staff.
Staring at, or following, a patron or staff in a manner that reasonably can be expected to disturb him or her, including photographing or filming persons without prior approval from a senior staff member.
Monopolizing library space, seating, tables, or equipment to the exclusion of other patrons or staff, or obstructing aisles or doorways with personal belongings.
Loitering is prohibited. Loitering is defined as lingering idly or aimlessly in any area of the Library for a protracted period of time without an apparent purpose.
Adults are responsible for the conduct and safety of minors or dependent persons under their care. Children under the age of 12 years old must remain in the company of the parent or caregiver.

In Addition:

The Library is not responsible for children who are left unattended in or on the grounds of the library. Misconduct or misuse of library property on the part of juveniles will be reported to their parents.

The Library is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen or damaged in or on the grounds of the library.

Patrons shall wear garments covering the upper and lower torso of their bodies. Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.

Enforcement:

The above enumerated rules are not intended to be a complete list of violations, but are intended for guidance only. Library staff and/or local law enforcement officers are authorized to expel persons who, advised of the regulations above, fail to comply with them. Such personnel also reserve the right to take appropriate action(s) against any other behavior which can reasonably be deemed to be offensive to library patrons or staff.

Peach Public Libraries reserves the right to restrict the use of its facilities and premises to persons who do not abide by the Library’s Rules of Conduct. Failure to comply with the Library’s established rules and policies could result in expulsion from the Library, revocation of Library privileges for a period of one day to one year, or in arrest and prosecution for criminal trespass pursuant to Official Code of Georgia 16-7-21.

Any person whose privileges have been denied or revoked for more than 30 days shall have a right to appeal to the Library Director. Except for violations of Rule 2, enforcement will be held in abeyance pending the appeal. The appeal must be filed within seven (7) calendar days of the date that the patron is notified that the patron’s privileges have been revoked. The decision of the Library Director shall be final and conclusive.

Trespass Warning:

Individuals who interfere with the employees of the Library in the performance of their duties, or obstruct or intimidate patrons of this facility, or enter non-public areas without authorization, will be requested to leave the Library premises. Individuals refusing to leave after such request will be subject to arrest and prosecution.

Unattended Items:

Do not leave bags or other items unattended outside or inside the Library. Unattended items will be discarded.

No Pets Allowed:

Only service dogs specifically trained to assist a person with a disability are allowed to enter the library building.

Smoke Free Environment:

All Library buildings are designated as smoke free and tobacco free areas under the Georgia Smoke Free Air Act of 2005. Neither smoking nor tobacco use is permitted within 50 feet of any library entrance or exits.

This applies to the use of any tobacco product, including smokeless tobacco.

Adopted June 11, 2015