Code of Conduct

For the orderly operation of the Fairfield County District Library facilities, the Board of Trustees
establishes the following code of conduct for library visitors:

Library visitors must act in a polite, orderly manner when using library facilities and dealing with library
staff for any reason. Disruptive or inappropriate behavior is any behavior that library personnel judge to
interfere with visitors’ full use of library services or the ability of staff to carry out their duties. To ensure
that your visit is pleasant and productive, please observe the following:

• Shouting, screaming, loud conversation, or language which is rude, abusive, profane or vulgar is
  prohibited.
• Loitering, running, shoving, fighting, spitting or throwing objects is prohibited.
• Playing personal audio equipment at a volume high enough for others to hear is prohibited.
• Using cell phones and computers in a manner that disturbs others is prohibited.
• Threatening, harassing or physically harming library staff or other visitors is prohibited.
• Library facilities, materials, furniture and/or equipment must be used for their intended purposes. Please
  keep feet on the floor, not on tables or chairs. For safety sake, do not tip back on chairs and do not block
  aisles or shelving with personal items.
• The Library reserves the right to request that adults unaccompanied by a minor or without a need for
  children’s or young adult materials remain in the main areas of the library.
• Computer workstations are generally intended for individual use. Due to noise and space considerations,
  no more than two (2) users may gather at a computer workstation at one time.
• Use of another customer’s FCDL public Internet access is prohibited. Accounts will be blocked if given to
  another user. Once blocked, reapplication for access, including proof of identification, will be required.
• Covered beverages and small snack foods may be consumed in the library. Carry-out meals/pizzas, etc.
  are not permitted in the library. Beverage containers and food wrappers must be disposed of in waste
  baskets. Food and nonalcoholic beverages may be served in meeting room areas if authorized to do so.
• Because of their potential for triggering the Library’s smoke alarms, use of any device that produces
  smoke, vapor or mist is prohibited inside any Library facility.
• Smoking and use of tobacco products is prohibited in all Library facilities. Use of lighters, matches or
  other combustible devices is prohibited.
• Use of alcohol or illegal drugs is prohibited. Customers who exhibit signs of intoxication or impairment will
  be reported to law enforcement and removed from the Library.
• Shirt and shoes must be worn in any library facility. If even a small child is walking about in the Library,
  they must be wearing shoes.
• Neglecting body hygiene so that it gives offense constitutes a nuisance to other customers.
• Animals may not enter any library facility unless they are needed to assist a visitor with a disability or if
  they are authorized to enter as part of a Library sponsored program or presentation. A service animal
  must stay with its owner while in the Library. Service animals that are disruptive may be removed from the
  Library at the staff’s discretion.
• “Staff Only” areas are off limits to the public unless accompanied by a staff member.
• Photography/videotaping of Library staff or customers without their permission is prohibited.
• Soliciting contributions or signatures, or conducting surveys inside or immediately outside a library facility
  is prohibited without permission of Library Administration.
• Posting or distributing materials on Library property is prohibited without permission of Library
  Administration.
• The Library reserves the right to limit the number of individuals who may gather together where ingress or
  egress are blocked.
• Children under the age of eight (8) must be accompanied by an adult in any library facility. Responsibility
  for their safety and behavior rests with their parents or guardians, not with library staff. In the interest of
  safety, children may not climb/sit on counters, railings, tables or shelving.
  Firearms and weapons are prohibited on library property, with the exception of active-duty law
  enforcement personnel. The use of knives in a manner that threatens, intimidates, or could result in
  personal injury or property damage is prohibited.
• Under Title 29 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), anyone who knowingly moves, defaces, vandalizes,
  damages, destroys or otherwise improperly tampers with Library property is liable to prosecution. Anyone
  who intentionally deprives the Library of property without following proper procedures is liable to
  prosecution.
• The Library reserves the right to inspect all bags, purses, briefcases, packs, overcoats, etc. for library
  materials.
• The only wheeled vehicles that can be used in the library are baby strollers, wheelchairs, and other
  assistive devices for the disabled. Bicycles are to be parked outside of library buildings.
• Engaging in public sexual behavior, including but not limited to public indecency, viewing obscene
  material or offensive touching is prohibited.

The above rules are based on powers granted to a public library board of trustees under the ORC,
Section 3375.40 (H). Engaging in any of these activities or any other illegal behavior may result in
temporary or permanent loss of Library privileges. These rules will be strictly enforced.
The Library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended or left behind.
This code of conduct will be posted for public viewing in every Library facility.

Updated 06/23