Library Behavior Policy

Purpose
It is the policy of the Iredell County Public Library to offer the full range of library service to all residents of the community, regardless of age, sex, race or ethnicity, religion, economic status, etc. It is the intent of the library to provide its services with a minimum of regulations and restrictions, adopting only those which are absolutely essential to the library's operation.

Users as Owners
The library recognizes that the users of the library are in fact the owners of the library. As users and owners, the public has certain expectations of the library. These include an outstanding collection of library materials; pleasant, attractive surroundings; and courteous, efficient and effective service.

Harassment Free Area
Library users have a right to assume that visits to the library will be free from harassment, physical discomfort, danger, and psychological stress. The library staff has the same rights. Each member of the staff should be able to do his/her work free of harassment, abuse, discomfort, and undue psychological stress.

Behavior Guidelines & Violations
The rights of both the public and the staff are sometimes violated by the attitudes and behavior of a very small number of persons. Therefore, it shall be the library's policy to maintain a quiet, pleasant environment conductive to serious study as well as casual use. To assure the successful implementation of this policy, unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Minor Violations
  2. Major Violations

Minor Violations

  • Blocking or in any way interfering with the free movement of any person or persons
  • Bringing animals other than service or assistance dogs into the building
  • Consumption of food or beverages unless approved by library staff
  • Distribution or posting materials such as flyers, leaflets, or other literature without authorization
  • Failure to wear shoes or a shirt
  • Loitering or sleeping on library property
  • Failure to obey posted signs on library property, including parking and other traffic signs
  • Loud conversation or laughter which is disturbing to other users
  • Rearranging of any library furniture or equipment from one location to another without authorization by staff
  • Using tobacco products inside the building
  • Soliciting or selling of any kind
  • Use of library telephones by any person other than library personnel unless approved
  • Use of music or streaming devices if not using headphones so that sound is transmitted to others
  • Loud or disruptive phone conversations
  • Any other behavior that is disruptive or any failure to comply with directions from library staff

Enforcement of Library Behavior Policy

Persons who violate any of these policies will be addressed in the following manner:

Minor Violations

  • 1st Violation - Verbal warning
  • 2nd Violation - Verbal warning
  • 3rd Violation - Person must leave library property

Major Violations

  • 1st Violation - Person must leave library property

Policy Implementation

In order to maintain a peaceful environment, repeat violators of these minor violations, or any persons who commit major violations, will be subject to exclusion from the library premises. Decisions to exclude persons from library property will be made by the Library Director or the assistant Library Director. Persons may be temporarily banned by the supervisor in charge. It is unlawful for any person to fail to leave library property after being asked to leave. Criminal behavior will be prosecuted under the law.

Statutes