Sonoma County Library Standards of Behavior
The Sonoma County Library Commission and staff welcome you to read, write, research, study, and reflect in a pleasant, safe environment without distractions or disruptions. To ensure a positive library experience for everyone who visits any Library in the county’s system, be sensitive to other people and behave in a manner that meets these standards.
Please keep the Library a safe place.
- Abide by all federal, state, and local laws (including, but not limited to, theft, possession of weapons or any illegal or controlled substance, consuming alcohol or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, engaging in any sexual activity, harassing others, or behaving in a threatening or abusive manner).
- Abide by all Library policies (for example, the Internet access policy and the policy on unattended children).
- Wheeled devices of any type should not be used in the Library or near the building.
- Secure all bicycles on the racks outside, away from doors and book drops. Library staff may remove bicycles not secured on the racks provided.
- Other small, wheeled devices may be carried into the library if they do not block aisles and can be stored under tables (for example, collapsible carts, motorized or unmotorized scooters, skateboards, and in-line skates).
- Disabled patrons may use assistive devices, and caregivers may use strollers for children in the Library.
- Do not smoke or use any tobacco products anywhere on the Library’s property, including interior and exterior spaces.
- Follow the Library’s policies by ensuring that a qualified caregiver over the age of 14 accompanies all children under the age of 8.
- Assure the safety of children. Make certain that they do not engage in unsafe activities such as swinging, standing, or sitting on tables, counters, or other furniture and equipment.
- Keep any personal items with you at all times, or Library staff or the police may remove them.
Please help us create an environment that allows everyone to enjoy visiting the Library.
- Keep noise levels down to avoid disturbing others. Ways to accomplish this include, but are not limited to, lowering voices, using headphones on low volume, and disabling ringing or other sounds created by electronic devices.
- Behave in a manner that does not interfere with another person’s ability to use and enjoy the library on the premises, including entry areas and patios. Examples of unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to, soliciting, begging, selling, and sleeping.
- Do not monopolize library space, seating, tables, or equipment. Do not unpack personal belongings that are not necessary for library use.
- Leave aisles, walkways, and entrances open; store large packages or personal effects under your chair or table out of the way of other library users.
- Dress appropriately. Examples of inappropriate attire to avoid includes, but is not limited to, bare feet, bare chests, clothes that are unbuttoned or unzipped, or being attired in any way that is disruptive to the Library’s users and staff.
- Maintain good personal hygiene so as not to be offensive to others or cause allergic or asthmatic reactions. Hygiene that is objectionable includes, but is not limited to, offensive body odor and excessive use of scented products.
Please use your Library appropriately and with respect.
- Use the Library’s facilities, materials, and furnishings as intended. Malicious damage and/or destruction of Library materials or property are a violation of the law.
- Leave furniture in its place. Avoid putting your feet on the furniture or sitting on any furniture other than a chair or couch.
- Obey the request of a Library staff member or Library security officer.
- Reptiles, birds, dogs, and other animals are not allowed in the Library building, with the exception of service animals on duty or in training and animals that are part of library-approved events. If you walk to the Library with your pet, tether it outside safely away from entrances and book drops.
- Use the Library’s restrooms as intended; do not use them for bathing, shaving, washing hair or laundry, or changing clothes.
- Leave all food and drinks outside the Library (capped water bottles excepted).
- Stay in public areas of the Library unless accompanied by a staff person.
- Vacate the Library at closing time and during emergency situations. Do not enter the building when the Library is closed.
Please report inappropriate or questionable behavior to a Library staff member or a Library security officer immediately.
Under the authority granted by the Joint Powers Agreement, the Sonoma County Library Commission determines all Library policies, including standards for public behavior on the premises of all public libraries in the County. The Library retains the right to take any action necessary to ensure a safe and appropriate environment for everyone.
These standards of behavior will be available as a brochure and, in abbreviated form, as posters at all Sonoma County Libraries. The Library Director and his/her designated staff are responsible for interpreting these rules in accordance with applicable law and for ensuring appropriate behavior in all Library facilities.
Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Any person who violates these standards will be asked to bring their behavior into compliance immediately or leave the Library. Failure to comply with the Library’s established rules, regulations, and policies could result in removal from the premises and exclusion from the Library for one day to one year. Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including use of library computers and other equipment.
Individual patrons have the right to request an administrative review of an exclusion order that is for a period greater than seven days.
The Library Commission will review this policy no later than September 2008.
Adopted by
Sonoma County Library Commission
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