Code of Conduct This policy establishes actions and behaviors that are disallowed on Library property. Our community expects the Library to be a clean, comfortable, and safe place for selecting materials, reading, researching, studying, writing, and attending programs, and meetings. To this end, the Library is responsible for establishing rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of Library customers, volunteers, and staff, and for preserving Library materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds. Library staff will enforce the Code of Conduct in a fair but firm manner to ensure the quality of the environment. While on Library premises, patrons are expected to comply with the reasonable directives of staff. Inappropriate behavior is defined as ‘any behavior on Library premises which infringes on the rights of others to use the Library in relative comfort and safety, behavior which could result in injury to oneself or others, or behavior which could result in damage to library materials or property’. Inappropriate library behavior includes, but is not limited to, the following: · Disobeying the reasonable directives of a library staff member. · Behavior that interferes with staff performance of duties including monopolizing the time of a staff member, inappropriate personal comments, sexual advances, or physical or verbal intimidation. · Verbally or physically threatening, using abusive language, bullying or harassing patrons, volunteers, or staff. · Soliciting and petitioning activities that do not comply with the Soliciting and Petitioning policy. · Bringing animals into the library other than service animals, as allowed by law, or for approved Coloma Public Library programs. · Creating a public nuisance with disruptive noises or activities such as running or loud talking. · Damaging, altering, stealing, or using Library property inappropriately. · Entering the library without attire that conforms to the standard of the community for public places and maintains a hygienic and safe environment, including wearing shoes and shirts. · Blocking aisles, entrances, or exits or in any manner impeding access to public areas. · Neglecting to provide supervision of children. · Smoking, including e-cigarettes inside the Library. · Outside smoking must comply with Michigan’s Smoke-Free Air Law. · Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or selling, using, or possessing alcohol, illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia. · Using language or gestures that incite violence or prejudicial action against a group or individual on the basis of race, religion, ethnic or national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. · Engaging in any activity in violation of Federal, State, local or other applicable law, or Library policy. In the event of patrons engaging in behavior which is disruptive or which appears to violate City of Coloma ordinances, State of Michigan statutes or Federal laws, the library staff may eject the violators, with the assistance of the Coloma Police Department, if necessary. Patrons will be warned once and requested to leave if the unacceptable behavior continues. Suspension of library privileges by a library staff member or board representative for a determinate period of time may occur if a patron is found to have engaged in unacceptable behavior on library property. In all cases other than a daily suspension, written notice outlining the reason(s) for the suspension will be provided to the patron, or parents, caretakers and/or legal guardian of a minor. An individual may submit an appeal of the suspension by mail within 7 days of receiving the suspension at which time, the matter will be referred to the Board of Trustees for a hearing and final decision. ----------------------
