January 2011

Policies · Standards of Library Behavior

The Use of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is committed to providing a secure and supportive environment for use of its resources and services. To achieve this, the Library has established standards of behavior.

To consistently enforce these standards of behavior, The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County has established policies outlining specific violations and consequences for inappropriate behavior on Library premises.

The Standards of Library Behavior is a three-part policy designed to:

Protect the rights and safety of Library patrons
Protect the rights and safety of Library employees
Protect and preserve the resources, facilities and property of the Library.

Definitions and Scope

The Standards of Library Behavior applies to all persons using Library facilities, interior and exterior, controlled and operated by The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Such facilities and grounds are hereafter referred to as “premises”. Persons who violate this policy may be asked to leave the premises and may be barred from all Library premises for the periods listed below.

Violations of the Ohio Revised Code

Violation of any Ohio Revised Codes may be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Statute of Limitations for violation of any Ohio Revised Code is for a 12-month period from the first offense.

	VIOLATION	1st Offense	2nd Offense	3rd Offense
1.	Any violation of the Ohio Revised Code	6 Months	1 Year	3 Years

Statute of Limitations for Library Policy or Behavioral Violations is for a 12-month period from the 1st offense.

Library Policy Violations

	VIOLATION	1st Offense	2nd Offense	3rd Offense	4th Offense
1.	Panhandling	Warning	3 Months	6 Months	1 Year
2.	Non-compliance of the Library’s Internet Use Policy.	Warning	3 Months	6 Months	1 Year
3.	Improper use or destruction of Library resources, including, but not limited to: Bathing, shaving, washing of hair and clothing in Library restrooms Using Library equipment, furniture, fixtures or buildings inconsistent with their intended use Any use which is likely to cause personal injury or injury to others	Warning	3 Months	6 Months	1 Year

Behavioral Violations

	VIOLATION	1st Offense	2nd Offense	3rd Offense	4th Offense
1.	Consumption of alcoholic beverages on premises except for Library authorized events/functions.	Warning	3 Months	6 Months	1 Year
2.	Harassment or threatening behavior and use of abusive language or gestures.	Warning	3 Months	6 Months	1 Year
3.	Conduct that disrupts or interferes with the normal operation of the Library including, but not limited to: Use of personal electronic equipment at a volume that disturbs others. This may include pagers, stereos, televisions and cellular devices Loud voices	Warning/ Leave Building to Correct problem	1 Month	3 Months	6 Months
4.	Petitioning and distributing non-library approved materials on Library premises.	Warning/ Leave Building to Correct problem	1 Month	3 Months	6 Months
5.	Interfering with the access, egress, or use of Library facilities including, but not limited to, equipment, pathways, etc. by placing objects in a manner to obstruct any of the above.	Warning/ Leave Building to Correct problem	1 Month	3 Months	6 Months
6.	Recreational use of bicycles, roller blades, skates or similar items on premises.	Warning/Leave Building to Correct problem	1 Month	3 Months	6 Months
7.	Smoking or other use of any tobacco products inside a Library facility.	Warning/ Leave Building to Correct problem	1 Month	3 Months	6 Months
8.	Bringing animals inside the Library with the exception of service animals or as allowed at a Library approved event.	Warning/ Leave Building to Correct problem	1 Month	3 Months	6 Months
9.	Consumption of food or drink in the Library except in designated areas.	Warning/ Leave Building to Correct problem	1 Day	1 Week	2 Weeks
10.	Sleeping in or on Library premises.	Warning/ Leave Building to Correct problem	1 Day	1 Week	2 Weeks
11.	Entering the Library wearing swimsuits, no shoes, or no shirt.	Leave Building to correct problem	Leave Building to correct problem	Leave Building to correct problem	Leave Building to correct problem
12.	Offensive and pervasive odor; visible presence of pests on person, belongings or library materials	Leave Building to correct problem	Leave Building to correct problem	Leave Building to correct problem	Leave Building to correct problem

Failure to abide by the Standards of Library Behavior in accordance with the time limitations set forth in this policy may be viewed as criminal trespassing and violators may be prosecuted. Persons convicted of damaging library property will be held liable for full restitution.