Code of Conduct

TCL Code of Conduct

The Tarkington Community Library encourages people of all ages to visit the library.  Those using the library and its resources have the right to expect a safe, comfortable environment that supports appropriate library services.

Appropriate Attire

Library patrons will enter the library wearing appropriate attire including shirts, pants/skirt, and shoes.

Loud or Disruptive Behavior

People demonstrating disruptive behavior will be required to leave the library after one warning from the library staff.  Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to, noisy, boisterous actions; inappropriate behavior including: eating, smoking, running, or loud talking; misuse of library property, uncooperative attitude, or actions that deliberately annoy others or prevent the legitimate use of the library and its resources.  Abusive language and behavior toward staff will not be tolerated.

We realize that students are often assigned group projects and that working on computers in groups is conducive to collaboration.  However, any group that is unable to keep the noise to an appropriate level will receive one warning and then be asked to split up or leave the library.

Personal appliances, such as computers, CD players, and calculators, may be used if user employs headphones and use does not interfere with others.  Cell phones and other communications devices should be turned off or switched to a non-audible signal and should be answered outside the library.

The use of alcohol, tobacco products, and illegal drugs is strictly prohibited.

Unattended Children

The Tarkington Community Library is a public facility and children are especially welcome.  Children and young people are expected to adhere to the same standards of patron conduct expected of adults.  Parents, guardians, or assigned chaperones are responsible for the behavior of their children while in the library.

Children under the age of seven should never be left unsupervised in any area of the library.  If a parent cannot be located, staff will call the constable to report an abandoned child. Children under 12 should never be dropped off at the library without a parent/guardian present.

Young children are not safe when left unattended in the library.  Staff cannot know if children are leaving with a parent, a friend, or a stranger.  Parents are responsible for ensuring the appropriate behavior of their children while in the library.  Under no circumstances will library staff take a child out of the building or transport children to another location.

Older children who are disruptive will be asked to leave the library.  If the child cannot safely leave the library to return home on his or her own, staff will permit the child to call a parent.  Children who have not been picked up at closing time will be given the opportunity to call a parent.  Children who have not been picked up within fifteen minutes after closing may have library privileges suspended.  Under no circumstances will staff transport children in a vehicle or accompany them home.

Solicitations

TCL does not allow patrons to solicit business inside the library or on library grounds.  Small ads (no larger than 4”x4”) may be placed on the bulletin board that is set aside for that purpose.  TCL does not allow patrons to engage in political campaigning inside the library or on library grounds (unless they have rented the Community Center for such an event), nor place signage or leaflets in public areas.

Harassment and Lewd Behavior

Patrons and staff have the right to enjoy an environment free from harassment or lewd conduct.  Anyone, including patrons, who harasses the staff or another patron will be asked to leave the library and a report will be filed with the director.  Repeated acts of harassment or acts that may escalate into violent or illegal actions will be reported to the constable.

Lewd acts or sexual misconduct is not appropriate in the library.  Those who commit minor acts (such as teenagers who “make out” in the library) will be given one warning and then asked to leave.  Serious acts and acts involving minors will be reported to the constable.  All acts will be reported to the director.

Viewing inappropriate content on public computers or personal computers where others can see will not be tolerated.  Violators will be asked to leave, and may have library privileges revoked.

Theft of Materials

As patrons leave the library, staff may conduct random examinations of book bags, backpacks, briefcases, and other large containers brought into the library.  Any uncharged items will be returned to the circulation desk to be charged out.  If staff believe that, due to the large volume of materials and/or value of materials, theft was intended, the constable will be immediately notified.  Vandalism of library materials will also be reported to the constable.

There are hooks near the front door of the library.  Patrons will place all book bags and backpacks on the hooks provided while they are in the library. 

Weapons

No weapons will be allowed in the library under any circumstances.  Prohibited weapons include (but are not limited to) explosive weapons, firearm silencers, armor piercing ammunition, knuckles, switchblades, illegal knives (daggers, Bowie knives, stilettos, swords, or spears), zip guns, chemical dispensing devices, or firearms of any type.