Library Rules Violations

See also: 2.3 Policies Relating to Library Security and 2.3 Procedures Relating to Library Security.

Policy section 2.3.A: "Rules and Regulations" addresses rules and regulations regarding use of the library.

Policy section 2.3.C: "Violation of library rules" outlines how to handle violations of the rules.

The library rules are available in laminated poster form in English and Spanish from the Print Shop. A one-page handout has been saved on the HPL wiki.

While we do have security guards at some branches to assist us in enforcing these rules, please note that it falls on any library staff member if security is not present.

The following violations will result in short-term suspensions for varying lengths of time depending on the number of offenses:

• First offense: 1 day suspension

• Second Offense: 7 days suspension

• Third offense: 30 days suspension

• Fourth offense: 60 days suspension

  1. Sleeping in the Library or putting head on a table (except for infants), and putting your feet or legs on furniture.

  2. Smoking or other tobacco use inside a library and within 25 fee of a public entrance

  3. Eating and Drinking where not permitted

  4. Bringing in animals, except animals assisting persons with disabilities

  5. Vandalism

  6. Offensive Body Odor that constitutes a nuisance to others.

  7. Not wearing shoes or shirt

  8. Putting feet or legs on furniture

  9. Producing any loud, unreasonable, or disturbing noises, including those from electronic and communication devices (cellphones and pagers)

  10. Selling/Soliciting (approaching citizens with items for sale or pleas for donations).

  11. Bringing bedrolls, blankets, frame backpacks, suitcases, or bags measuring more than two feet in length or height. A maximum of two bags of any type will be allowed.

  12. Bringing in any items that could potentially be used as weapons, including but not limited to sporting equipment such as baseball bats, skateboards, etc.

  13. Distributing or posting printed materials/literature not in accordance with library regulations.

The following violations result in long-term suspensions

• First offense: 90 days suspension

• Second Offense: 120 days suspension

• Third offense: 180 days suspension

  1. Using restrooms in any manner other than for which it was intended (changing clothes, shaving, bathing)

  2. Use of obscene, abusive, insulting or threatening language towards a staff member or another customers

  3. Possessing or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs

  4. Viewing material deemed to be obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors, as those terms are defined in the Childrens' Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Texas Penal Code.

Indefinite Suspensions will be issued (but not limited to) the following violations:

• 1. Abuse or vandalism of library facilities, materials or equipment.

  2. Any act which is subject to prosecution under criminal of civil codes of law

  3. Physical abuse and assault,

  4. Public lewdness, indecent exposure or disorderly conduct.

  5. Staring, stalking, harassment, or other behaviors that reasonably can be expected to disturb others. This includes photography without Library approval.

  6. Damaging or destroying library property.

  7. Unlawfully carrying a weapon.

  8. Tampering with security or safety devices.

Suspending Customers who Violate Rules See Library Policies and Procedures Manual, Procedures 2.3, for more details.

Suspending customers (adults and children fifteen years of age or older) in violation of rules:

• 1. Inform customer that they are in violation of library rules. Avoid raising your voice and communicate in a calm manner.

  2. If violation continues, the security guard or supervisor in charge may ask the person to leave the building for the period of time designated above.

  3. If customer refuses to leave after the above steps, inform customer that they are in violation of Texas State Penal Code 30.05 and may be arrested.

  4. Under no circumstances may any library staff or security guard touch a customer unless defending themselves or others.

  5. Contact HPD at 911 if needed. Request complaint report number from police.

  6. Complete the Trespass Warning and Suspension Notice (see attachment) ask the customer to sign it (if possible) when suspending the customer from the building. Be sure to include the date when the customer may return to the building (if applicable).

  7. Complete an incident report and send to the appropriate distribution lists.

Suspending children (fourteen years of age or younger) in violation of rules:

• 1. If children between the ages of seven and thirteen are in violation of rules, staff should attempt to contact their parents or guardians. If needed, contact HPD at non-emergency number, 713-884-3131.

  2. If children violating rules are fifteen or older, follow the procedures listed above.

  3. File an incident report after any and all suspensions.