Code of Conduct

Shelby County Libraries

The Board of Library Trustees is responsible for determining the rules for public behavior in the library necessary:

The Board authorizes the Director or their designees to revoke library privileges of any individual who behaves contrary to these rules.  The Board also authorizes the Director to file criminal charges against individuals who continually transgress these rules.

The rules for public behavior are listed below.  Security staff and other employees are authorized to bring to an individual’s attention any act or omission which violates these rules and detracts from the decorum of the library.  Such an individual will be asked to comply with the rules.  If such change is not evident the individual will be asked to leave library property.  If the individual does not comply, police may be called for assistance.

Suspension of library privileges for a determinate or indeterminate period of time may occur if a patron is found to have engaged in unacceptable behavior on library property.

Appeal of the suspension may be made in writing to the Board of Trustees.  The Board will notify the patron or guardian of the time and date of a hearing on the appeal of the suspension.

Adult and minor patrons may be prosecuted under Title 29 of the Ohio Revised Code for acts against other patrons, Library personnel, or Library property.  Violators may be prosecuted for a fourth degree misdemeanor under Ohio Revised Code 2911.21.

An Incident Report must be completed by any staff member involved with patrons who have been asked to leave the building.

Any conduct that hinders use of the Library or library materials is prohibited.  The following behaviors and actions are examples of conduct not allowed on Library property:

Conduct which disturbs others or interferes with any person’s comfort or safety

Conduct towards Library property and facilities

Conduct relating to personal property

Conduct which violates local, state, and federal statutes

Conduct relating to health and hygiene

Conduct relating to children