Library Code of Conduct

General Rules & Regulations

The Bell/Whittington Library, by adopting the following code, seeks to ensure that our library provides an atmosphere conducive to appropriate use of its services and facilities. We expect our customers to:

• Adhere to the guidelines in the Bell / Whittington Library's Unattended Child Policy (link). A parent or caregiver must accompany any child under age 10. Parents / guardians, whether present or not, are responsible for the safety and well-being of their children on library property.
• Attend to personal belongings. The library is not responsible for personal belongings left in or on library property.
• Follow established library loan procedures before taking library property or materials outside the building. Patrons must present a Bell/Whittington Library card in good standing whenever they are checking out or renewing library materials. If fines and/or fees of more than $5 accrue to patrons' records, they must pay it down to below $5 to be allowed to check out materials. 
• Leave the library at the designated closing time, or when requested by Library staff.
• Maintain acceptable bodily hygiene. If bodily odor is offensive enough to constitute a nuisance to other people, the customer shall be required to leave the building.
• Stay out of non-public areas - such as offices, workrooms and storage areas - unless authorized by staff to enter.
• Use auditoriums or meeting rooms appropriately and as scheduled. Groups using these rooms are expected to adhere to the guidelines in the Bell / Whittington Library's Meeting Room Policy (link).
• Use covered containers when bringing beverages into library buildings.
• Use library furniture, equipment and materials properly and for their intended function.
• Use library parking areas, sidewalks and lawns properly and safely. Vehicles parked improperly are subject to being towed at owner's expense.
• Use restrooms only for their intended purpose. Bathing is prohibited.
• Wear appropriate clothing. Shoes and shirts must be worn.

Restrictions

The following actions and forms of conduct are not permitted:

• Abusive language or harassment of library staff or customers
• Any unlawful, disruptive or potentially harmful activity on library property (illegal or disturbing behavior will be subject to immediate, appropriate, and necessary action)
• Blocking or interfering with the movement of individuals or bringing in items that take up an excessive amount of space, present a potential danger, or have no usefulness in the library
• Bringing animals and pets into the library, with the exception of service animals
• Carrying illegal weapons of any type
• Consumption or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs or being under the influence
• Intentionally damaging, destroying or stealing any customer's or employee's property
• Loud talking and other noise-producing activities that disturb other customers; limit use of cell phones (cell phones should be placed on silent or vibrate mode)
• Monopolizing library equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them
• Mutilation, destruction or vandalism of library buildings, materials, or equipment
• Sexual activity of any kind, sexual harassment, or indecent exposure
• Sleeping
• Solicitation of any kind for any purpose

Note: The library reserves the right to require anyone violating the Library Code of Conduct to leave the library. Serious or repeated misconduct may lead to legal action or criminal prosecution.