CODE OF CONDUCT

The purpose of the Youngstown Free Library is to provide library materials and services to the public. The Library is a place to study, read, write, research, and attend programs or meetings. The Library strives to provide a safe and orderly environment for everyone. The Library is responsible for establishing rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of Library patrons and staff. The Library requires that patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of the Library while on Library premises.

Those not so engaged shall be required to leave the property. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may serve as grounds for removal from Library property.

The Library reserves the right to evict from Library premises and refuse further admission to any individuals, and/or groups who infringe upon the rights of Library staff or patrons in their proper use of Library facilities, or who create disorder on the premises of the Library so as to interfere with the functions for which the Library was designed, such behaviors include, but are not limited to:

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• - Unattended Children: Children 11 years of age and younger are not to be left unattended in the Library. Children 11 years of age and younger must at all times be attended and supervised by a responsible adult (parent, guardian, other caregiver, age 18 years or older) on Library premises. Unattended children over 11 and under 18 will be required to have made arrangements to leave the Library premises 15 minutes before closing, and by closing time, no loitering outside will be permitted.
• - Violations of Law: Committing or attempting to commit an activity in violation of state, federal or local law, ordinance or regulation is prohibited including vandalism, theft or endangering the safety of others.
• - Interference with Staff: Patrons may not interfere with staff members’ performance of duties on Library property. This includes engaging in conversation or behavior that monopolizes the attention of a staff member for an inappropriate period of time; making inappropriate personal comments, sexual advances, harassment of a physical and/or verbal nature; or refusing to comply with staff requests.
• - Inappropriate Use of the Library Building: Patrons shall not use Library study rooms, meeting rooms, restrooms or any Library property in ways other than for designated purposes. Library premises may not be used for social gatherings, soliciting, laundering, shaving, hair cutting/trimming, bathing, sleeping or sexual activity of any type.
• - Harassment: Threatening others by staring, photographing, following, stalking, etc. is prohibited.
• - Hygiene: Offensive body odor due to poor personal hygiene, overpowering perfume, or cologne that causes a nuisance is prohibited.
• - Noise: Loud, unreasonable, and/or disturbing noises that interfere with other patrons’ use of the Library, or that can be reasonably expected to disturb other persons, including noises from electronic, entertainment, and communication devices, are prohibited. Cell phones and other communication devices should be set to vibrate, not ring. Patrons shall use headphones with all audio equipment. Talking, even in low tones, is prohibited in marked Quiet Zones. All conversations, including phone conversations, are to be kept quiet and short. Persons disrupting others may be asked to relocate, or leave the building.