Policy 1.8

Responsibilities and Conduct of Library Users

The Board is committed to providing welcoming and safe surroundings with equitable access to library services.  These rules are developed to create an environment free of harassment, physical discomfort, danger, emotional stress or unfair and arbitrary treatment.  Every member of the public has the responsibility to maintain appropriate standards of behaviour in order to protect these rights. Accordingly, Library users are required to comply with the following rules of conduct:

• Disruptive behaviour such as noise, or misuse of Library property are prohibited;
• Harassing behaviour such as intimidation, abusive, offensive, or foul language are prohibited;
• Illegal actions such as theft, vandalism, are prohibited, as is behaviour, which endangers the safety or health of the public;
• Animals, with the exception of registered service animals and at the discretion of the CEO in support of Library programs and services, are not permitted in the Library or near any door;
• Solicitation: unless authorized, no person shall solicit for any purpose on Library property;
• Unsupervised Children: children must be accompanied by someone who is responsible for their safety and supervision;
• Recording: photographing, filming, videotaping or audio recording conducted within the Library must be authorized in advance by senior staff;
• Food and drink: beverages in covered containers are permitted throughout the Library except in designated areas or when operating the library’s electronic equipment.  Food may only be consumed inside the library in designated areas;
• Clothing: shirts and footwear must be worn in the library;
• Restricted areas: "Staff Only" areas and equipment are not for public use;
• Closing the library: the public must leave promptly if instructed at closing time or in emergencies and are not to be inside the library when it is closed unless accompanied by staff or a Board member;
• Drugs and alcohol: no person shall traffic in, consume, or be under the obvious influence of controlled drugs and substances or alcohol on Library property;
• Compliance with staff directives required: the public’s compliance with Library policies and the reasonable requests of staff is required. The public shall not obstruct or interfere with Library staff in the performance of their duties.

Consequences of Violation of the Responsibilities and Conduct of Library Users Statement

In response to behaviour in breach of the Responsibilities and Conduct of Library Users Statement, the Library reserves the right to:

• suspend or revoke access to library services and facilities;
• search or inspect people’s coats, bags, briefcases, backpacks, luggage, etc;
• call the police for assistance; and/or
• require that costs, incurred by conduct in breach of the policy, be recovered.