Kent Free Library invites customers to read, write, research, study, browse and relax in a safe, clean and welcoming environment. To ensure that all customers have a positive experience at the library, visitors are expected to behave in a manner that does not disrupt other library users or staff and is conducive to appropriate use of its services and facilities.
The Library Board of Trustees is responsible for determining a behavior policy that is necessary to:
- Protect the rights of individuals to use library materials, services and property;
- Protect the rights of library employees to conduct library business without interference;
- Preserve library materials, property and facilities from harm;
- Ensure the safety of library customers and employees;
We expect library customers to:
- Treat the library, its employees and other customers with respect;
- Follow all library rules, policies and procedures and comply with the requests of library employees;
- Obey all applicable federal, state and local laws;
- Behave appropriately;
- Immediately report questionable conduct to a library employee;
- Respect the privacy rights of others;
- Secure and monitor their own property as the library is not responsible for loss or theft;
- Avoid activities on library premises that could cause injury to themselves or others;
Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:
- Photography (excluding snapshots of immediate family members for personal use), audio or video recording in the library without permission from library administration
- Creating excessive or disruptive noise including: loud talking, singing, boisterous activity, cell phone and audio/visual equipment usage that is audible to others
- Profane, obscene, abusive or offensive language or gestures; racial or ethnic epithets
- Solicitation of any kind for any purpose
- Harassment of customers or staff: deliberate behavior that is intimidating, hostile, threatening, offensive, or adversely impacts employee work performance
- Destruction, abuse, vandalism, damage or theft of library property, facilities or materials Use of the internet for unlawful purposes as defined by federal, state and local laws
- Violating the library’s Policy on Internet and Computer Use
- Leaving a child, age 6 or younger, unsupervised or unattended
- Bringing animals or pets, other than service animals, into the library, with the exception of animals included as part of a library sponsored program or event (emotional support animals are not permitted)
- Fighting
- Running, skateboarding, climbing, ball-playing or other similar sporting activity on library premises
- Possession, distribution, use, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol Behavior Policy Kent Free Library
- Smoking, vaping, chewing, consuming or otherwise utilizing tobacco or cannabis products
- Sleeping
- Loitering
- Inappropriate dress: i.e. no shirt, no shoes, excessive display of undergarments, etc.
- Excessive displays of affection
- Offensive and pervasive odors which impede library use by customers and staff
- Gambling
- Monopolizing or obstructing library spaces or staff work performance
- Moving furniture or using library furniture for something other than its intended purpose
- Improper use of library facilities and equipment, to include, but not limited to: bathing, shaving, or washing clothes
- Consumption of beverages without lids, eating food outside of the café space
- Entering the library prior to opening or refusing to leave at closing
- Engaging in sexual conduct
- Entering staff only areas
- Littering, refusing to clean up individual mess
- Trespassing on library premises during a time of suspension from the library
- Possessing weapons or replica firearms, dangerous ordnance, explosive devices (including fireworks) or other items that a reasonable person would consider to be dangerous to themselves or others in a public library environment, excluding knives
- Brandishing or using knives or other items in an unsafe manner that could reasonably result in personal injury or property damage
Behavior that is deemed as threatening others with exposure to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) virus, or other pandemics, will result in eviction from the library and could be subject to criminal charges under Ohio law.
Violations of the Behavior Policy
Library employees may bring to an individual’s attention any act which violates these rules and a copy of this policy will be provided if requested. Violations may result in the following actions:
- Individuals will be asked to change their behavior. If such a change is not evident or forthcoming that individual may be asked to leave library premises for the day.
- Failure to leave when asked may result in the police being called and a possible charge of criminal trespass per Section 2911.21 of the Ohio Revised Code.
- Individuals who fail to abide by the behavior policy on subsequent visits to the library will be suspended from library premises for 30 days.
- Individuals who have already been suspended for 30 days, but violate the behavior policy upon reinstatement of privileges will be suspended for 90 days.
- In some instances, chronic misbehavior or the seriousness of a customer’s actions may require a one year suspension at the discretion of library administration.
- Offenses committed by minors may be reported to a parent or legal guardian and may require accompaniment by a parent or legal guardian for future library visits.
- Any person committing a criminal act on library premises, or using library resources is subject to prosecution.
- Appeals to overturn the suspension of library privileges are accepted in writing within ten (10) days of the date of suspension and should be addressed to the library Director.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
Approved by the Board of Trustees: May 16, 2024.