Behavior Policy

Adopted September 27, 2001

Revised September 28, 2006, May 24, 2012

The Orrville Public Library Board of Trustees is responsible for determining the rules for public behavior in the library that are necessary to:

1. Protect the rights of individuals to use library property, materials, and services;
2. Protect the rights of library employees and volunteers to conduct library business without interference;
3. Ensure the use of the facilities, materials, and services by the greatest number of individuals;
4. Preserve those materials and facilities from harm; and
5. Ensure the safety of library patrons, employees, and volunteers.

Patrons of Orrville Public Library can expect a pleasant, safe, and orderly environment in which to enjoy library materials, resources, and services.  Reasonable expectations include:

• Courteous behavior from patrons and staff
• Appropriate language
• Appropriate dress, including shirts and shoes
• Respect for Library property
• Responsible use of Internet and other electronic devices.

Behavior that interferes with the effective use of the Library will not be permitted.  Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Disruptive behavior
• Harassment of any kind
• Use of foul language
• Fighting on library grounds
• Loitering, alone or in a group
• Skateboarding, rollerblading, or bicycling on Library property
• Soliciting patrons and staff for donations
• Collecting signatures on petitions inside the library*
• Selling or proselytizing
• Inappropriate displays of affection
• Food and open drinks (those sealed with lids are permitted) inside the building in public areas
• Bikes not parked in bike rack
• Bringing animals other than service dogs or therapy dogs into the library
• Bringing weapons into the library
• Using tobacco in any form while on library property
• Possession, sale, or use of alcoholic beverages or illegal substances on library property
• Illegal activities
• Hygiene so offensive as to cause a nuisance to others
• Any behavior that is not acceptable in a public environment.

A verbal warning will be given when patron behavior is in violation of this policy.  If the behavior continues, the patron will be asked to leave the Library.  Police will be called if the patron is unwilling to comply.  The library reserves the right to take immediate action if necessary to answer an ongoing threat to the operation of the library, or a continuing danger to the health or safety of patrons or staff.  Failure to leave if asked is a violation of the Ohio Criminal Trespass Statute and will result in the police being called. 

The Board of Trustees authorizes the director or any persons designated by the director to revoke or restrict library privileges of any individual who behaves contrary to these rules.  The Board also authorizes the director to file charges against individuals who transgress criminal statutes.

Any library patron who has been banned from using library facilities may appeal his or her suspension of privileges by submitting a written petition to the director within thirty days of notification of the suspension.  The petition should state why the person’s library privileges should not be suspended.  Upon receipt of such a petition, the director shall schedule a hearing before the board of trustees at which the suspended person shall appear.  Information from incident reports by staff and statements of other witnesses, if any, will be taken into consideration.  Failure to appear will be interpreted as a withdrawing of the appeal.  At the conclusion of the hearing, the decision to suspend library privileges may be affirmed, modified, or cancelled.

*Note:  Petitioners may be on sidewalks and other outdoor public areas around the library as long as the activity does not interfere with patrons accessing the library entrances or library services.  Petitioners may not harass library patrons.