Rules of Patron Conduct

The Lodi Public Library is dedicated and committed to providing a calm and safe environment for a pleasant and positive experience for all ages.

 No person shall, on the grounds of the library, engage in any behavior that interferes with another person’s use of the library or with the ability of a member of the library staff to perform his or her job. Adopted by the Lodi Public Library Board of Trustees - September 9, 2013

Expected Conduct

• Conduct all conversations (including cell phone conversations) at a low volume to avoid disturbing others, and cell phones must be set to silent or vibrate.
• Eating is not permitted in the library except at events sponsored by or approved by the Library. Non-alcoholic beverages in proper containers (designed to prevent spills and leakage) are permitted in all areas of the library except at computer workstations.
• Park bicycles, scooters and other motorized equipment (except equipment used by a disabled individual) outside the library building in appropriate rack areas.
• For everyone's safety, all personal belongings must be able to fit under the chair that you are sitting in. All personal belongings must remain in your possession at all times.  Unattended items are not allowed on Library property.
• Library patrons are responsible for their own conduct and that of their children
• Adhere to the Computer Use Policy.

Children

• Young children may not be left unattended in the library, including areas designed for children. A parent, guardian, or other responsible adult must accompany children.
• While staff is concerned about the safety and well-being of children and young adults, they cannot assume responsibility for them in the absence of the parent or guardian.
• Provide direct supervision for children 10 years of age or under with a caregiver 14 years of age or older. Direct supervision means that the adult or caregiver is with the children at all times. Disruptive children will be asked to remain with their guardian or leave the library.
• Only one child is allowed to utilize each computer at any one time (e.g, children cannot play a two-person computer game on the same computer terminal), unless prior permission has been obtained.
• Walk when proceeding from one area of the library to another; do not climb, stand or jump on furniture.

Prohibited Conduct

Unacceptable, and prohibited conduct, would include (but not be limited to) the following:

• Destruction of library materials and equipment, including writing on or otherwise damaging library property including books, newspapers, magazines, walls, furniture, computer equipment and facilities.
• Physical, sexual or verbal abuse or attempts to intimidate or annoy other patrons or staff members by following or staring at them.
• Intoxication.
• Bringing an animal into the library except one assisting a disabled person or for library programming purposes.
• Smoking or the use of any tobacco-related products in all areas of the library and its grounds as stated by law/statute/regulation, including e-cigarettes. Lighting matches, lighters or other flammables inside the library.
• Entering areas designed for use only by library staff without permission.
• Sounding the fire alarm without cause.
• Refusing to leave the building upon request from staff at closing time, during an emergency or after causing a disruption.
• Not observing time limits and use guidelines for computer and other equipment and study/meeting rooms.
• Exhibiting offensive bodily hygiene or attire that disrupts other patrons’ or staff’s use or care of library materials or facilities.
• Sleeping is not permitted in the library, nor is utilizing the library facilities for bathing, washing clothes, washing utensils or other items, or preparing food. No person shall camp in library facilities or on library grounds. Camping means the use of library property for living accommodations.
• Petitioning, soliciting or distributing/selling merchandise without the express permission of library employees.
• Monopolizing library spaces, seating, tables, or equipment to the exclusion of other patrons or staff, or obstructing aisles or doorways with personal belongings.
• Moving furniture or equipment without staff permission.

Non-disruptive behavior is expected of all library patrons. Behavior, which interferes with the peaceful and orderly management of the library, may result in expulsion from the library. Violators shall be denied use of the facilities for specific periods of time based on the severity of the violation.

Library staff and/or local law enforcement officers are authorized to expel persons, or restrict the use of its facilities and premises, who fail to comply with this policy. Failure to comply with the Library’s established rules and policies could result in expulsion from the library and revocation of Library privileges for a period of one day to one year, or in arrest and prosecution in accordance with applicable laws, ordinances, and rules.

Any person whose privileges have been denied or revoked for more than 30 days shall have a right to appeal by the Library Director.