The Library Board of Trustees is responsible for determining the rules of behavior necessary to protect the rights of individuals to use Library materials and services, to protect the rights of Library employees, to conduct Library business without interference, and to preserve Library materials and facilities. The Illinois Local Library Act give the Board the right "To exclude from the use of the Library any person who willfully violates the rules prescribed by the Board."

The Board of Trustees believes that Library patrons have the right to use Library materials and services without being disturbed or impeded by other Library users and that Library patrons and employees have the right to an environment that is secure and comfortable.

The theft, vandalism or mutilation of Library property is a violation of Article 16B of the Illinois Criminal Code. Depending on the value of the materials or property, violations of this Article are considered a Class A misdemeanor or a Class 3 felony. Violators will be prosecuted.

Violation of federal, state, or local ordinances on Library property will be prosecuted.
 

1. Misconduct that disturbs Library users or staff or that hinders others from using the Library or Library materials is prohibited.


In the case of any misconduct that, in the judgment of a staff member, is extreme, the offender  may receive only one warning or may be ordered to leave the building immediately, as appropriate.
 

1. Conversation that exceeds an acceptable noise level or is disturbing to other patrons or Library staff is  prohibited.


The patron receives two warnings; at the third offense the patron must leave the Library for the rest of the day.
 

2. Running in the Library is not permitted.


The patron receives two warnings; at the third offense the patron must leave the Library for the rest of the day.
 

3. Harassing others, either verbally or through actions, is prohibited. Harassment may include initiating unwanted conversations with other library users or staff, impeding access to the Library property or building or any area of the building, throwing objects, hitting another person, staring at another person, etc.


The patron receives one warning; at the second offense the patron must leave the Library for the rest of the day.
 

4. Fighting is prohibited.


All patrons involved must immediately leave the Library for the rest of the day.



2. No smoking is permitted anywhere in the Library. Use of chewing tobacco are prohibited in the Library.


The patron must go outside immediately and dispose of cigarettes or tobacco; at the second offense the patron must leave the Library for the rest of the day.
 

3. Eating or drinking is prohibited in the Library. Exceptions are use of water fountains, baby bottles, staff areas, and groups using the meeting room.


The patron is required to put the food or drink away, remove food or drink from the Library, or dispose of food or drink in a waste container. At the second offense the patron must leave the Library for the rest of the day.
 

4. Solicitation for charitable purposes or selling is prohibited on Library property.


The patron receives one warning; at the second offense the patron must leave the Library for the rest of the day.
 

5. Petitions, surveys, leaflets: The distributions of leaflets inside the Library is prohibited except in the meeting room by groups authorized to use the rooms. Taking surveys, asking patrons to sign petitions, or similar activities are prohibited inside the Library.


The patron receives one warning; at the second offense the patron must leave the Library for the rest of the day. Staff will dispose of any unauthorized materials left in the Library.
 

6. Animals, except those to aid persons with disabilities, are not permitted in the Library.


The patron must remove the animal from the Library building immediately.
 

7. Shirts and Shoes must be worn at all times in the Library. Roller skates, roller blades, or metal cleated sport shoes may not be worn inside the Library.


A patron with no shirt or shoes must leave the building and is not permitted to return without shirt or shoes. A patron that has removed his or her shirt will receive one warning; at the second offense the patron must leave the Library for the rest of the day.
 

8. Hygiene: Patrons whose bodily hygiene disturbs staff or other patrons to the extent that use of library facilities or services is disrupted shall be prohibited.


A patron whose hygiene disrupts patrons and staff will be asked by the staff to remedy the hygiene problem before resuming use of the Library. If, following a request, the patron fails or refuses to comply, or responds to the request in an abusive fashion, the patron will be required to leave the Library immediately. If the patron fails to do so, the Police shall be summoned.



9. Children, 6 years of age of younger, may not be left unattended in the Library. They must be under the direct supervision of a parent of other caregiver, age 12 or older, responsible for the child when in the Library.


If the parent or caregiver is in the Library, the child will be taken to the responsible person who will be warned to supervise the child. Two warnings will be given. On the third offense the patron must take the child out of the Library and will not be permitted to return with the child for the rest of the day.

If no parent or caregiver is present in the Library, the parent will be contacted and told that this is not permitted.
 

10. Climbing on Furniture: Equipment and furniture may only be used for the intended purpose. Standing or climbing on furniture or shelves is not allowed.


The patron receive two warnings; at the third offense the patrons must leave the Library for the rest of the day.
 

11. Personal Belongings: The Library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended.  Patrons will be warned that, for their own protection, they should not leave personal belongings unattended. Patrons may not leave personal belongings in the Library when they leave the building.

 
12. Theft or Mutilation of Property: The Library reserves the right to inspect all bags, purses, briefcases, packs, etc., for Library materials.


Any time a patron is suspected of concealing Library materials for the purpose of stealing or mutilating the material, employees may require the patron to present personal bags or cases for inspection. Anyone found stealing or mutilating Library property will be prosecuted.
 

13. Desks: Only Library staff or authorized individuals are allowed behind the desk.


The patron receives one warning; at the second offense the patron must leave the Library for the rest of the day.
 

14. Patrons must leave the Library at the designated closing time. Library staff are not responsible for patrons' transportation or safety beyond closing time.


Closing announcements will be made at least 10 minutes before closing. Patrons should complete their library business and leave the Library by the closing time.
 

15. The violation of federal, state, or local laws will not be permitted. Theft, vandalism, and mutilation of Library property are criminal offenses that will be prosecuted.

 

Patrons who cause repeated disturbances in the Library will have their Library privileges revoked or restricted.
 

1. Adults


An adult patron who has caused repeated disturbances in the Library will be warned the his/her Library privileges will be revoked and s/he will not be allowed to enter the building if the behavior continues. This warning will be in the form of a letter sent by the Library Director and will suggest that the patron contact the Library Director if further discussion is needed. If the patron continues to cause disturbances, s/he will be barred from the Library for one month. If, when Library privileges are reinstated, the disturbances continue, the Library will take action to bar the individual from Library property for a length of time that the Board deems appropriate.
 

2. Minors


Children who have caused repeated disturbances in the Library will be warned that his/her Library privileges will be revoked and s/he will not be allowed to enter the building if the behavior continues. This warning will be in the form of a letter sent the the Library Director to the child's parents or guardians describing the problems, warning them of the consequences, and suggesting that the parent/guardian contact the Library Director if further discussion is needed. Minors who become a continuing disturbance in the Library will not be permitted to use the Library unless a parent or guardian accompanies the child to the Library and supervises the child while s/he is in the building. The first time the child's Library privileges are restricted it will be for a period of one month. If the disruptive behavior continues, the Library will take action to bar the individual from the Library property for a length of time that the Board deems appropriate.