GENERAL RULES OF PATRON CONDUCT IN THE LIBRARY BUILDING(S)

It is the policy of Louttit Library to provide a safe and appropriate environment both within the library, Community Center and on library and Community Center grounds to facilitate the public’s use of the library’s services and resources.

  • Patrons are expected to wear appropriate clothing; including shirts and shoes.
  • Only service animals are permitted in the library building(s,) except as part of a library program.
  • Cell Phone use is not permitted in the library reading areas.
  • Use of tobacco, vaping, illegal drugs or alcohol is not permitted in the library or on its property
  • Library open and closing times should be respected, public access computers shut down five minutes before closing.
  • Patrons are not allowed in the library when it is closed, (except for special library events.)

CHILDREN’S LIBRARY USE POLICY

  • Parents are responsible for their children’s’ safety and their choice of materials; children under 11* must be accompanied by a caregiver at least 14 years old* who remains in the building at all times with the child.
  • Parents/guardians/caregivers should respect library hours; children under 11 years old left unattended or any child remaining after closing will be referred to the Police Department.

           *Library staff reserve the right to make exceptions to these age parameters on an individual basis

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR IN THE LIBRARY OR ON LIBRARY GROUNDS

When the behavior of a patron constitutes a disruption which interferes with the use of the library by other patrons or which interferes with a staff member’s completion of his or her duties, the following progressive steps will be taken:

1. A staff member will issue a verbal warning, with the statement that the person(s) will be told to leave if the behavior in question does not immediately cease.

2. If the disruptive behavior continues after the verbal warning, the staff member will tell the person(s) to leave the building and grounds.

3. If the patron refuses to leave the building or the grounds, the staff member will call the police.

All instances of eviction and notification of the police will be documented by the staff member.

Behaviors which will result in warnings and then evictions from the library and its premises:

  • Use of foul or vulgar language
  • Running, throwing things, or engaging in any type of sport in the library building(s)
  • Inappropriate use, damage or rearranging of library materials, equipment, furniture, or fixtures
  • Use of computers to display sexually explicit content
  • Loitering or sleeping in or outside the library building
  • Solicitation of library patrons, or staff for money, products, services or causes; including the signing of petitions and group registrations
  • Gambling
  • Inappropriate physical displays of affection
  • Yelling, talking or laughing in a repeated pattern of loud outbursts 
  • Violation of any town, state or federal law
  • Anytime a staff member feels that a patron’s behavior is threatening, disruptive and/or inappropriate
  • Individuals or groups impeding access to library materials or spaces for other patrons or staff

Behaviors that will result in the immediate calling of the police

  • Hitting or striking another person, sexual misconduct or exhibitionism
  • Threats of violence to oneself or others
  • Theft of or vandalism to library materials or property or to the personal property of library patrons or staff
  • Harassment or creating an unpleasant or hostile environment with uninvited and unwelcome verbal and/or physical contact with library patrons or staff
  • Use of tobacco, vaping, illegal drugs or alcohol
  • Loitering or remaining on library grounds after eviction from the building

Any patron, including a minor, who has been evicted from the building more than twice or whose disruptive behavior has resulted in the summoning of the police will not be allowed to use the library for 30 days. After 30 days, the patron may return to the library.  Minors may only return with an accompanying parent or guardian. A copy of this policy will be presented for the signatures of the returning patron or the returning minor and parent or guardian.

If the patron or minor violates the behavioral code again, the police will be called and the patron or minor will be subject to a No Trespassing Order of indefinite term. 

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 5/7/25