Unruly Behavior Policy
Board Approved - September 12, 2006
Revised June 9, 2008
When the behavior of a customer constitutes a disruption that interferes with the use of the library by other customers or with a staff member’s ability to complete his/her duties, progressive action will be taken by staff members to end the disruption. Such action may include, but will not be limited to, verbal warnings, requesting that the customer leave the building, and calling the police. In extenuating circumstances, or where the behavior of a customer constitutes a continuing disruption, the customer may be suspended from one location or from allGwinnett County Public Library branches.
For minor violations of the Code of Conduct, branch staff may suspend customers for up to a month. For more serious infractions or repeated Code violations after a branch-imposed suspension, branch staff may recommend a longer system wide suspension, with final determination to be made by the Executive Director, Deputy Director or Branch Services Division Director.
In all cases other than a daily suspension, a written notice outlining the reason(s) for the suspension will be mailed to the customer, or the parents or legal guardian of a minor. Where the customer files a written request appealing the suspension, the matter will be referred to the Board of Trustees for a hearing and final decision.
Any time a staff member feels that a customer’s behavior is threatening to the safety of other customers or staff members, the police should be called. Staff members may intervene with a customer in order to prevent injury or property damage.