Code of Conduct

Board Approved 1/8/07 

 

The Library is supported by the taxes of Gwinnett citizens who expect each of our facilities to be clean, comfortable, and safe places for selecting materials, reading, researching, studying, writing, and attending programs and meetings.  To this end, the Library is responsible for establishing rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of Library customers, volunteers, and staff, and for preserving Library materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds.

 

Inappropriate or unruly behavior is defined as any behavior on Library premises which infringes on the rights of others to use the Library in relative comfort and safety, behavior which could result in injury to oneself or others, or behavior which could result in damage to library materials or property.

 

Inappropriate library behavior includes, but is not limited to, the following:

 

• Verbally or physically threatening or harassing other customers, volunteers, or staff.
• Disobeying the reasonable direction of a library staff member and/or library security officer.
• Damaging, altering, stealing, or using Library property inappropriately.
• Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving, or throwing objects of any kind.
• Making loud disruptive noises of any kind.
• Entering or being in the Library barefoot and/or without a shirt.
• Bringing skateboards, bicycles, or scooters inside Library facilities.
• Blocking aisles, entrances, or exits or in any manner impeding access to public areas.
• Engaging in any form of sexual misconduct, including exposure, offensive touching, or sexual harassment of other patrons or staff.
• Misusing restrooms.
• Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children.
• Engaging in any activity in violation of Federal, State, local or other applicable law, or Library policy.
• Carrying firearms and dangerous weapons of any type (except by law enforcement officers and authorized library security personnel.)
• Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or selling, using, or possessing alcohol, illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia.

 

Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner.  Library staff, Library Security personnel, and/or Gwinnett County or City Police Officers will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors.  Failure to comply with the Library’s established policies including the above Code of Conduct could result in removal from the premises, arrest, and/or suspension from the Library for a period of time to be determined by the Executive Director.  In suspension cases, a written notice outlining the reason(s) for the suspension will be mailed to the customer.  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.