Patron Conduct Code

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The Anderson County Library System is dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for patrons, staff, and volunteers. Each person is expected to comply with the Library Behavior Guidelines listed below and respect the rights of others, materials, and property. Library property includes physical and virtual space, as well as the interior and exterior of library buildings. Staff are charged with upholding the Library Behavior Guidelines in the Code of Conduct and may take needed steps to maintain a safe and comfortable environment. This may range from a verbal warning, to a dismissal to leave premises, to possible temporary or permanent loss of access to library property, materials, and services. 

Illegal behavior or actions are prohibited on all library property. Violations of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances will be reported to the proper authorities. 

Library Behavior Guidelines 

Respect Staff, Volunteers, and Patrons 

  1. Disruptive Behavior – Any behavior that is disturbing or potentially harmful is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:
    1. Loud noise, including conversations, cell phones, or other devices. Headphones are required when listening to sound on devices. 
    2. Blocking or interfering with free movements of individuals at entrances, walkways or other areas of library property. 
    3. Offensive or crude language. 
    4. Fighting or provoking violence. 
    5. Harassment, including exhibitionism, offensive behavior, or any type of assault on patrons or staff. 
    6. Refusing to leave at designated closing times. 
    7. Offensive bodily hygiene, or soiled clothing that soils library furniture or property. 
  2. South Carolina law states that weapons, including concealed weapons, are not allowed in government buildings, including libraries. 
  3. Sleeping is prohibited on library property. 
  4. Smoking and tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, are prohibited in the library. 
  5. Appropriate clothing shall be worn at all times, including shoes and shirts. Clothing should be properly fastened. 
  6. Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver. Vulnerable adults should be accompanied by a caregiver and may not be left at the library unattended. 
  7. Possession, consumption, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is prohibited on library property. 

Respect Materials and Equipment 

  1. Damaging, destroying or stealing library, patron or staff property is prohibited. 
  2. Library furniture should be used as intended. 
  3. Taking library property outside library buildings, without following library procedure or having authorization, is prohibited. 
  4. All library procedures and policies must be followed, including meeting room, circulation, internet, and computer use policies. 

Respect Buildings and Property 

  1. Acting in any manner that is harmful to library buildings is prohibited. 
  2. Items brought in by patrons are the sole responsibility of the owner and should not be left unattended. The library is not responsible for monitoring personal items and reserves the right to remove any suspicious, unattended bags, backpacks, or packages. 
  3. Covered drinks are permissible, but food may only be consumed in designated areas or during specific programs. 
  4. Bringing wheeled devices into the library (bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and other similar items), other than medical equipment, strollers, or wheeled book bags, is prohibited. 
  5. Restrooms should not be used for meetings, bathing, loitering, solicitation or sexual behavior, or consumption of food, alcohol or illegal drugs. 
  6. Animals, except service animals, are not permitted in library facilities. Service animals include dogs and miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Emotional support animals do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are prohibited from the library. 
  7. All fire regulations must be followed. 
  8. Library patrons must remain in public areas. Patrons are prohibited in staff areas unless accompanied by a staff member. 
  9. Adults in children’s areas must be with a child or using children’s materials. 
  10. Posting or distributing materials, or otherwise soliciting, is not allowed unless express permission has been given by library staff.

Adopted by the Anderson County Library Board September 10 2024.