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Cross Plains Public Library (TX)

Rules for Library Patrons

 Introduction:

The Library’s primary goal is to serve all residents of Cross Plains and the surrounding area.  Service will not be denied or abridged because of religious, racial, social, economic, or political status; or because of mental, emotional, or physical condition; age; or sexual orientation. 

The Library staff will strive to be courteous and helpful to all patrons.  It is expected that the Library patron will conduct him/herself with respect and courtesy to the Library staff and other patrons. 

The use of the Library may be denied for due cause.  Such cause may be failure to return Library materials or to pay penalties; destruction of Library property; disturbance of other patrons; or any other illegal, disruptive, or objectionable conduct on Library premises.

The Board of Directors is committed to providing an atmosphere where people of all ages may come to read, browse, do research, or study.  This policy does not prohibit quiet conversation between patrons and/or staff members, or conversations required to carry on Library programs or business.  It is designed to preserve a reasonably quiet atmosphere where Library patrons may use the Library services and materials without disturbance.

 Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated, including any activity that disturbs others, interferes with Library operations, damages the building or its furnishings, as well as rudeness, profanity, or any other behavior generally considered unacceptable in a public place.

This policy has been established for all patrons.  If a patron is not responsive to the needs of other Library users or disregards the policies protecting patrons, staff, and Library property, the patron will be asked to leave the Library. 

If a patron has a complaint about Library policy or about a staff member, it should be brought to the Board’s attention in writing, on a form that will be provided on request.

Rules:

No eating or drinking, except as provided by the Library, or covered in the Library’s Policy for Conference Room Use.

No use of tobacco products inside the Library.

No profane, obscene, or offensive language. 

No one who is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs will be allowed in the Library, and no illegal drugs are to be brought onto Library premises.

Shirt and shoes must be worn in the Library. 

Personal stereos may be used with headphones properly in place so the sound cannot be heard by others.  

Cell phone conversations may be carried on quietly in an unoccupied room.

With the exception of service dogs, no pets or animals are allowed in the Library without specific permission from the Library Director. 

Anyone who steals, deliberately damages, or destroys Library property will be permanently barred from entering the Library.  The Board may, at its discretion, make the occasional exception to this rule.     

Young Children: 

The Cross Plains Public Library encourages visits by young children, and it is the Board’s desire to make these important visits both memorable and enjoyable for the children. 

Library staff members are not expected to assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the Library.  Therefore, it is the Library’s policy that all children age 8 and under must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the Library.  An exception is made for any child participating in an organized children’s program in which supervision is provided.  Exceptions may also be made by arrangement with the Board or Library Director. 

Disruptive Children:

Children of all ages are encouraged to use the Library services for homework, recreational reading, and program attendance.  The Library staff realizes that the Library will be noisier at busy times and that children by nature can cause more commotion.  However, a child (whether with parents or not) who is being continually disruptive will be given a warning that he/she must settle down  If after a second warning, the child continues to be disruptive, he/she will be asked to leave the Library.  If a child needs to contact a parent, he or she may do so and then wait with a staff person until the parent arrives. 

Adopted February 15, 2007, Reviewed March 11, 2019