Clermont County Public Library Standards of Public Behavior Policy
The Clermont County Public Library is committed to providing a secure and inviting environment for use of its resources and services. To achieve this, the Library has established standards of behavior to protect the rights and safety of Library patrons and employees, and to protect and preserve the resources, facilities and property of the Library. The standards of behavior apply to all persons on Library premises both interior and exterior. Parents, legal guardians, and caregivers are responsible for the conduct of their children or legal ward. The Library does not accept or assume responsibility for unattended children and law enforcement may be notified of unattended children. To consistently enforce these standards of behavior, the Library has established consequences for inappropriate behavior on Library premises. Persons who violate the standards of behavior may be asked to leave Library premises, and may be barred from all Library premises for the periods of time listed below. Statute of limitations for violations is for a 12 month period from the 1st offense.
| Violations | 1st Offense | 2nd Offense | 3rd Offense | 4th Offense |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any violation of the Ohio Revised Code | 6 months | 1 year | 3 years | permanent |
| Non-Compliance of the Library’s Internet Use Policy | Warning/or leave | 3 months | 6 months | 1 year |
| Harassing or threatening behavior or use of abusive or profane language | Warning/or leave | 3 months | 6 months | 1 year |
| Conduct likely to cause personal injury or interfere with another person’s use of the library. | Warning/or leave | 3 months | 6 months | 1 year |
| Consumption of alcoholic beverages. | Warning/or leave | 3 months | 6 months | 1 year |
| Improper use of Library resources, furniture, or equipment. | Warning/or leave | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Conduct which interferes with Library operations including staff performance of their duties, running, talking above acceptable noise levels, etc. | Warning/or leave | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Smoking or use of any tobacco products | Warning/or leave | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Use of personal electronic equipment or cell phones at a volume to disturb others. | Warning/or leave | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Panhandling, petitioning, soliciting or distributing non-Library approved materials. | Warning/or leave | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Interfering with access or use of Library facilities. | Warning/or leave | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Recreational use of bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, or similar items | Warning/or leave | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Bringing animals into the Library, with the exception of service animals or as allowed at a Library approved event. | Warning | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Entering non-public areas of Library premises, such as staff workrooms, without prior permission | Warning | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months |
| Consumption of food in the Library, except during scheduled events | Warning | 1 day | 1 week | 2 weeks |
| Sleeping, bathing, or washing clothing | Warning | 1 day | 1 week | 2 weeks |
| Offensive and pervasive odor, or posing a health or sanitary risk. | Must immediately leave the Library premises to correct the problem | |||
| Wearing swimsuits or other revealing clothing, no shoes or no shirt. | Must immediately leave the Library premises to correct the problem |
Note: The Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney has the legal authority to change the periods of time and outcome depending on the circumstances. Violations of the Ohio Revised Code may be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Failure to abide with the time limitations set forth may be viewed as criminal trespassing and violators will be prosecuted. Persons convicted of damaging Library property will be held liable for full restitution. Library is not responsible for personal property.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on September 21, 2009