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CONDUCT POLICY RULES

POLICY AUTHORITY: Conduct Policy
STATUTORY REFERENCE: RCW 27.12.290
SCOPE: Applies to all patrons and staff in every facility of the Whatcom County Library System.

Disruptive Behavior is any activity which endangers the perpetrator or others, interferes with the library business of other patrons or staff, or is illegal. This may include any activity which results in harm to library equipment or services.
A patron who is Disruptive will be notified that the behavior is inappropriate. If the behavior continues, the patron will be asked to leave the library. If the patron refuses to leave, local law enforcement officials will be called. Disruptive behavior on the part of a library patron may result in the suspension of an individual's library privileges, for a length of time to be determined by the library staff.

EXAMPLES OF PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Any activity prohibited by law or any other conduct that interferes with others’ use, safety, or enjoyment of the library.
2. Disruptive or unsafe behavior which may disturb other patrons’ privacy and solitude, cause injury, or damage library property. Examples include running, climbing, pushing and shoving, and throwing things.
3. Loud or unnecessary noise. This includes noise created by cell phones and other devices. (Library-sponsored activities are sometimes noisy by necessity.)
4. Harassment or threats to library patrons or staff, including but not limited to stalking, intimidating, prolonged staring, and harassing behavior related to use of the Internet.
5. Leaving young children unattended or unsupervised in violation of the Safe Child Policy.
6. Soliciting or begging in the library or on library property.
7. Using the restrooms for laundry or bathing.
8. Using tobacco products inside the library or within 20 feet of the entrance.
9. Eating in the library except during staff-approved activities.
10. Carrying a weapon in the library or on library property (unless authorized by law.)
11. Violating any policy or procedure regarding the use of the library’s computers or the Internet.
12. Failing to comply with a reasonable staff request.

THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES MAY BE DEEMED INAPPROPRIATE
IF THEY INTERFERE WITH OTHERS’ USE OR ENJOYMENT OF THE LIBRARY

1. Having a personal scent or odor so strong as to be offensive.
2. Sleeping or loitering -- remaining in the library without being engaged in library-related activities.
3. Bringing animals into the library (except service animals or animals used in library-sponsored activities.)
4. Consuming beverages that may cause damage to library property. Beverages with secure lids may be allowed.
   
   These rules will be enforced in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff or local law enforcement officers will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors.
   
   Library privileges may be limited or revoked for violating any of these rules. The library may withdraw permission for a person to re-enter its facilities if the person continues violating these rules or if a person’s physical condition is deemed offensive or dangerous to other library patrons (RCW 27.12.290)