DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE NUMBER: 6.01.03
POLICY AUTHORITY: Conduct Policy 6.01
Whatcom County Library System serves all members of the community and expects conduct that contributes to a common culture where everyone can take advantage of library materials and resources.
| Examples of disruptive behaviors and consequence levels include but are not limited to: | ||
| 1-day break | ||
| Ignoring a reasonable staff request | Deliberately creating a mess; littering | Unreasonably loud noise |
| Disruptive or unsafe behavior which may disturb other patrons’ privacy, cause injury, or damage property such as running,pushing, or throwing things | Leaving young children unattended or unsupervised in violation of the Safe Child & Children’s Program Policy 6.03 | Using tobacco, cannabis or vape products inside the library or within 25 feet of an entrance or window |
| Insults or offensive language directed at another person | Entering non-public areas without permission | Possession of an animal that is not a service animal |
| Consuming foods or beverages in a way that may cause damage | Excessive use of space that impacts others’ use of the library | Using restrooms for bathing needs that are excessive or unreasonable |
| Having a personal scent so strong as to constitute a nuisance | Carrying a weapon unless allowed by law | Unauthorized possession or use of alcohol or drugs |
| 1-month suspension | ||
| Repeated lower-level (1-day break) offenses | Entering or remaining on library property after being asked to leave | Harassment or threats to library patrons or staff, including stalking, intimidating, or staring |
| Sexual harassment | Hiding or tampering with library materials or displays | Violating Internet Use Policy 4.06 |
| 6-month suspension | ||
| Repeated suspensions | Being on library grounds while serving a 1-month suspension | Intentional damage to library property |
| Theft of library materials or property | ||
| 1-year suspension (Police trespass may be served) | ||
| Assault/battery | Threatening with violence | Threatening with a weapon |
| Being on library grounds while suspended repeatedly | Indecent exposure/lewd behavior | |
Staff will initiate conversations with patrons who exhibit inappropriate behaviors to explain expectations and consider reasonable options to resolve the matter. If the behavior continues, the patron will be asked to leave the library. If the patron refuses to leave, or if the circumstances warrant, local law enforcement officials will be called. Behaviors that endanger other people may be met with an immediate suspension of library privileges. In-charge staff including Branch Manager, PSA and YSA staff have the authority to issue suspensions or request a police trespass.
Library privileges may be limited or revoked for violating any of these rules (RCW 27.12.290) including but not limited to any activity or behavior prohibited by law.
DEFINITIONS
Disruptive Behavior is any activity which endangers other patrons, staff, or the patron exhibiting the behavior, interferes with the use of the library by other patrons or the work of library staff, or is illegal. This may include, but is not limited to, any activity which results in harm to library equipment or services.
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR PROCEDURES
- Staff will use their training to discuss with patron to explain which behavior is inappropriate, offer options, and explain consequences. When a suspension is given, including any time the police are involved, staff will complete an Incident Report Form and send the form to the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and Director of Finance and Administration.
- When a suspension is given, staff will provide a Letter of Suspension to the person being suspended, and a copy of the Letter of Suspension will be included with the Incident Report Form. Staff will insert a block in the patron’s library record disallowing use of the library and physical materials through the duration of the suspension.
- In case of any suspension lasting one month or longer, a re-entry meeting may be required before access to the library facilities is granted. The patron must schedule a meeting with the Branch Manager or Library Administrator to review: 1) the reason(s) for the suspension, and 2) patron conduct expectations.
- Appeals: A patron may appeal a suspension by contacting WCLS’s Deputy Director at Administrative Services (5205 Northwest Drive, Bellingham) or by calling 360-305-3602.
RELATED POLICIES: Conduct Policy 6.01; Harassment Policy 12.28; Animals in the Library Policy 6.02.
STATUTORY REFERENCE: RCW 27.12.290 Violators may be excluded; RCW 70.160 Smoking in Public Places; Whatcom County Code 24.14.
APPROVALS AND UPDATES
| Date | Action | Reviewer | Approved By | Approval Signature |
| November 17, 2005 | Approved. | – | Joan Airoldi | /s/ |
| March 22, 2010 | Revised. | – | Joan Airoldi | /s/ |
| July 7, 2011 | Revised. | – | Joan Airoldi | /s/ |
| April 21, 2014 | Revised. | – | Christine Perkins | /s/ |
| June 25, 2018 | Revised. | – | Christine Perkins | /s/ |
| December 9, 2022 | Revised. | – | Christine Perkins | /s/ |
| July 14, 2023 | Revised. | – | Christine Perkins | /s/ |
| February 3, 2026 | Revised. | – | Christine Perkins | /s/ |