Library Policies
Appropriate Library Behavior Policy
I. Introduction
(A) The Prairie du Sac Public Library Board may enact regulations that serve to insure the safety of all Library staff and patrons as well as render the most beneficial use to the greatest number of users. The Prairie du Sac Public Library Board may exclude from the use of the public Library all persons who willfully violate such regulations. Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 43.52(2).
(B) The Library Board is committed to providing an atmosphere where people of all ages are comfortable using the Library facility.
(C) Inappropriate behavior includes any activity that disturbs others, interferes with Library operations, damages the building or its furnishings, rudeness, profanity, or any other behavior generally deemed inappropriate or unacceptable.
(D) Library staff is to take appropriate action regarding violations of this policy up to and including contacting law enforcement personnel.
II. Specific Guidelines
(A) Prohibited Behavior
The following are examples of prohibitive behavior. The Library Board and Staff reserve the right to regulate behavior within the facility.
1. The use of any tobacco product within the facility.
2. The use of offensive, threatening, harassing or abusive language or gestures.
3. Damaging, defacing, or misusing Library materials, equipment or facilities.
4. Use of intoxicants or illegal drugs.
5. Behavior that causes a public disturbance.
6. Entering or remaining in the Library without a shirt or shoes.
7. Any behavior that may be viewed as a threat to Library staff or the public.
8. Soliciting, canvassing or surveying Library patrons and/or staff by groups or individuals not affiliated with the Library or other Library related group. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis by filing a written request with the Library Director.
8. Animals, except those used to aid person with disabilities and for Library sponsored programs.
III. General Guidelines for Handling Problem Patrons
(A) It is the patron’s responsibility to maintain proper behavior (in order to protect his/her rights and the rights of other patrons and staff.)
(B) If a patron creates a public nuisance, Library staff will ask the patron or patrons to stop the offensive behavior. Failure to stop the offensive behavior after being warned will result in the individual(s) being asked to leave. If the patron refuses to leave, or, threatens Library staff, the police department will be called. Staff will contact the police department immediately if a patron is engaging in illegal activity.
(C) A written report of any incident involving theft, vandalism, illegal activity, or major disruptive behavior will be filed by staff with the Director as soon as possible after its occurrence.
(D) The Director, acting on behalf of the Library Board, may suspend the Library privileges of any individual who willfully violates Library regulations when the severity or continued reoccurrence warrants such action. The Director will inform the Library Board of any such action taken.
(F) The person whose Library privileges are suspended shall be advised in writing of the suspension and the reason(s) for such action. The offending person shall also be informed that the suspension may be appealed at the next regularly scheduled Library Board meeting.
IV. Responses
Consequences of infractions and repeat infractions will be as follows:
Minor Offenses:
1st infraction: Patron will receive a verbal warning. Patron may be asked to leave the library of the rest of the day if the behavior does not cease following the warning.
2nd infraction: The patron may be required to leave the library premises for 1 week.
3rd infraction: If a 3rd infraction occurs within 60 days or continuous repeat infractions occur, the patron may be banned from the premises for not fewer than 7 days.
Major Offenses:
If a patron is found to be engaging in illegal activity, the police department will be contacted for immediate removal from the building. Any illegal behavior or instance where the police must be called to intervene shall be considered a major offense.
1st Infraction: The patron may lose his/her library privileges for a period of three months.
2nd Infraction: The patron may lose his/her library privileges for a period of six months.
3rd Infraction: The patron may lose his/her library privileges for a period of 9 months.
Additional Infractions: An additional 3 months will be added to the suspension for each subsequent major infraction.
Appeal Procedure
V. Appeal Procedure
A. If any individual wishes to appeal his/her loss of privileges, he/she may file a written appeal to the Library Director within 10 days of the notification of loss of privileges. The Library Director will meet with the claimant and make a determination within five business days thereafter. If the Library Director denies the appeal, the claimant may make a further appeal by filing a written appeal with the Library Board of Trustees within ten days of the Library Director’s determination. The Library Board shall consider the appeal and make a final determination at their next regularly scheduled board meeting. Appeals to the board shall be filed at the Prairie du Sac Public Library, 560 Park Ave. Prairie du Sac, Wi 53578. The determination of the Board shall be final.
B. Any person who enters or remains on the Library premises after losing his/her library privileges will be reported to the police department for immediate removal.
VI. Unattended Children
(A) One of the primary missions of the Prairie du Sac Public Library is to provide a variety of services for children of all ages. The Library encourages visits by young children, and it is our desire to make these visits both memorable and enjoyable for the child.
(B) “Unattended” means that the parent or other responsible adult is not in close proximity to the child. Parents or other responsible party are responsible for children’s behavior while in the Library.
(C) All children six years of age and under must be in the company of a parent/responsible person while in the Library. Even if the young child is attending a program, it is required that the parent/responsible parties remain in the Library during the program.
(D) If it is determined that a child is lost or left unattended, Library staff will try to identify and locate the parent/responsible party. If that person cannot be found, the police department will be contacted.
Approved by Library Board Date: 2/18/99
Amended/Modified by Library Board Date: 10/17/02
04/21/05
05/18/07