Library Use & Behavior Guidelines

Purpose

The Davidson County Public Library System (DCPL) strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all who visit or work in the library.  This policy defines the expectations of behavior so a safe and comfortable place can be provided for the community as well as the staff.

Minor Violations (Included but Not Limited To)

  • Bathing, shaving, or other unintended uses of restrooms.
  • Failure to wear proper attire (shirt and shoes are required at all times).
  • Bodily hygiene or scent so strong as to be disruptive.
  • Loud talking or disruptive physical behavior.
  • Using cell phones or electronic devices in a manner that is loud or disruptive to others.   Examples include but are not limited to using a cell phone’s speakerphone feature, loud notification alerts, and video calls.
  • Having or consuming foods or beverages in unapproved areas.  Covered beverages, such as a water bottle, are allowed outside of areas with computers, makerspaces, or other areas with electronic equipment.
  • Bringing in animals other than those fully trained as service animals to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
  • Leaving personal property unattended, with staff, or in the pathway of others.  Staff may dispose of unattended personal property if left for an unreasonable length of time.
  • Loitering or sleeping.
  • Sales, solicitation, canvassing (unless authorized by the library or as determined by the branch manager), and 0proselytizing.
  • Blocking or in any way interfering with the free movement of any person(s).
  • Failure to obey posted signs on library property, including parking and other traffic signs.
  • Rearranging library furniture without authorization from staff.
  • Use of tobacco products or vaping inside the building or within 25 feet of an entrance.
  • Disrupting another patrons’ use of the library.
  • Monopolizing staff time either on the phone or in person.  While we strive to meet the library-related needs of each patron, we reserve the right to limit the amount of time a staff member spends assisting any one patron, especially during busy times.
  • Failure to comply with directions from library staff.

Enforcement of Minor Violations

Consequences of violations may include a verbal warning, or the person may be required to leave library property for the amount of time determined by the Library Manager or the manager’s designee.


Major Violations

  • Use of hostile, aggressive, obscene, or abusive language including gestures, behavior, gender and/or racial slurs.
  • Assaulting staff or others or exhibiting behavior likely to cause personal injury to self or others.
  • Intimidating, threatening, harassing (e.g., staring), or endangering other library patrons or staff.
  • Engaging in disorderly conduct, becoming a nuisance, or disrupting the use of the library for other library users.
  • Fighting.
  • Sexual misconduct or harassment.
  • Selling, possessing, consuming, and/or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal substances.
  • Theft of or damage to items belonging to staff or others.
  • Theft of library property or damage to library property.
  • Refusal to leave library property when asked or returning during a period of exclusion for a prior violation.
  • Viewing or printing pornography of any kind.
  • Any activity or action that violates any Federal, State or local laws, ordinances, regulations, mandates, and/or community standards.

Enforcement of Major Violations

Upon the first offense, the individual must leave the library property for an amount of time determined by the Library Manager or his/her designee.  The length of exclusion will depend on the severity of the violation and can range from one (1) day to a longer period of time up to and including a permanent exclusion.

Library Administration will refer matters to law enforcement (including those related to trespassing), when applicable.  When an individual is excluded from one branch of the Davidson County Public Library System, he or she is excluded from all branches, including the Davidson County Historical Museum.  The individual is also prohibited from calling the library during this time.


Appeals Process

Patrons excluded from library property may appeal the decision by contacting the Director of the Davidson County Public Library system.


Children/Vulnerable Individuals

Children under the age of 13 and/or vulnerable individuals* must be attended by a responsible person while using the library.   A child, young adult (under 17), or vulnerable individual may not be left at the library after closing.  Library staff will contact law enforcement when unable to locate a parent or person responsible for a child or vulnerable individual.  Adult use of the children’s area is limited to use by parents and caregivers acting on behalf of children as well as those who are accessing materials in that area.   Others may be asked to utilize other areas of the library.

* A vulnerable person is an individual with a cognitive or physical disability that significantly impairs the individual’s ability to provide adequately for their own care or manage their own behavior without assistance.


Large Groups

The library requires a one (1) week notice of visits involving groups of ten or more.  Leaders must remain in full control of any one group during the course of the visit.


Tutoring in the Library

The Davidson County Public Library System currently allows professional tutors to meet clients in public spaces of library facilities as long as this does not disrupt the use of the library for other patrons.  The location’s Library Manager may place limitations on this use of space in regard to frequency, and duration of use, location of it within the building, and amount of space used.  Failure to follow these requirements and/or library staff limitations could result in enforcement by the library according to the library use guidelines stated above.