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HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-8 Revised Patron Use Policy LibraryCONSENT ITEM E-8 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL VIA: TROY L. BUTZLAFF, ICMA-CM, CITY MANAGER FROM: ANN GRAF, DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND LIBRARY SERVICES DATE: DECEMBER 5, 2016 SUBJECT: APPROVE REVISED PATRON USE POLICY FOR AZUSA CITY LIBRARY SUMMARY: The City Council approved the current Library Patron Conduct Policy on November 2, 2015. Library Staff is proposing that the current Library Patron Conduct Policy be modified to add language under the Prohibited Behavior section to further clarify unacceptable behaviors in the Library. This will give Staff a better enforcement tool to protect the rights and safety of library patrons and Staff members; and to preserve and protect library materials, facilities, and property. This action approves the proposed revisions to the Library’s Patron Conduct Policy. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council take the following action: 1) Approve changes to the Patron Conduct Policy for the Azusa City Library modifying the language under Prohibited Behavior. DISCUSSION: After reviewing the current policy and surveying other libraries on their policies for Prohibited Behavior, Library Staff is recommending several changes to the Library’s current Patron Conduct Policy specifically under the Prohibited Behaviors section. The proposed changes will give Staff a better enforcement tool to protect the rights and safety of library patrons and staff members; and to preserve and protect library materials, facilities, and property. A redline/strikeout version of the Patron Conduct Policy showing the proposed changes is attached. The proposed changes to the Patron Conduct Policy have been reviewed and accepted by the Library Commission. APPROVED COUNCIL MEETING 12/5/2016 Revised Azusa Library Patron Conduct Policy December 5, 2016 Page 2 FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with the proposed action. Prepared b y: Reviewed and Approved: Ann Graf Director of Information Technology Louie F. Lacasella and Librar y Services Management Analyst Reviewed and Approved: Troy L. Butzlaff, ICMA-CM City Manager Attachment: 1) Redline/Strikeout Version of Patron Conduct Policy Approved by Azusa City Council November 2, 2015 1 Azusa City Library Patron Conduct Policy Policy Statement The Azusa City Library is committed to providing a comfortable and orderly environment conducive to reading, studying, and partaking of library programs and services. The Patron Conduct Policy applies to the interior and exterior of the library building. These rules apply to all persons entering the library building and its grounds. Prohibited Behaviors  Verbally or physically threatening or harassing patrons, volunteers, or staff. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to verbal threats, abusive language, stalking; staring; offensive touching; and obscene acts such as sex acts and indecent exposure.  Staring at, or following, a patron or staff in a manner that reasonably can be expected to disturb him or her.  Photographing or filming persons without prior approval from a senior staff member. Such actions may not interfere with the privacy of library users.  Disruptive noise (including talking loudly, cell phone use, banging on the furniture, and the use of laptops or media devices at a volume level that is distracting to others).  Shouting, singing, using foul or insulting language.; playing audio equipment at a volume others can hear, cell phone use which is distracting to others.  Fighting or challenging to fight; running; pushing; throwing objects.  Stealing, damaging, altering, or other inappropriate use of library materials and other property, including computer hardware and software, printers, electronic devices, (See Azusa City Library Internet Use Policy) copiers, phones and other equipment.  Interfering with the use of the library by other persons or with the staff’s performance of its duties.  Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs or selling, using, or possessing alcohol or illegal drugs.  Carrying or displaying weapons of any type, except by law enforcement officers and authorized security personnel.  Smoking and other use of tobacco products is not permitted inside the library or within 25 feet of an entrance. Approved by Azusa City Council November 2, 2015 2  Eating or drinking in the library, with the exception of non-alcoholic beverages in a bottle with a secure top.  Littering.  Solicitation, signature gathering, selling, and panhandling.  Gambling and group activities which are disruptive to the library environment.  Unreasonable use of the restrooms, including laundering, bathing and shaving.  Entering the library with animals other than service animals authorized by law, except as authorized by the Library Director.  Operating skateboards, skates, roller shoes, scooters, shopping carts, or similar devices. These restrictions do not apply to ADA assistive devices or baby strollers.  Lying on the floor or sleeping; placing feet on furniture.  Entering the library with large boxes, luggage, or other extraneous items.  Blocking aisles, entrances or exits.  Monopolizing library space, seating, tables, or equipment to the exclusion of other patrons or staff. Occupying more than one space during peak times of Library use.  Footwear must be worn at all times. Patrons must be fully clothed. Open sores and wounds must be bandaged.  Being in the library barefoot, without a shirt, or with Lack of personal hygiene or offensive body odor that constitutes a nuisance or interferes with the reasonable use of the Library by patrons.  Leaving packages, backpacks, or any other personal items unattended. Such items are subject to immediate confiscation.  Trespassing in non-public and staff-only areas; being in the library before or after library hours without the permission of an authorized library employee; camping on library grounds.  Refusal to follow reasonable direction from library staff, including, but not limited to, refusal to leave the library during normal closing procedures or during an emergency evacuation.  Engaging in any activity which is in violation of federal, state, local or other applicable law. Unattended Children The Azusa City Library welcomes children and families to enjoy our collections, programs, and services. Leaving children under the age of twelve unsupervised in the library is prohibited. All library visitors, including children, are expected Approved by Azusa City Council November 2, 2015 3 to follow the Patron Conduct Policy. This policy is posted throughout the building. Parents or guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children while in the library. While the library staff is concerned about the safety of all visitors, the staff cannot assume responsibility for children left unattended. If a child is left unattended and his/her parent or guardian cannot be located, the library staff will contact the Azusa Police Department. Enforcement Enforcement of this conduct policy will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Library staff will take appropriate action to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Such action may include removal or banishment from the library or in arrest and prosecution. Violations of the policy could also result in the restriction and/or termination of library privileges including the use of the library’s public access computers and other equipment.