POLICY STATEMENT CONCERNING PUBLIC BEHAVIOR

HANNIBAL FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Effective:  May 19, 2008; Revised:  April 13, 2009, August 9, 2016, May 12, 2020

 

The purpose of this and other public behavior policies at the Hannibal Free Public Library (HFPL) is to ensure a safe, orderly, and comfortable atmosphere in which all library patrons and visitors can use the library's materials and services most effectively.  This policy is written from the viewpoint that there may be several appropriate uses for the HFPL facility and that behavior suitable for some occasions and spaces is not appropriate for others.  From time to time, the Library Board may adopt additional policies governing public behavior. 

 

The Library Director and/or Library staff will determine how to effectively post this policy.  Depending on the location, it may be posted in its entirety, or broken into logical segments and partly posted.  In either case, the concepts contained within reflect the decision and will of the Hannibal Free Public Library Board of Trustees.

 

PUBLIC BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

 

The following behaviors will not be tolerated:  illegal activity and/or behavior that is disturbing or disruptive to library patrons or staff; behavior that endangers, threatens, or harasses other persons; or activity that damages physical property.  Patrons will be asked to immediately cease such activity and/or be excluded from the building. 

 

Listed below are examples of acceptable and unacceptable behavior.  This list provides examples only and is not exhaustive or exclusive.

 

  1. Loitering in the building, on the Library’s property, or in its parking lots is not permitted.  Driving at speeds over 10 MPH through the parking lot is not allowed.  Parking in the Library’s lots between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. is prohibited.  Skateboarding, rollerblading, riding scooters or bicycles, etc., on the Library’s property or in its parking lots is not permitted. 

 

  1. Patrons must leave the building by closing time.  Exceptions are granted for library-sponsored or co-sponsored programs that are scheduled to extend beyond closing time. 

 

  1. Littering on Library property, or in any way defacing or vandalizing Library property, will not be tolerated.  Stealing, defacing, vandalizing, cutting, mutilating, or in any other way tampering with Library materials also will not be tolerated.  Violation of the copyright law will not be tolerated either.

 

  1. Individuals who are under court orders or the direction of a Probation & Parole officer to refrain from contact with children are prohibited from entering the building, being on the Library grounds, or entering the parking lots. 

 

  1. Running, playing, or jumping in the library, or purposely rearranging library materials or furniture is not permitted.  Excessive use of the elevator is not permitted. 

 

  1. Patrons shall refrain from using language or gestures that a reasonable person would find inappropriate in a public setting.

 

  1. Appropriate apparel, including shirts and shoes, must be worn at all times.

 

  1. Personal cleanliness is expected out of consideration for others.  Patrons whose body odor proves offensive to other patrons will be asked to leave.  Bathing in the public restroom is not allowed.  For safety and hygiene reasons, patrons who cannot control their bodily functions are not permitted in the building. 

 

  1. Noise level in the building is to be kept to a minimum.

 

  1. Patrons must respect the privacy of others using the Library and its services.

 

  1. At the discretion of HFPL staff, patrons may be required to check objects, equipment, etc., which may pose a potential hazard to the safety of other patrons or staff members or to Library collections, equipment or facilities.  At their discretion, HFPL staff may decline to allow a specific object, piece of equipment, etc., in the building.

 

  1. The Library building is a smoke-, tobacco-, alcohol- and drug-free environment.  The public entrances to the Library building are also smoke-free zones.  Patrons who smoke may do so outside while utilizing the cigarette urn.  Patrons are not welcome when under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

 

  1. Food and drink are not allowed in the Missouri Room or in the vicinity of public use computers.

 

  1. No pets or animals of any kind, with the exception of assistive animals or animals in training as assistive animals, are allowed in the library unless part of an official library program.

 

  1. Sleeping is allowed, but not encouraged, provided it does not disturb others.

 

16.  Roaches, bed bugs, or other insects constitute a hazard to the collection, and the patrons of the Hannibal Free Public Library.  It is therefore prohibited to bring such bugs or insects into the library, either intentionally, knowingly or negligently.   Any materials returned by patrons that show evidence of bed bugs, roaches, or other insects may result in a specific patron's or family’s borrowing and computer use privileges being temporarily suspended.  This suspension will be lifted when proof is presented that the residence in question has been treated by a licensed pest control company, or has been inspected and is clear.  Patrons may also be charged fees to replace the library materials or to treat them.

 

17.  Being present in the Library when attendance exceeds the building’s authorized fire or building code occupancy, in the meeting rooms when attendance exceeds the rooms’ occupancy, or when other circumstances dictate stricter occupancy limits and attendance is exceeded.


 

GENERAL PUBLIC CONDUCT

 

The general rules of behavior contained in this policy are designed to protect the rights of library patrons, to govern use by individuals of all ages, to outline for staff members acceptable and appropriate behavior on the part of patrons, and to preserve library materials and facilities.  These and other public behavior rules apply equally to all members of the public regardless of whether they are residents of the City of Hannibal, registered HFPL borrowers, or visitors. 

 

Unacceptable behavior will result in loss of library privileges.  The Library Director is responsible for administering this policy and for delegating some of its administration to HFPL staff members.  Depending on the severity of the offense, the Library Director and/or staff will institute discipline ranging from verbal warning, through denial of specific privileges (such as use of computers), and finally to denial of the right to use the Library (banning) for a specified time period, up to and including one to two years.  In the event of inappropriate behavior by a minor or a legally incapacitated individual, the parent or guardian will be notified, usually after the second offense.  The Library Director will use discretion, attempting to maximize the use of the Library for all patrons, in determining the length of time the person may not use the library facility or a particular library service, such as computers. 

 

HFPL staff members observing unacceptable behavior shall take appropriate action.  At their discretion, or upon instruction by the Library Director, staff members shall also write an Incident Report of the behavior problem and forward it to the Library Director. 

 

When a patron is banned from the Library for a time longer than one week, a letter of explanation is sent to him or her via certified mail to the patron’s last know address.  In the case of a minor child or a legally incapacitated individual, a copy of the letter is also sent to his or her parent or guardian.  During the time when banned from the building, patrons who return to Library grounds or the building will be considered to be trespassing.  HFPL staff will not hesitate to summon the Police to request a citation for trespassing.

 

When deemed appropriate by the Library Director, copies of the Incident Reports and/or copies of letters shall be forwarded to the Hannibal Police Department, other appropriate law enforcement agencies and/or the Library’s insurer.  Should other situations warrant, the Library Director may decide to report patrons to appropriate health or social services officials.  Such reporting, including the individual’s name, is not considered a violation of patron privacy. 

 

ADULT PARTICIPATION IN CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

 

Providing programs for children is one of HFPL’s services.  Children’s programs are provided in the Woman’s Club Room and in the Story Area of the Children’s Room.  Parents and teachers are welcome to accompany their children at programs.  HFPL staff will inquire the reason for attendance at a children’s program of adults who are not accompanying a child.  If in the judgment of staff the reason does not merit attendance, then the unaccompanied adult will be asked to leave the immediate area until the program concludes.  Adults in the area of a children’s program, who are not participating in the program, will also be asked to leave the immediate area until the program concludes. 

 

PUBLIC USE OF COMPUTERS

 

HFPL provides computers for public use as well as computers that are designated for specific purposes including Adult Internet, Children’s Internet, word-processing, educational game computers, Missouri Room, and computer catalogs.  Internet computers may also be used for word processing and other MS Office applications, if software is loaded. 

 

Children’s Internet computers are located in the Children’s Room and are designated for use by children and teens, who are registered HFPL computer borrowers in good standing.  The Board encourages parental supervision of children’s Internet use, and a parent, guardian, or caregiver of a minor child may also use the Children’s Internet computers when accompanied by the child.

 

Adult Internet computers may be used by adults and teens, who are registered HFPL computer borrowers in good standing.

 

Additional policy statement may be found in the Public Use Computers policy.

 

CHILDREN’S AND TEEN’S USE OF THE LIBRARY

 

The Library is open to the public, and people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests may utilize its services.  While the Board of Trustees strives to keep patrons safe, the Board also recognizes HFPL’s limitations due to the size and the public nature of the facility.  It is not possible to maintain a staff presence in all areas of the building, nor is it possible for staff to observe every individual’s use of the Library collection, Internet, etc.

 

Service to children and teens is a major focus of the Library’s mission. Children are welcome to use the Library at any time it is open. However, the library cannot have a specific responsibility to care for, or to watch out for children left unattended and/or unsupervised in its facilities or in an area of the building.  Parents are responsible for the behavior of their minor children; teachers are responsible for the conduct of their students while they are in the library for a class visit or tour.  For the purposes of this and other Library policies, a “minor” or “minor child” is defined as under the age of eighteen years unless considered legally emancipated by the State of Missouri.

 

Children, aged ten years and older, with parental permission, may register to use the Internet.  Children, over the age of eight years, may enter the building unattended by an adult.  Younger children must be accompanied by an adult, eighteen years of age or older, who is responsible for them.  Children and teens who misbehave, whether or not they are accompanied by an adult, are subject to the same general public conduct rules as other patrons. 

 

HFPL staff will determine how to consider children who are alone in the library.  Children who misbehave may be asked to leave Library property.  If it is determined that children are unattended, HFPL staff will notify a parent to pick the child up.  If a parent cannot be reached, the Police will be called.  Under no circumstances will a Library employee or volunteer to transport a child from Library premises. 

 

The Library Director will notify parents of minor children who misbehave.  This notification is typically a letter mailed after the second offense.  When a minor child is banned from the Library for a time longer than one week, a letter of explanation is sent to him or her via certified mail to the patron’s last know address.  In the case of a minor child, a copy of the letter is also sent to his or her parent or guardian.  During the time when banned from the building, patrons who return to the Library grounds or the building will be considered to be trespassing.  This applies to children who have been banned even if the current visit is in the company of a parent or guardian.  HFPL staff will not hesitate to summon the Police to request a citation for trespassing.
 
In addition to notifying a parent and/or the Police about an unattended child, or in other cases of suspected child abuse, neglect, or exploitation, HFPL staff will notify the Library Director.  Depending on the nature of the child’s situation, the Library Director may decide to report the matter to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, operated by the Missouri Department of Social Services.   Such reporting, including the individual’s name, is not considered a violation of patron privacy. 

 

TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS, VIDEOTAPING, AUDIORECORDING, ETC.

 

Permission must be obtained from the Library Director or her designee prior to taking photographs, videotaping, audiorecording, or doing similar types of filming or recording in the Library.  This requirement applies to members of the press, presenters of library-sponsored programs, users of the meeting rooms, as well as the general public. 

 

Not withstanding the above paragraph, because of the public forum nature of meetings and programs in the Library’s meeting rooms, taking photographs, videotaping, audiorecording, and other similar types of filming and recording is permitted during the course of a program or meeting, provided audience is notified prior to the filming or recording, and provided the presenter of the program does not indicate copyright- or licensing-protection of his or her program.

 

Arrangements to film and/or record should be made prior to the beginning of the program or meeting.  Library staff announce the filming and/or recording by an outside person or group in their introductory remarks and the public in attendance will be given the opportunity to decline to participate in the filming and/or recording.  Protection of the identity of children should be preserved as much as possible.  Library staff may also impose other restrictions, such as location of equipment, depending on the nature of the program or meeting.

 

Library staff taking photographs for use by the Library at a Library-sponsored meeting or program does not need to make a prior announcement. 

 

Unless specific arrangements are made with the Library Director or her designee to reproduce photographs of Library-owned oil paintings, historic photographs, or other artwork, the Library retains all copyright and licensing to the original, including the right to publish reproductions of it in any format.  This means that the Library Director or her designee may chose to permit taking of a photograph without any implied consent to publish the photograph as a print, in a published work, or on the Internet.

 

USE OF TELEPHONES, COMPUTERS, & OTHER EQUIPMENT

 

Use of cell phones in the Library building is discouraged.  However, cell phones may be used provided their ringers are set to vibrate and conversations on them are kept to a minimum.  Should a person using a cell phone prove disruptive, he or she will be asked to terminate the call immediately or take the call outside.

 

The Library does provide telefax service for a fee.  Other use of the Library’s telephones by patrons is discouraged, whether receiving or placing calls.  In extremely unusual situations, a patron may be allowed to use a phone at the discretion of library staff.  In most instances, Library staff will make calls for patrons and relay brief messages, and will not permit direct use of a phone by patrons. 

 

HFPL has no public address system.  It is not possible to page people and summon them to the phone.  At their discretion, staff will relay a brief message to a patron.  Because of patron privacy, Library staff cannot tell callers whether other patrons have visited or are currently in the building.

 

Patrons are expected to use Library equipment and facilities in an equitable manner.  Library equipment may be designated for specific types of use, and patrons are expected to comply with the designation.  Patrons are expected to surrender the use of equipment when their scheduled time is over and/or when staff so request.

 

Patrons shall not send receive, or display on computer screens, whether belonging to the Library or owned by the patron, any text or graphics that may reasonably be construed to be inappropriate in a public setting. 

 

Patrons are not permitted to plug in electric devices only to recharge them.  Patrons are not allowed to plug in devices for personal care, such as electric toothbrushes, shavers, and the like.  Patrons may plug in electronic devices to the HFPL’s electricity to allow use of Library resources.  Electronic devices included here are laptops, printers, etc.  Modems on laptops may not be plugged into HFPL’s phone jacks or cable drops.  Instead patrons should use the wireless network.

 

Card games, board-type games, and computer games may be played in the Library, provided it does not disrupt others’ use of HFPL.

 


 

SOLICITATION

 

Picketing, petitioning for signatures, or other solicitation of political support is not allowed inside the Library building unless sponsored by the Library on its behalf.  Because HFPL does not want to infringe on 1st Amendment rights, picketing, petitioning for signatures, and other solicitation of political support is permitted outside the building on Library property provided such activity does not disrupt other use of the building and parking lots.

 

Solicitation of funds or sales of goods is not allowed on Library property, unless such activity is sponsored by the Library and/or the Friends of the Library.  Activities of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Hannibal are exempted from this part of the policy.

 

FIREARMS & OTHER WEAPONS

 

The Library is a weapon-free environment.  Weapons or objects that might be used as weapons are prohibited from the building except when carried by law enforcement officials.  Stun guns and similar devices are similarly prohibited, as are pepper and other self-defense repellents.  If weapons are brought into the Library parking lot, they should be secured from view and locked up in a vehicle.

 

Firearms, whether carried concealed or openly carried, are prohibited except when carried by law enforcement officials.  No person who has been issued a concealed carry endorsement by the Missouri Director of Revenue under Chapter 571 of the Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMO0, or who has been issued a valid permit or endorsement to carry concealed firearms issued by another state or political subdivision of another state, shall, by authority of that endorsement or permit, be allowed to carry a concealed firearm or to openly carry a firearm in the building.

 

At the discretion of HFPL staff, patrons may be required to check objects, equipment, etc., which may pose a potential hazard to the safety of other patrons or staff members or to Library collections, equipment or facilities.  At their discretion, HFPL staff may decline to allow a specific object, piece of equipment, etc., in the building.

 

FOOD & BEVERAGES
  

Food and drink are not allowed in the Missouri Room or in the vicinity of public use computers. 

 

Food and non-alcoholic beverages are often part of library-sponsored functions.  In other situations, consumption of food and non-alcoholic beverages inside the building is discouraged.  Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages is always prohibited.

 

Food and drink is allowed in other areas of the building under the following conditions:

 

 

AUTHORITY

 

This policy updates and replaces previous policies entitled:

 

“Appropriate Use of the Hannibal Free Public Library” 

“Concealed Weapons,” adopted on November 10, 2003, and affirmed March 8, 2004

“Unattended Adults in the Children’s Room,” adopted March 12, 2007

 

It supplements the following policies:

 

Public computer use polices, including Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

Harassment Policy

 

The Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMO)182.230 (2007) provides that

 

Every library and reading room established under sections 182.140 to 182.301 shall be forever free to the use of the inhabitants of the city where located, always subject to such reasonable rules and regulations as the library board may adopt in order to render the use of the library and reading room of the greatest benefit to the greatest number. The board may exclude from the use of the library and reading room any and all persons who willfully violate such rules. The board may extend the privileges and use of the library and reading room to persons residing outside of the city in this state, upon such terms and conditions as the board, from time to time, by its regulations, may prescribe.

 

This policy has been adopted by the Hannibal Free Public Library Board of Trustees under its statutory authority to determine and govern the use of Library facilities.