Rules of Conduct

Welcome to the Dayton Metro Library.  The library is supported by taxes of the people of Montgomery County who expect our facilities to be clean, comfortable, and safe.  To this end the library has established these Rules of Conduct to protect the rights and safety of library patrons, volunteers, staff, and for preserving and protecting the library’s materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds. The Dayton Metro Library participates in local law enforcement trespass programs.

The following behaviors and actions are examples of conduct not allowed on Library property:

Conduct which disturbs others or interferes with any person’s comfort or safety

• Be disruptive, disorderly, use profanity, verbally or physically threaten or harass patrons or staff
• Use cell phones or play audio equipment in a loud or disturbing manner
• Run or walk in a manner that disturbs others
• View sexually explicit images on the Internet or violate the Library’s Internet Acceptable Use Policy
• Sleep
• Panhandle or solicit for sales or charity
• Petition or distribute non-library approved materials
• Congregating on library premises in a manner which obstructs access or interferes with use of library facilities or services or where such activity may result in an unsafe or intimidating environment.

Conduct towards library property and facilities

• Steal, destroy, deface or abuse library facilities or property
• Eat or drink, except in approved areas
• Fail to dispose of trash in proper receptacles

Conduct relating to personal property

• Leave packages, backpacks, luggage, or any other personal item unattended
• Enter library buildings with backpacks or luggage which measure more than 18”W x 18”H x 24”D

Conduct which violates local, state, and federal statutes

• Possess anything that is unsafe, including firearms or other weapons
• Smoke or use tobacco products inside the building, in outdoor library gardens and reading areas or within twenty five feet of an entrance or operable window
• Be under the influence, consume, or possess alcohol or illegal substances
• Violate any local ordinance or state or federal statute

Conduct relating to health and hygiene

• Show signs of offensive hygiene issues, including body odor
• Bathe or clean personal items
• Enter library premises without shirt or shoes
• Bring into the library pets or animals other than certified service animals necessary for those with disabilities

Conduct relating to children

• Leave children eight years and under unattended
• Use of areas designated for youth by adults without legitimate need to use resources in those areas
• Attempt to solicit interaction with any minor by adults

The library reserves the right to restrict the use of its facilities and premises to persons who do not abide by the library’s Rules of Conduct.  Library personnel may ask persons who are exhibiting inappropriate behavior to modify their behavior.  Failure to comply with a reasonable staff request may result in an individual being required to leave library premises.  Repeated and blatant disregard of the library’s Rules of Conduct may result in banishment from library facilities or arrest and prosecution.   

Approved by the Board of Trustees December 19, 2012