Weapons on Library Property

  1. POLICY
    Dayton Metro Library prohibits weapons, firearms or explosive devices of any kind, concealed and/or unconcealed on Library property, or in Library owned or leased vehicles, except as permitted by the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) as follows:• the weapon is in possession of a law enforcement officer; or 

    • the firearm is in possession of a valid concealed carry permit holder on Library property outside of a Library building or the firearm is lawfully secured in the permit holder’s personal vehicle.

    All Library patrons, including valid concealed carry permit holders, are prohibited from possessing handguns inside library buildings.

    For purposes of this policy, a weapon is defined to include all deadly weapons as defined in Ohio Revised Code Section 2923.11 and any other items that could be perceived as a weapon.

    The Library shall post a conspicuous sign at all public entrances in notification of the prohibition of deadly weapons in the Library buildings. Library policy regarding weapons on Library property shall be readily posted on its web site and provided on demand.

    If a weapon is found on library property, secure the area, call DML dispatch and never touch the weapon. Safety and Protective Services will respond and turn the weapon over to the local police department. Everyone involved should write an incident report and forward to SPS Manager and Human Resources as soon as possible.

  2. DEFINITIONS
    Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2923 defines weapons control and exemptions.
    Ohio Revised Code Section 2923.11 provides the following definitions: 
    • Deadly Weapon – any instrument, device, or thing capable of inflicting death and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried or used as a weapon.
    • Firearm – any weapon capable of expelling or propelling one or more projectiles by the action of an explosive or combustible propellant. Firearm includes an unloaded firearm, and any firearm that is inoperable but can readily be rendered operable.
    • Explosive device – any device designed or specially adapted to cause physical harm to persons or property by means of an explosion, and consisting of an explosive substance or agency and a means to detonate it. Explosive device includes without limitation, any bomb, any explosive demolition device, any blasting cap or detonator containing an explosive charge, and any pressure vessel that has been knowingly tampered with or arranged so as to explode.
    • Handgun - Any firearm that has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand or any combination of parts from which a handgun can be assembled.
    • Ohio Revised Code Section 2923.126 (B)(7) defines circumstances and limits for the possession of concealed carry weapons in regards to public buildings
  3. PROCEDURES 
    1. If a weapon is observed or suspected, staff are asked to call Dispatch to report the issue.
    2. If safe to do so, a security officer/manager/staff member in charge is to advise anyone in possession of weapons, firearms or explosive devices, except those granted permission by the Ohio Revised Code, that Library policy prohibits weapons on library property.
    3. Any violator of this policy is to be instructed to remove the weapon from the Library immediately. Valid concealed carry permit holders may be instructed to properly store handguns in vehicles before reentry to the Library.
    4. If the violator fails to heed instructions, staff shall call Dispatch. If staff perceive an immediate threat, then call 911.

(Policy PS317 - Last reviewed/revised March 12, 2024)

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