3.3.1 — Code of Conduct

Effective: November 15, 2006
Last Reviewed: May 6, 2022

  1. Purpose
  2. The purpose of this policy is to establish an atmosphere conducive to appropriate use of the library and its services and facilities. It also describes the situations under which a patron may be asked to leave the library premises. It is supported by related library policies and procedures.

  3. Customer Expectations
  4. The Library expects its customers to:

    1. Attend to personal belongings. The Library is not responsible for personal belongings left in or on Library property.
    2. Use restrooms only for their intended purpose. Bathing is prohibited.
    3. Wear shoes and shirts.
    4. Maintain bodily hygiene in a manner that does not constitute a nuisance to other persons.
    5. Use covered containers when bringing beverages into library buildings and comply with posted ‘No Food’ and ‘No Drink’ zones.
    6. Use library furniture, equipment and materials for their intended function.
    7. Accompany any child under the age of 8. Per Library policy, a parent or caregiver is responsible for the safety and well-being of their children on library property.
    8. Follow established loan procedures or authorizations before taking Library property or materials from the building.
    9. Cooperate with staff and allow belongings to be searched.
    10. Use all library areas, including library parking areas, sidewalks and lawns, safely.
    11. Use auditoriums, study rooms or meeting rooms in accordance with Library policy.
    12. Stay out of non-public areas.
    13. Leave the library at the designated closing time.
    14. Refrain from solicitation of any kind for any purpose unless explicitly permitted by the Library in compliance with Library policy.

  5. Actions and Forms of Conduct Not Permitted
    1. Harassing or speaking abusively to library staff or customers.
    2. Mutilating or destroying library buildings, materials or equipment.
    3. Bringing animals and pets into the library, with the exception of service animals.
    4. Loitering outside the building in a way that creates a reasonable concern for the safety of persons or property as set forth in § 614.106, Ord. Code, § 856.021, F.S.
    5. Behaving in an unlawful, disruptive or potentially harmful manner.
    6. Blocking or interfering with the movement of individuals or bringing items larger than 26” L x 16” W x 16” H, or that present a potential danger, inside the building.
    7. Engaging in sexual activity of any kind, sexual harassment or indecent exposure.
    8. Consuming or possessing alcohol, illegal drugs or being under the influence.
    9. Monopolizing library equipment, materials or facilities preventing others from using them.
    10. Entering the library with illegally carried weapons of any type.
    11. Disturbing other customers with noise producing activities.
    12. Damaging, destroying or stealing any customer’s or employee’s property.
    13. Sleeping.

    The library reserves the right to require anyone violating the Library Customer Code of Conduct to leave the library. Anyone who is required to leave the library due to a violation of the Library Customer Code of Conduct will not be permitted in the library for the remainder of the day. Serious or repeated misconduct may lead to legal action or criminal prosecution.

  6. Serious Violations
  7. The Board of Library Trustees considers the following activities to be serious violations of the Library Customer Code of Conduct:

    1. Sexual activity of any kind, sexual harassment or indecent exposure.
    2. Consumption or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
    3. Illegal possession of weapons of any type.
    4. Mutilating or destroying library buildings, materials or equipment.
    5. Repeated offenses of any kind.

    Anyone who engages in these activities will be required to leave the library. Serious activity violations will result in the suspension of an individual’s library privileges and being barred from all County Libraries for one year.

  8. Board of Library Trustees Authority and Appeals Process
  9. In the event the Jacksonville Public Library determines that an individual shall be barred from any Library for any period of time greater than one day, the Library shall provide such individual written notice of said bar, the duration of the bar, and the reasons for the bar. This notice shall be referred to as an Order of Trespass. If the individual chooses not to use Appeal Process established in policy 5.5.1 – Appealing the Implementation of Policy, the order of trespass shall remain in effect for the full period included in the order of trespass.

  10. Authorization to Define Procedures
  11. The Board of Library Trustees authorizes the Library Director to establish procedures to administer this policy, and to delegate any and all responsibilities herein to other staff through such procedures.

Associated Policies:

Relevant Legislation: