Approved: 08/19/98
Reviewed/Approved:04/24/07 

Vaughn Public Library Behavior Policy

It is the policy of the Vaughn Public Library to provide a safe, comfortable environment that is conducive to the use of library materials by individuals and small groups. Patrons are expected to observe the rights of others and to use the library for its intended purposes. The following types of behavior are not allowed in the library:

1. Behavior that endangers the safety or health of others. 
2. Violation of any local, state or federal law.
3. Vandalism or deliberate destruction of library materials.
4. Theft of library materials or the property of others.
5. Deliberate disruption of library procedures.
6. Use of abusive language.
7. Loud noise that disturbs or could disturb others.
8. Eating or drinking in areas not designated for those activities, except during special events.
9. Use of rollerblades, skateboards, or similar devices.

In most cases, a patron who behaves inappropriately will be asked to discontinue the behavior.  If the patron continues to misbehave, he or she will be asked to leave the library.

In cases in which a patron poses a clear danger to him or herself or others, deliberately violates the law, or refuses to leave the library after being asked to by a member of the library staff, the police will be called to handle the situation.

The library director may exclude an individual from use of the library for an extended period of time in case of any violation of items 1 through 4 above, or in case of three instances of dismissal from the library for items 5 through 9 above within a month.  In such an event, the following procedure shall be employed and the individual shall be informed of it in writing:

1. A written statement shall be sent by the library director to the individual involved, along with a copy of the Behavior Policy.  The statement will contain the reasons for and length of the suspension of library privileges. 

2. The individual so suspended from the library shall have the right to a timely and impartial hearing before the Library Board or a committee thereof.  Such hearing must be requested by the individual, in writing, within seven days of receipt of notification of the suspension.  Failure to make such a timely request shall result in suspension for the time period originally stated.

3. If the hearing is requested in a timely fashion and in writing, it shall be held within seven days after the library’s receipt of notification of the suspension.

4. At such hearing, the individual shall have the right to:

               a. Present arguments, either directly or through an attorney.               

               b. Cross-examine witnesses relied on by the Library Director

5. A written decision of the committee and an explanation of the decision shall be sent to  the individual the next business day.

The Library Director shall report to the Library Board all cases in which an individual is suspended from use of the library for a period of time greater than twenty-four hours.

A copy of this Behavior Policy shall be posted in a prominent location in the library.