Code of Conduct

The Flagler County Public Library encourages people of all ages to visit the library and utilize its resources in a safe and comfortable environment that is appropriate to the mission of the library.  The library’s mission is to “provide materials and services to help citizens meet leisure-reading, personal, educational and professional needs.”

The Flagler County Public Library’s Code of Conduct is designed to foster an atmosphere conducive to meeting these needs and as such, certain patron conduct becomes inappropriate when it interferes with these goals.  Examples of inappropriate behavior include but are not limited to the following:

• Abuse, vandalism, theft or destruction of the Flagler County Public Library’s property.
• Bringing animals, except service animals for disabled persons, into the building.
• Bringing weapons, or facsimiles thereof, onto the library property.
• Child abuse or abandonment.
• Eating and/or drinking in the facility.
• Entering staff areas of the facility without being accompanied by a member of the staff.
• Entering the rest rooms of the opposite sex.
• Fighting, physical abuse, threatening and/or verbal abuse to patrons and/or staff.
• Harassment of patrons or staff.
• Inappropriate displays of public affection.
• Intoxication or the possession of any illegal substances.
• Lewd and/or lascivious acts as defined by federal, state and local law.
• Loitering
• Sleeping other than the occasional study induced nap.
• Loud, unruly, offensive and/or disruptive behavior.
• Patrons are required to wear shirts and shoes at all times while in the library.  Bathing suits are not permitted.
• Roller skating, bicycling and/or skateboarding on library property.
• Running throwing, playing and/or other forms of physical activity inappropriate in a library setting.
• Smoking and/or other tobacco use within the building.
• Soliciting, begging, peddling and/or other forms of commercial activities.
• Using the rest rooms to bathe, wash clothes, shave, etc.
• Violations of the Flagler County Internet Access Policy.
• Violations of the Flagler County Safe Child Policy.

The Library Director or the Director’s designee(s) will implement these rules.  Any unlawful activities will be reported to a local law enforcement agency.  Patrons exhibiting unacceptable behavior that is not illegal will be given a verbal warning.  Those who do not correct their behavior immediately will be required to leave the building.  Refusal to leave may result in further legal action.  Repeat offenders may lose their library privileges for a designated period of time.

People who receive a notice that restricts future access to the library may request a hearing.  The request must be made in writing within 48 hours of the notice.  The Library Director will conduct an informal hearing with all parties involved.  At the conclusion, the Director may affirm, modify or cause the notice to be canceled.  An appeal of the Director’s decision may be made to the Library Board of Trustees. 

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees 1/17/07

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