HOW TO ENJOY THE BEXLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY

A Patron Code of Conduct

Be kind to one another.

Please use polite language and respectful behavior with both staff and other patrons.

Bring your children to the library and keep them with you.

Parents or caregivers are expected to monitor and control the behavior of their young children.

Use your cell phone, but not your ringtone.

Please turn your phone to vibrate and keep conversations short and at a reasonable volume so as not to disturb others.

Use the Internet appropriately.

While using the Internet, make sure your research remains within the bounds of what is legal and appropriate for viewing in a public area. You must read the Internet Use Policy before using a library computer. Library computers may not be used for any unlawful purposes, and unauthorized copying of copyright-protected materials and online gambling are prohibited.

Enjoy our facilities.

The collections, study areas, and restrooms are here for you to use. Please remember that all of these are shared spaces. Make sure that however you choose to enjoy the library, you are respectful of others and of library property.

Feel free to enjoy your beverage in a covered container.

While we prefer that you not eat in the library, small snacks are permitted everywhere but at our computers. Wrappers, crumbs, and other debris must be cleaned up before you leave.

Dress appropriately.

Please dress appropriately and include a shirt and shoes with your outfit.

Love your pets, but don't bring them to the library.

Licensed service animals are the only animals permitted in the building. Please do not leave your pet unattended on library property.

Listen and learn at a reasonable volume.

Conversations or activities should not disturb other patrons or library staff. If you are using a radio, MP3 player, or other personal listening equipment, please use headphones and keep the volume at a level that cannot be heard by others.

Share furniture and equipment appropriately.

Please do not monopolize or obstruct space, seating, tables or equipment to the exclusion of others. The library also reserves the right to limit the number of people who may sit together at a table if the group is disturbing others. There is a limit of one person per chair.

Keep your belongings with you.

Do not leave personal belongings unattended. Staff may move belongings which have been left unattended. Staff cannot be responsible for watching your items for you.

Lock your bikes, skateboards, or scooters outside.

Ride your bike, skateboard or scooter to the library, and lock it outside. We are not responsible for stolen items and do not have space for storing bicycles, skateboards or scooters inside. If you have forgotten your bike lock, you can check one out at the Circulation Desk. For the safety of others and of our property, patrons may not skateboard, roller blade or roller skate on library property, including the parking lot.

Check out library materials.

The library reserves the right to inspect all bags, purses, briefcases, packs, etc. for library material that has not been checked out.

Ask for assistance.

Tell a staff member if you have a concern about the building, the parking lot, or another patron. Please allow library staff to address these situations. We will do our best to come to a quick resolution.

Petition outside.

Petition (for voting, ballot issues, etc.) only outside of the library. Petitioners may not enter the library proper, block building entrances or exits, interfere with library patrons & use of the library, or otherwise impede access.

The following activities are prohibited on library property:

• The possession of a firearm or weapon
• The possession, consumption, or sale of illegal substances or alcohol
• The use of tobacco products or electronic substitutes
• Fighting, hitting, or physical or verbal abuse
• Harassment
• Gambling, buying, selling, or soliciting for personal or commercial gain
• Any illegal activity
• Persons who are under the influence of alcohol or an illegal substance will be asked to leave immediately.

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

Respect the library and respect each other.

In the case of serious or repeated violations of the Patron Code of Conduct, patrons will have their library privileges revoked or restricted by the Library Director or their designee.

Thank you for helping to keep Bexley Public Library a safe and pleasant place for our community.