The Elyria Public Library System seeks to provide quality library service to all patrons. The following code of conduct has been adopted for the comfort and protection of the rights of all those using and working in the Elyria Public Library.
The library staff will enforce this code in a courteous but firm manner. The police may be called if patrons ignore directives from staff or violate Library policies. We ask your cooperation in helping us to provide a safe and pleasant environment for all our patrons and staff. We do not permit conduct that disturbs others or interferes with any person's comfort or safety.
- Ignoring directives from staff
- Consuming food or drink in non-designated areas
- Disruptive behavior, noise or loud talking.
- Sleeping or lying down on the premises.
- Bringing bicycles, shopping carts, skateboards, large bundles or bags or similar bulky articles into the Library, with the exception of baby strollers and those articles necessary to assist individuals with disabilities
- Disruptive use of cell phones-loud or long, conversations
- Harassment, sexual misconduct, verbal abuse, profanity, threats, fighting, running, horseplay or unwanted advances towards other persons
- Soliciting interaction of any minor by any unrelated adult
- Acts of child abuse and/or child endangerment as defined by the Ohio Revised Code
- Selling items or services, and soliciting of any kind on Library premises
- Solicitation of signatures or contributions for non-commercial or non-profit purposes are permitted outside of the Library only (see Petition Policy)
- Distributing or posting any printed materials (see Public Bulletin Board Policy)
- Use of any tobacco products or tobacco simulating products indoors or within fifty (50) feet of entrances, surrounding signs, or outside tables on premises
- Possessing or consuming alcohol, marijuana and/ or illegal drugs, or the appearance of being under the influence
- Misuse of Library furniture and property, blocking entrances, exits, and or materials
- Damaging, destroying, or stealing property from the Library or any person
- Use of any graphics that may be construed as obscene or pornographic or exhibiting illicit behavior on any Library or personal device (see Internet Policy)
- Using public restrooms for bathing and/or laundry or other public areas for personal grooming
- The use of assistance animals that do not meet the definition provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Carrying or handling weapons of any kind
- Any act which meets the definition of a crime under the codified ordinances of the city of Elyria, the Ohio Revised Code or the laws of the United States of America
- Discrimination and/or mistreatment of any person due to race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, or socioeconomic status
The Library must prioritize public health and safety.
The Library reserves the right to restrict patrons when there is evidence of a public health risk and/or pests. Patrons shall maintain a generally acceptable standard of personal hygiene.
Health or hygiene conditions that constitute a nuisance, such as strong or offensive body odor, are considered unacceptable. Patrons must wear a shirt and shoes.
Please recognize that the Library is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
We recommend that patrons do not leave personal belongings unattended.
Library staff cannot act in the place of parents or caregivers.
Young children and vulnerable patrons are not to be left unattended in Library facilities, even when caregivers are in other areas of the building. Patrons of all ages are permitted to use Library computers to access the internet, and any restrictions of a child's access to the internet are the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. We respect the privacy of all library patrons and intervene only when a child is deemed at risk.
Enjoy snacks responsibly.
Light snacks and covered beverages are permitted in all of our branches in open public areas. No consumption of food or drink is allowed near computers or designated Library spaces. Please discard or recycle garbage before you leave and tidy your area for the next patron. Messy or strong-smelling foods are not permitted.
Damages, Suspension, Expulsion.
Failure to comply with the behavior guidelines stated above will result in escalating responses ranging from recovery for damages and/or limitations on service, to revocation of Library privilege(s), restriction from the premises, or criminal prosecution depending on the severity and frequency of the violation and if there is a violation of local, state or federal law.
Parents can be liable for damage done by a child under the age of eighteen.
Enforcement and Appeal.
The Library Director and his/her designated staff are authorized to interpret these rules in accordance with applicable law and to ensure appropriate behavior of all persons in the Library facilities.
Any person receiving a warning for a violation of the above rules and regulations will be required to provide some form of identification which may be copied and recorded, along with documentation of the violation, for future use by the Library in determining the need for expulsion or restriction of services, or any notice of the reasons.
Any person who is asked to leave a Library facility as a result of violating these rules and regulations and refuses to do so shall be considered a trespasser and may be subject to permanent expulsion and/or arrest. Further, library staff designees may deny future access to Library facilities. Any patron whose privileges have been denied, or who has been permanently excluded from Library facilities, may appeal with a written petition within thirty (30) days of the decision to do so, to the Board of Trustees.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on August 13, 2018, updated April 18, 2022, updated March 11, 2024