Patron Conduct

Policy Statement

It is the policy of the Board of Trustees that patrons of the Maquoketa Public Library have the right to use of the Library building, its equipment, services, and materials without being unduly disturbed by other Library users.

Library users are expected to abide by the following rules that are intended to maintain a clean, pleasant and safe facility:

1.    Overly loud and disruptive behavior, such as yelling, arguing, and running is not allowed in the Library.

2.    Harassment, swearing, threatening, and bullying of patrons and staff are not allowed in the Library.

3.    Physical violence is strictly prohibited on Library property. This includes but is not limited to hitting, pushing, kicking, fighting, or any other type of assault to patrons or staff.

4.    It is not permissible for anyone to bring a firearm or other weapons into the Library at any time.

5.    Use of alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco products, or vaping products is not allowed in the Library

6.    Patrons are not allowed to damage Library property.

7.    Theft and vandalism of Library property are criminal offenses and may be prosecuted. The Library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended.

8.    All materials must be checked out before they are taken from the Library building.

9.    Except for service animals, no animals are permitted in the library unless they are part of a Library-sponsored program.

10. Drinks are allowed in closed containers only and may not be placed near computer equipment.

11. Engaging in loud or lengthy conversations (including conversations on cell phones) in areas intended for quiet study is not allowed. Patrons should keep their conversations low so as not to disturb others’ use and enjoyment of the Library. Patrons are asked to keep their phones on vibrate or silent within the library and refrain from using speakerphone.

12. Patrons must be fully clothed on Library property, including shirts, pants, and shoes.

13. Engaging in sexual conduct or solicitation is not allowed in the Library.

14. Due to the proximity of computers to areas frequented by children, accessing sites that appear to be obscene or pornographic is not allowed in the Library.

15. Children under 7 must be accompanied and supervised by a caregiver. Parents or other legal guardians are responsible for the behavior of their minor children in the Library.

16. Selling products or services, soliciting donations, taking surveys, or distributing leaflets and other similar activities are not permitted in the Library, except as a part of a Library-sponsored program or with specific permission.

17. Bicycles may not be brought into the building and may not obstruct sidewalks or entries outside the building. Roller skates and skateboards may not be used in the building, on the Library’s sidewalks or areas adjacent to the entrances and ramp. Strollers, wagons, etc. may not be left obstructing a corridor, hallway, aisle, entrance, exit, outside ramp, or sidewalk.

18. Patrons must use library property for its intended purpose.

19. Any other behavior not mentioned in this policy that is otherwise against the law is forbidden.

Enforcement of the above rules may take the form of any of the following actions depending on the severity of the misconduct that will be determined by the staff on duty at the time. These disciplinary procedures are merely guidelines. They are not listed in any particular order and there is no requirement that any particular disciplinary actions precede any other action. The Library may choose to implement any of the procedures listed, including immediate exclusion from the premises, at any time, depending on the seriousness of the violation.

1.    In the case of a minor disruption, the patron may receive two warnings. At the third offense, the patron must leave the Library for the rest of the day.

2.    In the case of any documented misconduct that, in the judgement of a staff member, is extreme, the offender may receive only one warning or be ordered to leave the building immediately. The policy may be called as appropriate.

3.    Any patron who engages in repeated disruptive behavior that interferes with staff or others’ use of the Library, or engages in behaviors that violate City Code or State Statutes, may be permanently banned from the Library premises by the Director. An appeal of the Library Director’s decision may be made to the Library Board. An appeal to the Library Board must be in writing.