Standards for Patron Conduct

OP – 6.1: STANDARDS FOR PATRON CONDUCT (Revised 12.1.20)

By law (Ohio Revised Code Section 5705.28(D)), The Upper Arlington Public Library serves all residents of Franklin County. All patrons are to be treated with courtesy and respect regardless of age, ethnic group, gender, etc. The Library serves patrons on a first–come, first–served basis.

The Upper Arlington Public Library System is designed to be an institution that provides a healthy, safe, and pleasant environment for both patrons and staff. In order to maintain and preserve this environment, the Library reserves the right to bar patrons who exhibit inappropriate behavior in any of its facilities or on its grounds.

Inappropriate behavior shall include, but is not limited to:

• Striking another patron or staff member.
• Physically threatening another patron or staff member.
• Using verbally abusive language toward another patron or staff member.
• Verbal or physical fighting within the building.
• Congregation or excessive loitering of persons within or outside of the building that might be construed as a threat to patron safety.
• Sexually harassing another patron or staff member.
• Harassment of Library staff or patrons. This includes initiating unwanted conversations with patrons or staff.
• Profanity or language that is so loud as to disturb others.
• Use of cellular telephones, personal computers or personal listening equipment which disturbs other patrons.
• Willful destruction of Library property.
• Attempting theft of Library property.
• Vandalism or theft.
• Running within the building.
• Use of tobacco or electronic substitutes, alcohol or illegal drugs within the building.
• Failure to adhere to Internet policies as passed by the Library Board and posted at Internet workstations.
• Gambling, including gambling on the Internet.
• Improper dress: shirts and shoes are required; skates, skateboards, and cleats are not permitted.
• Sleeping.
• Offensive body odor.
• Inappropriate public display of affection.
• Animals within the Library with the exception of service animals.
• Use of an emergency exit at any time other than an emergency.
• Photographing or filming patrons or staff without their permission.
• Refusal to leave the Library as requested by staff.
• Failure to adhere to all posted Library policies.
• Failure to adhere to all patron safety guidelines.

Depending on the severity of the offense, a verbal and/or written warning to desist may or may not be made prior to notifying the police.

An incident report must be completed by any staff member involved with patrons who have been asked to leave the building because of the severity of their infraction of the above rules.

The above rules are based on powers granted to the Library Board under Ohio statutory law (Ohio Revised Code Sections 3375.121(C) & (D) and 3375.40(H)) and case law to operate a public library building.

OP – 6.1.1: Weapons

Weapons are strictly prohibited on any Upper Arlington Public Library property. Ohio Revised Code Section 2923.1212 states “Unless otherwise authorized by law, pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code, no person shall knowingly possess, have under the person’s control, convey, or attempt to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance onto these premises.” A weapon is defined as a handgun, rifle, knife and/or any other object whose purpose or use is to inflict physical harm to another individual.

OP – 6.1.2: Personal Transportation Items

For public safety, movement within the Library by skateboard, scooter, roller blades, shoes with wheels or roller skates, or other similar devices is not permitted. Bicycles are to be parked outside of the Library proper in the bike rack.

OP – 6.1.3: Patron Telephone Use

Patrons are expected to use their own communication devices whenever possible. Patrons (adults and minors) may use the Library telephones in an emergency. A person, who is outside of a Library building and trying to reach a patron in an emergency, may request that a Circulation staff member page the patron. Patrons using cellular telephones are requested to make and receive calls in areas that will not disturb other Library patrons or interfere with Library operations.

OP – 6.1.4: Soliciting, Petitioning, and Signature Gathering

Library patrons are entitled to protection of both their time and privacy. Therefore, campaigning, soliciting, petitioning, surveying, distribution of materials or similar activities is not allowed inside Library buildings. Exceptions will be surveys performed by the Library or its designees concerning Library business. Petitions or surveys may be collected outside of Library buildings as long as patrons and traffic are not obstructed from entering or exiting the building or parking lot.