Mike Wolanin | The Republic An exterior view of the Bartholomew County Public Library in Columbus, Ind., Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2023.
The Bartholomew County Public Library is implementing a new policy on appropriate behavior for patrons.
The library’s board of trustees has approved a document entitled “Library and Patron Responsibilities.”
The final version of the policy varies slightly from an older draft presented in July, which was titled “Patron’s Rights and Responsibilities.” Library director Jason Hatton said at the time that, if approved, the document would replace the previous Patron Code of Conduct.
The update begins by stating that everyone is welcome to the library and its resources.
“BCPL will ensure a safe, orderly, and inviting atmosphere for patrons and library staff,” the policy states. “Along with the ability to enjoy library services comes the responsibility to do so in a manner that conveys respect and tolerance toward others and that is free from language or behaviors that create a disruptive or hostile environment for other library patrons or staff.”
The policy then states that the expectations and responsibilities provided in the document are meant to provide guidance but are not all inclusive. Staff working under the guidance of the library director will determine what is appropriate or inappropriate behavior on a case-by-case basis, and patrons are expected to comply with all library policies and staff direction.
Individuals “failing to meet these responsibilities or infringing upon other library patrons or staff” will receive a warning and an opportunity to correct their behavior.
Suspension from library premises and/or in-person services may also be implemented, and behaviors that pose an immediate risk to the health or safety of others will result in immediate suspension from the premises without warning, with or without the assistance of law enforcement.
Examples of violations include but are not limited to being verbally or physically abusive, threatening others, offensive odors or noises, non-service animals, illicit drug use, and smoking (including vaping and other tobacco use) on BCPL property.
The policy then includes two lists: one outlining the responsibilities of the library, and one outlining the responsibilities of patrons.
The library’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Providing a safe and welcoming environment
- Providing facilities, spaces, materials and services that function as intended
- Providing appropriate spaces to consume food and non-alcoholic beverages
- Maintaining confidentiality of patrons’ personal information and library transactions
Patron responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Not misusing library spaces after operating hours
- Interacting with others in a respectful manner
- Not interfering with others’ use of the library or the ability of library staff to provide services
- Being “awake and aware of your surroundings”
- Properly securing any item that could be used as a weapon
- Wearing clothing that covers both tops and bottoms
- Using facilities, spaces, materials and services as they are intended
