The Barberton Public Library encourages the use of Library facilities for learning, enrichment, and any legitimate utilization of its resources and services. To preserve that opportunity, patrons are asked to be respectful of others and behave in a manner that does not disrupt other patrons or staff.

Any behavior that disrupts the orderly use of the Library is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, any behavior that interferes with:

• The use of Library property, materials, and services by other patrons.
• The ability of Library employees and volunteers to conduct Library business.
• The safety of Library patrons, employees, and volunteers.
• The Library’s materials, facilities, or property.

Behaviors prohibited on Library property include, but are not limited to:

• Unreasonable noise, including loud talking, singing, boisterous activity, cell phone usage, or audiovisual equipment usage.
• Using profane, obscene, or abusive language.
• Making racial, ethnic, religious, gender, or sexual orientation epithets or slurs.
• Harassing patrons or staff. Deliberate repeated behavior that is intimidating, hostile, or offensive, or that adversely impacts staff work performance.
• Intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing any property belonging to the Library, another patron, or staff, or vandalizing Library facilities or equipment.
• Failure to adhere to the Library’s Computer Usage Policy.
• Abuse or improper use of furniture, equipment, or materials.
• Running or horseplay.
• Monopolizing or obstructing space, seating, tables, or equipment to the exclusion of others.
• Blocking aisles, exits, or entrances.
• Selling, purchasing, or offering to purchase an item or service.
• Gambling, panhandling, soliciting money, or any activity for personal profit.
• Failure to properly supervise children. Please refer to the Library’s Unattended Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy.
• Fighting, challenging someone to fight, roughhousing, wrestling, physical abuse, or assault.
• Exhibiting unhygienic behavior such as spitting, clipping nails, or changing diapers in public areas.
• Photographing or recording that invades the privacy of Library patrons or employees or disrupts or interferes with the operations or functions of the Library.
• Violating the posted concealed weapons prohibition or possessing weapons or other items deemed dangerous by Library staff.
• Engaging in or soliciting a sexual act. Indecent exposure.
• Public displays of affection that are disruptive to others.
• Improper dress. Proper coverage and shoes are required.
• Littering.
• Distributing or posting unauthorized materials. All materials must be submitted in accordance with the Library’s Distribution of Community Information Policy.
• Being under the influence of, possessing, or selling drugs or alcoholic beverages.
• Use of public restrooms or Library facilities for bathing or laundering purposes.
• Roller skating, roller blading, skateboarding, ball playing, or cycling. Bicycles and scooters are not permitted in the Library building.
• Bringing animals other than service animals into the Library.
• Smoking, vaping, or use of any tobacco product.
• Entering unauthorized workspaces or other non-public areas.
• Using emergency exits at times other than an emergency.
• Sleeping or engaging in other acts disruptive to patrons or staff.
• Trespassing, violating an eviction, or entering Library property when restricted.

Patrons must also comply with all federal, state, and local laws while on Library property. Suspected illegal activity will be reported to the police.

The examples listed above are intended to provide guidance for patron behavior on Library property but are not a complete list of prohibited behaviors. Library employees are authorized to determine what constitutes disruptive behavior and address any situation accordingly.

Library property includes the Library building, parking lot, and grounds.

Outreach Services

Library patrons receiving outreach services are subject to the Library’s Patron Behavior Guidelines. If a situation arises in which a Library employee conducting outreach services feels that a particular environment or situation is unsafe, the Library may immediately discontinue that service. Individuals will have the opportunity to request a review of this decision with the Library Director. See Appeal Process, below.

Eating and Drinking in the Library

The Library permits light snacks and covered beverages with no-spill lids, except in the Local History Room and at computers and other technologies. Other food may be permitted in the Lobby. Wrappers, bottles, and trash should be recycled or disposed of properly.

Personal Belongings

The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen items. It is recommended that patrons do not leave personal belongings unattended. The Library reserves the right to inspect personal belongings for Library materials.

Emergencies

In the event of an emergency, patrons shall comply with instructions from Library employees.

Weapons

It is illegal to carry weapons of any kind, either concealed or in plain view, in the building unless the person in possession of the weapon is a law enforcement officer.

Violations

Individuals who violate the Library’s Patron Behavior Guidelines may be restricted from the Library for varying periods of time, depending on the severity or frequency of the violation. If restricted for more than one month, the Library will give written notice of the violation and restriction, either in person at the time of violation or by mail if possible. With respect to juveniles, any such notice of restriction will be sent to the juvenile’s parent or guardian.

Appeal Process

Any individual whose privileges have been restricted may have the decision reviewed by the Board of Trustees. The individual may appeal against the restriction by sending a written petition to the Director within 30 days of the ban explaining why the restriction should be lifted. Upon receipt of the petition, the Director shall schedule a hearing with the Library Board of Trustees. Failure to appear at the hearing will be considered withdrawal of the appeal. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board may affirm, modify, or cancel the restriction.

Questions about this policy or actions the Library has taken may be addressed to the Library Director or the Board of Trustees.

All Library policies have been designed to maximize available resources and ensure accessibility. They are always subject to review and revision by the Board of Trustees as necessary.

Adopted by the Barberton Public Library Board of Trustees, June 28, 1990. Revised: July 28, 1994; January 8, 2004; October 25, 2007; June 26, 2014; June 22, 2023.