5-10 Library Code of Conduct
The Chatham Area Public Library District (Library) seeks to provide a welcoming, secure environment to the public. Individuals and groups using the Library are to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner in keeping with the Library’s vision and mission. The following rules apply to patron conduct on all library property, including the library building, and grounds, as well as to library online environments and phone calls with library staff.
We expect our patrons to treat all people and property with respect. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Engaging in conversation and behaviors in a manner that does not disturb, offend, harass or threaten others or their property.
- Using library items, furnishings, equipment, supplies, and facilities only for their intended function and in a manner that does not interfere with others’ use and does not damage or threaten to damage library property.
- Attending to personal belongings. The responsibility for loss or damage to unattended personal belongings rests solely with the patron.
- Following all library policies and procedures.
Examples of conduct and actions not permitted anywhere on the Library’s property include, but are not limited to:
- The use of tobacco products, e-cigarettes and any related paraphernalia are not permitted anywhere inside the Library or by the Library’s entrances.
- Consuming alcohol or using cannabis or illegal drugs on library grounds or being in a state of intoxication/impairment in any manner that causes public disturbance.
- Weapons of any kind are prohibited on Library property.
- Eating, except in designated areas.
- Drinking beverages from cans or containers without lids. Beverages are not allowed in computer areas or in the Opal Lee Chatham Local and Genealogy Room.
- Lie or lounge on furniture or the floor, or impede safe or easy passage. Engage in disruptive, prolonged, or habitual sleeping.
- Bringing animals into the library, other than service animals (e.g. guide dogs).
- Disturbing others with offensive bodily odors or fragrances to the extent that the use of the Library facilities, collections, or services is disrupted. Shirts and shoes are required to be worn in the Library.
- Verbal or physical abuse of other patrons or Library staff.
- Solicitation of library patrons and staff.
- Engaging in any illegal activity or conduct that violates federal, state, or local laws or local ordinances or regulations.
Library staff members may address any of these behaviors in the following ways:
The Library reserves the right to address issues on a case-by-case basis and any behavior that violates this Code of Conduct or any other policy of rule of the Library may result in cost recovery charges, suspension of Library privileges, exclusion from the Library, and/or criminal prosecution.
Library staff are authorized to require disruptive patrons to leave the Library and to exclude them for a 24-hour period. Staff are also authorized to call the police at their discretion. Violations may also be investigated by the Library Director who may exclude violators for varying and longer periods of time depending upon the seriousness and/or frequency of the violation(s). After the conclusion of an exclusion period, patrons are welcomed back to the Library.
Anyone wishing to appeal a suspension of Library privileges and/or a Library exclusion may do so by writing to the Board of the Trustees at the library’s address.
LEGAL REF.: 75 ILCS 16/30-55.55
75 ILCS 16/30-60
75 ILCS 5/4-7
CROSS REF.: 4-100, 5-13, 5-18, 5-30, 5-31, 5-50
ADOPTED: MARCH 20, 2000
AMENDED: FEBRUARY 16, 2009
AMENDED: MAY 18, 2009
REVIEWED: SEPTEMBER 19, 2011
AMENDED: MAY 17, 2021