PATRON-001: Unattended Children

To help ensure the safety and security of their children, parents/guardians/caregivers are required to supervise children age 10 and younger while at the Library. The parent/guardian/caregiver needs to be in the same department of the Library, where they can easily locate and see the child in order to responsibly care for them. A caregiver needs to be at least 16 years of age. If a child 10 and younger is left without supervision at the Library, our procedure is

  • Help the child find the parent or guardian.
  • Inform the parent/guardian of the policy and that we are placing a note on the parent or guardian’s card that a child was left unattended. A second incident will result in barring the parent’s and/or guardian’s card for 30 days from use of the Library resources, such as borrowing materials and use of computers.
  • A third incident of unattended children from the same family may result in longer barring.
  • If the parent or guardian cannot be located in the Library, staff will call the Salina Police Department and turn the unattended child over to them.

CHILD AGE 10 OR YOUNGER LEFT ALONE AT CLOSING TIME

Revision Date(s): 10/15/2019
Latest Reviewed & Approved Date: 10/15/2019

PATRON-002: Suspension of Privileges for Health & Safety Reasons

It is the responsibility of Salina Public Library to maintain a healthy and clean environment for all Library users and to protect the investment in Library collections, equipment and property. In order to fulfill this responsibility, the Library may restrict a user’s ability to borrow materials and/or visit Library facilities when such use may jeopardize the health and cleanliness of Library facilities, collections and users.

Examples of situations where borrowing of Library materials may be suspended include, but are not limited to:

  • Evidence that items on loan to a patron may have been returned with insects that are known to be damaging to Library materials, or that can result in pest infestations in Library facilities, e.g. roaches, silverfish, bed bugs and some types of beetles.

Examples of situations where access to Library facilities may be suspended include, but are not limited to:

  • Patrons or patron possessions with fleas, lice or bed bugs.
  • Patrons with clothing that is stained with urine or feces.
  • Patrons intoxicated on Library premises.

Should it become necessary to suspend the Library privileges of a patron in order to protect Library collections, facilities or other users, notification of the suspension will be made to the patron. A patron may request re-evaluation after appropriate correction has taken place. Proof of treatment or correction of the problem may be required to have privileges reinstated.

Revision Date(s): 10/15/2019
Latest Reviewed & Approved Date: 10/15/2019

PATRON-003: Rules of Behavior

Because the Salina Public Library is for everyone, the following rules of behavior have been established to ensure:

  • All Library patrons may use and enjoy the Library’s services, materials and facilities without unreasonable interference and disturbance from others.
  • All Library patrons enjoy safe and secure library facilities.
  • The Library’s materials and property is protected from theft and damage.
  • All Library employees have a safe and secure workplace.

The following are not permissible on library property or at library events.

  • Bringing alcohol or illegal substances into the Library or on Library grounds. Persons under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances will be required to leave.
  • Smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing, rolling cigarettes or using any form of tobacco. These can only be used in the designated smoking area outside.
  • Vandalism of library property or equipment.
  • Any weapons such as explosives, look-alike weapons or any other objects that can reasonably be considered as weapons or do not follow applicable laws.
  • Theft, including deliberately removing library materials from the building without checking them out.
  • Selling, soliciting or using illegal drugs.
  • Harassment (physical, sexual, verbal or stalking).
  • Creating disruptive noises such as loud talking, screaming, yelling or banging.
  • Fighting or challenge to a fight, running, pushing, shoving or throwing anything.
  • Engaging in sexual conduct or lewd acts.
  • Indecent exposure.
  • Creating, viewing, sharing or distributing pornography.
  • Assault (threat of harm) or battery (actual harm).
  • Illegally downloading or copying copyrighted material.
  • Being in the Library before or after normal operating hours without permission of Library staff.
  • Loitering or sleeping in the Library.
  • Lying down in restrooms or any floor or furniture.
  • Sitting on the floor in library areas that can impede traffic or due to health and safety concerns. The Library wants to allow patrons to easily access materials, emergency exits and avoid tripping hazards.
  • Using public restrooms or Library facilities for personal grooming, bathing, shaving, shampooing or doing laundry.
  • Failing to wear a shirt, pants and/or shoes.
  • Using electronic devices at a noise level that interferes with others’ use of the library.
  • Talking or talking on cell phones loud enough to disturb others.
  • Bringing animals, other than service animals on Library property.
  • Leaving packages, backpacks, luggage or any personal items unattended. Those items are subject to immediate review.
  • Leaving messes, garbage or spills that interferes with Library use.
  • Using wheeled devices on Library property or grounds except in designated areas including the use of skateboards, rollerblades, roller skates, bicycles, motorized or non-motorized scooters, shopping carts, etc. (ADA assistive devices are allowed.)
  • Engaging in any activity that is in violation of federal, state, local or other applicable laws.
  • Failing to comply with requests or direction from Library staff or security.
  • Participating in any behavior which prevents others from using the Library peacefully.
  • Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children or any adult requiring supervision.
  • Occupying library spaces to conduct business at the Library in ways that imply Library endorsement.
  • Using someone else’s Library card to obtain Library services improperly.

No conduct is permitted that may reasonably be expected to create a disturbance or otherwise interfere with the safe use and enjoyment of the Library by users or staff.

No conduct is permitted that may reasonably be expected to endanger the health and safety of Library users or staff.

Library staff are not responsible for caregiving duties such as bathroom assistance, providing food, phones, health care or supervision of youth.

Library staff are not responsible for personal belongings brought in the Library. The Library is not responsible for any loss of users’ personal belongings. Personal belongings may not obstruct walkways or interfere with the use of shared spaces.

LIBRARY STAFF & SECURITY HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

  • Check bags, briefcases, backpacks, etc.
  • Require photo ID when applying for a Library card or for use of the Internet as a guest
  • Request that an individual return to the checkout desk if the security gates sound an alarm
  • Restrict the length of time an individual may use Library equipment
  • Make decisions that are in the best interests of the Library
  • Require individuals violating Library policies to leave

POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Library staff and security will follow appropriate procedures when dealing with patrons who do not follow rules of behavior. This may include removal from the Library for the day, for an extended time period or calling the police. If police are called, charges may be filed. Consequences must be communicated to and approved by the Director.

Suspension of Library privileges occurs due to failure to comply with Library rules of behavior.  If a more serious violation of policy occurs, the patron will have their Library privileges suspended. This includes access to all activities, services and facilities as well as no longer being allowed on Library property. 

A patron whose Library privileges are suspended will be verbally notified of the reason for the suspension by the Head of Security, Security Staff, Director, Assistant Director or a law enforcement officer.  The patron will also receive a written notice of the suspension from the Director.  In the Director’s absence the Head of Security or Assistant Director will provide the written notice.  If a patron has been suspended and refuses to leave or returns for any reason that patron is trespassing.

REQUEST FOR REINSTATEMENT OF LIBRARY PRIVILEGES

It is the responsibility of the suspended patron to initiate the reinstatement process.  The reinstatement process can be utilized after 30 days from the date of suspension. 

The Director, Assistant Director and Head of Security will meet to review the reinstatement request.  Information will be provided to the patron in writing. The decision of the Director is final. 

Suspended patrons whose reinstatement has been denied are welcome to resubmit a request for reinstatement through the process after a year,  if they feel personal actions or other circumstances have been remedied or they have addressed the cause of the original suspension.

Revision Date(s): 10/15/2019
Latest Reviewed & Approved Date: 10/15/2019

PATRON-004: Use of Library Phone

Use of the phone by patrons will be restricted to the following:

  • Calling for a ride
  • Calling the local shelter
  • Calling for medical assistance

Staff will tell patrons that the phone is a business phone and the call must be quick. Staff will remain at the desk while the patron makes the call.

Revision Date(s): 10/15/2019
Latest Reviewed & Approved Date: 10/15/2019

PATRON-005: Service Animals

Service animals are welcome on library property.

  • Service animals are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for persons with disabilities.
  • The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability.
  • Service animals must be on a leash or harness at all times, unless the use of a leash or harness interferes with the animal’s effective performance of its task.
  • Service animal is limited to the animals defined under the ADA and does not include any other species of animals, wild or domestic, trained or untrained.
  • The service animal’s handler is responsible for any damage to Library or personal property and any injuries to individuals caused by the service animal. Anyone using a service animal on Library property will hold the Library harmless and indemnify the Library from any such damages.
  • Animals relied upon for crime deterrence or companionship are not service animals.
  • Comfort or emotional support animals are not service animals and cannot be on Library property.
  • No pets are permitted on Library property.

Library staff has the right to ask the animal’s handler:

  • Is the animal required because of a disability?
  • What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

The Library retains discretion to exclude or remove a service animal from Library property if:

  • The service animal is out of control and/or the service animal’s handler does not effectively control the service animal’s behavior.
  • The service animal is not housebroken or creates an unsanitary condition.
  • The service animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated by reasonable modifications.
  • Permitting the service animal would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program or activity.

Animals invited for special library-sponsored programs are allowed on Library property.

Revision Date(s): 10/15/2019
Latest Reviewed & Approved Date: 10/15/2019

PATRON-006: Filming and Photography Policy

Filming and photography at the Salina Public Library or any official Library event is allowed to the extent that it does not interfere with the delivery of Library services and is consistent with the Library’s mission. All parties involved in filming and photography are expected to follow the patron Rules of Behavior.

The Salina Public Library is permitted to take photographs and video footage of people of all ages at the library and Library sponsored events for publicity. Anyone who does not wish to be photographed or filmed may opt-out by notifying Library staff. Names of patrons will not be used in publicity without consent.

Revision Date(s): 03/17/2020
Latest Reviewed & Approved Date: 03/17/2020