Code of Conduct

To maintain an atmosphere appropriate for work, study and enjoyment for all library customers and staff, the Board of Trustees of the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library has established the following Code of Conduct for library visitors. These rules will be courteously but firmly enforced. The staff will intervene in situations that present danger to the safety of persons or property; interfere with the rights of others; or constitute disturbing or inappropriate uses of the library; or that involve commission of illegal acts.

Visitors must act in a polite, orderly manner when using library facilities and dealing with library staff. Appropriate library activities include doing homework, writing reports, researching, browsing for materials, reading and thinking. Quiet tutoring of one or two students is permitted.  

Please enjoy the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library building and grounds without displaying the following behaviors: 

• Loud or boisterous behavior (including running, jumping and playing hide & seek)
• Profanity or other abusive language toward library staff or customers
• Abuse or vandalism of library materials, furnishings or equipment
• Harassing others either verbally or through actions. Harassment may include initiating unwanted conversations, unnecessary staring, or impeding access to the building
• Exhibitionism
• Physical altercation/assault
• Sexual misconduct/assault
• Proselytizing or soliciting for personal gain or charitable purposes
• Stashing materials for exclusive use
• Ongoing use of the library as place of commercial business
• Use of audio equipment at a level that can by heard by others
• Using cell phones other than in lobby areas or outside the building
• Distributing literature, taking surveys or offering petitions other than with library approval
• Bring other than assistance animals into the building
• Using emergency exits at times other than an emergency
• Failure to follow emergency instructions from staff
• Bringing a weapon into the library (as defined by the Monitor or staff person in charge of the building)
• Overcrowding of tables or meeting rooms
• Sleeping or loitering
• Consuming food without permission; use of tobacco products; use of non-approved beverage containers
• Not wearing footwear or shirt that properly covers the body
• Being in an area marked “Staff Only”
• Bringing scooters, bicycles or other athletic equipment into the building; skateboarding on library property

Customers who are behaving disruptively will be warned that the behavior must stop. If the behavior is not corrected, the disrupters will be told to leave immediately. Anyone who does not leave after being told to do so will be considered a trespasser and will be treated accordingly. Habitual abusers of the Code of Conduct may be banned from the premises for a period of time.  

Local police or other authorities may be notified for some infractions.

A juvenile who creates chronic problems may be required to bring a responsible adult who will remain with him/her in the library.

Anyone who knowingly removes library property without proper procedures is liable to prosecution (Ohio Revised Code 2935.041). The library reserves the right to inspect packages, bags, briefcases, etc. When the anti-theft system alarm sounds at selected facilities, the customer will be asked to return to the desk and surrender materials for inspection. The police may be called if the customer does not comply.

Anyone exhibiting sexual misconduct, sexual assault, physical assault will be immediately removed from the building. The authorities will be notified.

Approved 11/09/97          Amended 10/09/01          Amended 09/02