Library Code of Conduct
To provide the highest quality service to our visitors and ensure a safe, welcoming environment, SJCPL has
established the following standards of behavior for all individuals on Library property. The following
behaviors are prohibited:
- Engaging in behavior or activity that can cause harm to oneself, others, the Library, and/or is
prohibited by law. This includes but is not limited to the following:
- Being violent to or threatening others
- Harassing, stalking or intimidating others
- Using or possessing alcohol or illegal drugs
- Public intoxication
- Viewing or possessing pornography
- Damaging property
- Engaging in sexual misconduct
- Smoking & vaping in undesignated areas
- Stealing property
- Trespassing
- Brandishing weapons
- Unreasonably interfering with others’ use and enjoyment of the library or with the functioning of
library staff. This includes but is not limited to the following:
- Disrupting others with your behavior, odor, volume of voice or devices
- Wearing clothing that does not cover
- underwear and private body parts, except while breastfeeding
- Having bare feet or chest in Library
- Bringing unauthorized animals in Library
- Being unhygienic
- If under the age of 10, entering and/or remaining at the Library without supervision of a person the age of 13 years or older
- Using Library privileges, materials, equipment, fixtures, furniture, buildings, or grounds in a
manner other than intended and/or in a way that may cause safety issues or damage. This
includes but is not limited to the following:
- Having or consuming food in prohibited areas
- Misusing restrooms, such as laundering, shaving/haircutting, bathing, etc.
- Soliciting, selling or providing goods, proselytizing, canvassing, gambling or panhandling
- Unnecessarily obstructing use of Library facilities, property or resources
- Camping on Library property
- Lying down on the floor or furniture
- Accessing prohibited staff areas
- Leaving personal items unattended
- Having excessive baggage or carts
- Ignoring Library staff instructions or directives. This includes but is not limited to:
- Refusing to adhere to or follow Library staffs’ reasonable directives
- Failing to exit Library at closing
- Failing to evacuate during an emergency or drill
- Returning to or refusing to leave Library property while Library privileges are suspended
Failure to comply with this policy may result in the suspension of Library privileges, intervention of legal
authorities, and/or removal from the building. The length of the suspension of Library privileges and/or
eviction from Library premises shall depend on the nature and seriousness of the offense, any history or
prior infractions of this policy or other Library policies, and any other circumstances the appropriate Library
staff member deems relevant.
Board approved 5/19/25
