City of Santa Clarita
POLICY/PROCEDURE
Number IX-3.23 SUBJECT: LIBRARY CODE OF CONDUCT
ORIGINAL ISSUE EFFECTIVE: 04/26/2011 CATEGORY: LIBRARY CURRENT ISSUE EFFECTIVE: 1001/1324/20203 SUPERSEDES: IX-3.21 RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT: NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICESHUMAN RESOURCES AND LIBRARY
SERVICES
STANDARD MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to outline standards of conduct expected of persons using the Santa Clarita Public Library and the administrative processes to be used when those standards are violated.
II. POLICY
The Santa Clarita Public Library is open to the general public. This policy ensures that everyone has the right to use library services and resources provided his or her behavior does not unreasonably interfere with the rights of others to do the same. This policy requires the following specific behaviors be observed in the libraryLibrary:
A. Behavior must not disrupt other people’s use of the Library.
B. Library customers must be considerate of others in the Library and treat other customers, staff and volunteers with courtesy and respect, honor other customers’ privacy, and keep all conversations quiet. Loud, abusive, or threatening language will not be tolerated.
C. Any action recognized as illegal is prohibited in the Library including possession or use of firearms, weapons, and illegal substances.
D. Electronic devices including cell phones must be set to mute or vibrate in the Library.
Volume from devices must be inaudible to others.
E. Food and beverages may only be consumed in designated areas. All beverages must have a lid in the Library.
F. If a person creates or emanates a detectable odor, including that of controlled substances, that disturbs other Library customers or staff, they will be asked to leave until the situation is corrected.
G. Bicycles, skates, skateboards, collapsible scooters, wheelies, hover boards, and other such items may not be used in Library entryways or walkways and must be kept out of passageways.
H. Smoking or use of tobacco products is not allowed in the Library or within 20 feet of entryways. Smoking includes holding, carrying, burning, emitting, inhaling or exhaling the
fumes or vapor of a lighted or activated pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any electronic smoking device.
I. The consumption or possession of alcohol is prohibited on the premises except for special events whose organizers have obtained appropriate City approvals.
J. Shopping carts or other wheeled conveyances, except medically required equipment or strollers and wheelchairs carrying people, are not allowed in the Library.
K. Customers are not permitted to enter the Library with more than two backpacks, suitcases, or other large parcels or any combination of these, and these items may not be left unattended. The Library is not responsible for unattended items in the Library.
L. Animals other than service animals are not allowed in the Library. “Service animal” means a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
M. Library restrooms may not be used for bathing, grooming, or washing clothing.
N. Customers must be fully clothed in the Library. Upper and lower body must be appropriately covered and footwear must be worn at all times.
O. No sleeping is allowed in the Library.
P. Customers cannot solicit, panhandle, sell products, or conduct business, including tutoring for a fee, in the Library.
Q. The children’s area of the Library is specifically designed to meet the needs of young Library customers. The children’s area is available for use by children and their accompanying adults and by adults who have been given permission by Library staff.
Adults that are not accompanying children and adults that have not been given permission by Library staff will be asked to relocate to another section of the Library.
R. Using Library materials, equipment, furniture, fixtures, or building in a manner inconsistent with customary use or in a destructive, abusive, or potentially damaging manner is not permitted.
III. RULES FOR SUPERVISION OF MINORS
A. Parents, legal guardians, caregivers, and teachers are responsible for the behavior of children under their supervision. Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible caregiver 13 years old or older. A responsible adult must directly accompany babies, toddlers, and preschool children at all times. The Library is a public building; Library staff and volunteers cannot assume responsibility for children at any time. If a child is left unattended, the staff will make an attempt to find the parent/caregiver within the Library, ; if staff is unable to locate a responsible party, the child will be considered abandoned, and law enforcement personnel will be notified. If an unattended child is in the Library 15 minutes prior to closing time, law enforcement personnel will be notified and asked to pick up the child. Library staff are not permitted to provide transportation for the child.
IV. STAFF PROCEDURES WHEN PATRONS VIOLATE THE CODE OF CONDUCT A. It is unlawful for any person to fail to obey a directive from Library personnel to cease and desist from the violation of any regulation, statute, or ordinance applicable to the use of the Library.
B. If a patron exhibits behavior that violates the code of conduct, Library staff will first
inform the patron regarding the Library’s code of conduct and seek voluntary compliance. If the patron continues to act in ways that violate the disruptive use policy and the code of conduct, Library staff can require that the patron leave the Library. Law enforcement personnel may be called in to assist as needed.
C. The Santa Clarita Public Library has the authority to restrict patron access to the Library for extended periods upon written notice to the patron.
V. EXCEPTIONS
There are no exceptions to this Policy without the express authorization of the City Manager.
VI. AUTHORITY
Policy adopted by the Santa Clarita Board of Library Trustees, Resolution No. BOLT 11-4, on April 26, 2011, and updated by City Council Ordinance No. 17-03 on February 28, 2017, and amended on October 13, 2020, and January 24, 2023.
Kenneth W. StriplinJason Gibbs
City ManagerMayor