Carver County Library Board Policy: Public Conduct
Section LB3

Date Approved: 10/8/2024
Previous Policy: 5/8/2023
Review Date: 10/2027

The Library welcomes and encourages people of all ages to use library facilities, resources and services. To protect the rights and safety of library customers and staff and to protect property, we expect that individuals will obey laws and follow library policies and rules. Violators of laws or regulations are subject to local, state, or federal prosecution. Following the Library Security Policy and Trespassing procedures, access to library services and/or facilities may be denied for individuals who violate this policy. 

This policy is designed to preserve access to library services to the maximum extent possible while still maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for the public and for staff. Our intention with our enforcement is to be fair and to build relationships that lead to improved behavior and continued access to our services and facility while protecting patrons, staff, and the library facilities. 

Patrons should

1. Ask for help when needed or if they are not finding the resources they need.
2. Be considerate of others.
3. Respect the facility, equipment and materials.
4. Be responsible for their children.
5. Be responsible for personal belongings; do not leave them unattended. 
6. Follow staff direction that enforces library policy. 

Patrons should not engage in the following unacceptable behaviors which include:

• Disturbing sound levels caused by voice, cell phone, personal audio players, laptops, other devices, or from library public computers are prohibited.
• Smoking, chewing tobacco, vaping, and use of e-cigarettes pursuant to City codes are prohibited.
• Possession, use, or consumption of alcoholic beverages, or illegal drugs, is prohibited in accordance with State law.
• Use or possession of any cannabis product, this includes but is not limited to cannabis flower, lower-potency hemp edibles, cannabis concentrate, and any product infused with cannabinoids such as THC, edible cannabis gummies, cannabis or hemp-infused beverages, and similar products.
• Pursuant to the Unattended Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy, young children and vulnerable adults must not be left unattended and must have adequate supervision at all times. Carver County Library staff are not responsible for the care, safety or supervision of children and vulnerable adults.
• Careful use of library materials is required. Library furniture and other equipment must be used in the designated places. Damage to library property is prohibited under Minn. Stat. Sec. 609.541.
• Running, roller skating, skateboarding, roller blading, roller shoes, or similar activities are not permitted.
• Animals (except those specifically trained / identified to assist individuals or those participating in library programs) are prohibited from library facilities.
• Shoes and shirts must be worn in the library.
• Soliciting, petitioning, selling, or campaigning are prohibited.
• Disruptive behavior will not be permitted. This includes but is not limited to:  disorderly conduct, noise or activity-intentional or inadvertent-interference with the rights of others, physical abuse and abusive, profane, threatening language, or hate speech.
• Carrying a weapon of any type into the library, unless authorized by law is prohibited.
• The use or possession of controlled substances as defined by Minn. Stat. Sec. 152.01 and 152.02 is prohibited.
• Failure to adhere to Carver County Library policy on the Internet and Internet Usage guidelines is prohibited.
• Tampering with or intentionally damaging computer hardware, software, printer, operating systems or other associated equipment is strictly prohibited.
• Refusing to leave the building at closing time or when asked to leave the building for other reasons.
• Refusing to comply with county safety procedures during inclement weather as directed by staff.
• Not impeding others’ entrance to and exit from the library for whatever purpose.
• Sleeping that impedes others from using library spaces or resources.
• Obtain and use another person's personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception.
• Engage in sexual conduct.

 To ensure that those using the library for appropriate purposes may enjoy an atmosphere conducive to such use and to protect library property, the Carver County Library will suspend use of its service and facilities to those persons who commit acts of vandalism to library materials and property, and to those who abuse borrowing privileges. 

When necessary, Library staff will refer inappropriate conduct to the proper authorities for legal action in accordance with the Minnesota Criminal Code, Minn. Stat. Sec. 609.541, 609.595, and 609.72.