The Hedrick Public Library Board of Trustees has approved a new disruptive behavior policy aimed at maintaining a quiet and pleasant environment for library visitors, according to a social media post from the library.
The policy, adopted October 5th, outlines a range of behaviors considered unacceptable on library property, including committing any criminal offense, obscene or abusive language, willful destruction of library property, possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs, unauthorized removal of library property, harassing behavior toward staff or other patrons, bringing non-service animals into the library, unsanctioned soliciting or selling, unauthorized distribution of leaflets or posting of notices, playing electronics at a disturbing volume, running in the library, and other behaviors inappropriate in a public setting.
Under the policy, violators will first receive a verbal warning from library staff. A second incident will result in being asked to leave for the day. Patrons under 18 who violate the policy will be asked for their name and a parent’s name at the first warning, with parents contacted if additional incidents occur. Law enforcement may be contacted as needed.
Those who are asked to leave twice within a 30-day period will, on their next offense, be banned for 60 days. A subsequent offense will result in a one-year ban. The Director and Board of Trustees retain the right to set ban timelines based on the severity and frequency of offenses. Anyone who enters library grounds before their ban period ends may be prosecuted for trespassing.
Those who are banned for more than one day may submit a written appeal to the Director within 10 days of the start of the ban. The Director will respond within 10 business days. If the person wishes to appeal the Director’s decision, they may submit a written appeal to the Library Board President within 10 days of the Director’s decision. The Library Board will respond within 10 business days, and the Board’s decision is final.
The full policy is available at hedrick.lib.ia.us.
