Rules of Conduct Policy

It is the mission of Neill Public Library to provide an open environment in which people have free access to a wide variety of stories, ideas, information and opinions.

The Board of Trustees has established the following rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of library patrons and staff and to preserve and protect the library’s materials, equipment and property.  The Board is committed to providing all patrons a pleasant library environment and to enabling staff to give quality service. The library has a strong commitment to intellectual freedom and to freedom of access to information. Adults are responsible for the selection choices of their minor children.

The following behaviors are prohibited in the library:

1. Engaging in any activity in violation of Federal, State, local or other applicable law, or Library policy.
2. Leaving children under the age of 7 unattended in any area of the library (see Safety of Children Policy).
3. Stealing, damaging, altering, or inappropriate use of library property including computer hardware, software and other equipment (see Internet Use Policy).
4. Engaging in behavior or language that is offensive or threatening to patrons, volunteers and staff, including but not limited to stalking, staring, lurking, and offensive touching.
5. Bringing in non-service animals.
6. Generating excessive noise or engaging in disruptive behavior. Smoking or other tobacco use.
7. Being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs, and selling, using, or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs.
8. Sleeping or eating except at authorized functions.  Drinks in no-spill containers are permitted.
9. Using wheeled devices (except for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers).
10. Unlawfully bringing, carrying or using a weapon in violation of Chapter 9.41 RCW.
11. Soliciting, selling, distributing items, conducting surveys or collecting signatures not authorized by the library.
12. Being barefoot, without a shirt or with offensive body odor/personal hygiene or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the library environment.

Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff and/or Pullman Police Officers will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Failure to comply with the library's established rules, regulations, and policies could result in removal from the premises and exclusion from the library or in arrest or prosecution. Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of library privileges, including the use of library computers and other equipment (RCW 27.12.290).

Approved by Neill Public Library Board 8/24/05

(Revised 9-17-08, 3-17-10)