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Library Policies  

   

Patron Responsibility and Conduct Code

The Moreno Valley Public Library seeks to maintain an atmosphere conducive to the acquisition of knowledge through reading, writing, and contemplation of ideas. The Library attempts to provide a comfortable, safe, and supportive informal atmosphere, welcoming all people in the Moreno Valley area.

The Library assumes that principles of conduct will be observed by those in the Library. Patrons should engage in the activities normally associated with the use of a public Library while in the building. These activities include reading, studying, participating in programs, or using library materials and services. It is the patron's responsibility to maintain necessary and proper behavior standards to protect his/her individual rights and the rights and privileges of other patrons. Proper dress and conversation are also expected.

Patron Principles of Conduct

The Library serves various functions for patrons, including that of a community information center, a place to study, and a place to find cultural and recreational materials and activities. All of these require traffic, movement, and discourse. In balancing these various roles and functions, a reasonable noise level is expected and generally believed to be acoustically unavoidable.

When in the Moreno Valley Public Library, patrons must observe the following principles of conduct:

  • Speak in normal or quiet tones of voice
  • Respect others, including their rights and personal property
  • Respect Library property and staff
  • Maintain responsibility for the safety, well-being, and conduct of children in their charge
  • Refrain from actions that are not conducive to reading and the appropriate use of the Library by other patrons.
  • Place cell phones and pagers on vibrate feature; hold conversations outside of building

Patron Prohibited Activities

The following activities and behaviors seriously interfere with the activities normally associated with the use of a public library and are prohibited in the Moreno Valley Public Library:

  • Smoking
  • Sleeping
  • Eating, drinking, or displaying food in open containers
  • Disturbing or annoying anyone by loud/unreasonable noise or movement
  • Use of abusive, threatening, harassing, or insulting language
  • Animals (except trained assistance animals)
  • Improper acts which are subject to prosecution under criminal or civil codes of law
  • Vehicles and other objects which constitute potential safety hazards to patrons
  • Objects placed adjacent to any exit or entrance on the inside or outside of the facility which pose a safety hazard to persons entering or exiting the facility
  • Bare feet
  • Personally monopolizing library space, seating, tables, or equipment to the exclusion of other patrons or staff
  • Soliciting, selling, or begging
  • Unattended children under the age of 13

Patrons are required to be appropriately clothed, including shoes, while in the Library.

Violations of Patron Principles of Conduct and Patron Prohibited Activities

Maintenance of proper conduct in the Library is one of the responsibilities of Library staff. Staff has the authority to deal firmly but courteously with patrons who are violating the Patron Principles of Conduct and Patron Prohibited Activities. Actions taken by staff may include making the patron aware that the behavior violates the principles of conduct or is a prohibited activity, warning the patron that he/she will have to leave if the behavior does not change, and telling the patron to leave the library. In some cases, the patron may be escorted from the building by staff, security personnel, or the police.

If the behavior involves illegal activity, such as child molestation, indecent exposure, or destruction of Library property, Library staff has full authority to call the police.

Anyone known to have violated the principles of conduct and prohibited activities of the Library may be excluded from the Library and its programs as a matter of administrative policy.

These Patron Principles of Conduct and Patron Prohibited Activities have been formulated with the cooperation of the Moreno Valley Police Department and the City Attorney's Office. Furthermore, these Patron Principles of Conduct and Patron Prohibited Activities shall be posted in a prominent place in the Moreno Valley Public Library with an indication that any patron who is confronted with a violation should immediately contact the nearest Library staff member.

Date Approved as Amended: March 20, 2003

Moreno Valley Public Library Advisory Board