The Norfolk Public Library Code of Conduct

2. No Disturbing Noise
Disturbing anyone by unreasonable noise (e.g., cell phones, loud conversations, loud singing, radios, other electronic devices with headphones turned up at an unreasonable volume, etc.) is prohibited.

3. No Food or Drink
Eating and drinking in the library are prohibited, with the exception of bottled water, baby bottles, and toddler spill-proof cups. Hot foods or foods with an odor, drinks with straws, and visibly open packages of snack food are not permitted. Food and drink are allowed only in designated areas or for programs and meetings held in the meeting room area of the library as indicated in the Meeting Room Policy and Procedures document.

4. No Sleeping
Sleeping is prohibited.

5. No Inappropriate Language
Inappropriate or abusive language is prohibited.

6. No Public Displays of Obscene Material
Public displays of obscene or visually disturbing material that interferes with the ability of others to use the library or as prohibited by law is prohibited.

7. No Loitering
Loitering in the library, on library steps, entryway or library property thereby creating a nuisance to those who are trying to enter or exit the building or to use library resources is prohibited. Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a public library while in the building. Patrons not engaged in reading, studying, using library materials or attending meetings or library programming shall be required to leave the building.

8. No Selling, Soliciting, or Mass Distribution of Materials
Selling, soliciting, or mass distribution of unapproved materials is prohibited.

9. No Unsafe Behavior
Unsafe behavior such as roughhousing, climbing on furniture, running, skateboarding, or any other potentially injurious actions is prohibited.

10. Personal Belongings
Sleeping bags, bedrolls, and packages in bulk or quantity that can not be stored entirely under the owner's chair are prohibited. Personal belongings should not be left unattended anywhere on library property.

11. No Smoking
Smoking is prohibited inside the building, on library steps, or outside of any public entryway.

12. No Offensive Odors
Anyone whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building. Because many people are sensitive to strong fragrances, patrons are asked to refrain from excessive use of perfumes.

13. Full Dress Required
Being fully clothed, including shirt, shoes, and pants, dress, or skirt, is a requirement of using the library.

14. Restroom Use
Using the public restrooms for shaving, bathing, or as laundry facilities is prohibited.

15. No Harassing Behavior
Harassing behavior is prohibited.
Harassing behavior may take many forms and includes, but is not limited to:

16. No Following/Stalking
Stalking others in the Library is prohibited.

For the purposes of enforcing the Library's Code of Conduct, following/stalking behavior directed at a library employee by a library patron shall include behavior which occurs anywhere both on and off library property.

17. No Abusive Behavior
Abusive behavior, such as threats or violent behavior, toward staff, customers, or security officers is prohibited.

18. No Trespassing
Trespassing is prohibited. To trespass includes entering any Library building during a period of suspension of Library privileges, entering any non-public areas of the Library, failing to leave the Library immediately upon closing, or being in the Library before or after public hours without express permission from authorized Library personnel.

19. No Unlawful Behavior
Unlawful behavior while in the library or on library property, including, but not limited to, carrying unlawful weapons, assault, indecent exposure or sex acts, use of drugs or alcohol, damage to library property, theft, attempted theft, brandishing a weapon, public drunkenness or intoxication, is prohibited.

Approved by Administrative Team 2006-08-30