Policy on Disruptive Behavior
Statement
of Purpose
Everyone has a right to expect and receive quality library service
at the Duluth Public Library from a friendly and helpful staff.
Each person has a right to receive that service in an atmosphere
that is calm, safe and without disturbances from other customers.
The staff has a right to provide services without fear of abuse
or threatening behavior from people using the Library.
To ensure that the Duluth Public Library provides a safe and pleasant experience for all who use it, the following policy is adopted.
Policy Statement
Disruptive behavior is unacceptable in a library. Disruptive persons
will be asked to leave or will be removed. Library privileges
of repeat offenders may be suspended. Police shall be called if
illegal behavior occurs.
If possible, the staff member should consult with a supervisor or other staff member to determine whether to deal with the situation alone or to call for assistance. It is important that staff members apply the same standards of conduct to all persons using the Library.
Disruptive behavior that is unacceptable in the Library includes, but is not limited to:
Disruptive
Attended Children
1. Children
who are being disruptive will be asked by staff to behave.
2. If the disruptive behavior continues, a staff member
should inform the parent/caregiver that the child is disturbing
others.
3. If the parent/caregiver refuses to cooperate or is unable
to control the child, he/she and the child will be told to leave.
Disruptive
Unattended Children Age Nine and Under
1. Staff
will ask the child to behave.
2. If the disruptive behavior continues, obtain the child's
name and attempt to locate the adult responsible for the child
within the building. If located, explain that the child is being
disruptive and inform them of the library policy. If the parent/caregiver
refuses or is unable to control the child, he/she and the child
will be told to leave.
3. If the parent/caregiver cannot be located in the building,
the staff member will attempt to contact him/her through searching
the database, phone book, city directory, etc. When the parent/caregiver
is contacted, he/she will be told that the child is being disruptive,
will be reminded of the library policy and will be told he/she
must pick up the child immediately. If he/she is unable to come
immediately, he/she will be told that the child may stay this
time, but that the police will be called next time. A warning
letter may then be sent by the Children's and Youth Services Division
Manager to the parent/caregiver stating that further disruptions
may resultin the suspension of library privileges.
4. If unable to locate the parent/caregiver after making
an attempt or if the Library is closing, call the police (9-911).
5. If the parent/caregiver cannot be located and the child
must leave (to catch a ride), the staff member will give the parent/caregiver
's name, address, and an account of the disruptive behavior to
the Children's and Youth Services Division Manager, who will then
write the parent/caregiver, describing the incident and informing
him/her of library policy.
6. Timelines and actions may vary with the maturity of
the child, the time of year, the weather and staff availability.
The goal is to be helpful and to keep library patrons safe.
Disruptive
Unattended Children Age Ten and Over
1. A staff
member should tell the young person he/she is causing a disturbance
and that this is a warning. The next time he/she will be told
to leave the Library.
2. If the disruptive behavior continues, the child should
be told to leave and escorted to the door. Under no circumstances
will a staff member take a child out of a library building.
3. A warning letter may be sent by the Children's and Youth
Services Division Manager to the parent/caregiver stating that
further disruptions may result in the suspension of library privileges.
4. Timelines and actions may vary with the maturity of
the child, the time of year, the weather and staff availability.
The goal is to be helpful and to keep library patrons safe.
Disruptive
Adults
1. Adults
will be told that their behavior is unacceptable and warned that
if it continues, they will be told to leave.
2. If the disruptive behavior continues, the person will
be told to leave.
3. Library privileges of frequent offenders may be suspended.
4. The police will be called if the staff needs assistance.
Illegal behavior will not be tolerated in the Library and police shall be called. Illegal behavior includes, but is not limited to:
Adopted May 8, 1996
Duluth Public Library Board
