Houston County Library System
Rules of Behavior and Conduct

The Houston County Library System strives to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to the appropriate use of library services and resources. Use of the library is intended to be for reading, studying, writing and listening to written or electronically transmitted materials and information. The public is required to comply with the library system use and behavior guidelines. All users and staff have the right to a safe and comfortable environment, as well as facilities and materials, which are in good condition.

BEHAVIOR AND/OR ACTIONS, WHICH ARE CONSIDERED TO BE DISRUPTIVE AND/OR UNSAFE, ARE PROHIBITED ON LIBRARY PROPERTY. THESE MAY INCLUDE:

  • Any loud, unreasonable, and/or disruptive noises created by persons, cell phones, radios, tape players or other sound devices.
  • Engaging in disorderly conduct, fighting or challenging a fight, or using offensive language that is likely to provoke violence.
  • Repetitive noise making; such as tapping a pencil on the table, rapping fingers or knuckles; slamming books down; slapping the covers of books, etc.
  • Intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing any library property or a patron's or staff member's property.
  • Willful concealment of library property while on library premises.
  • Running in or around the library.
  • Exhibiting offensive personal hygiene, bringing in large bundles or personal possessions (for example: items too large to fit under a study chair), failure to wear appropriate clothing or the failure to secure clothes with buttons, zippers or other devices.
  • Sexual harassment of patrons or staff.
  • Indecent exposure.
  • Using obscene or abusive acts/language.
  • Display of obscene materials on computer equipment.
  • Parking automobiles on library property while the driver is not using the facility and the facility is open.
  • Parking automobiles in the front driveway or otherwise blocking the driveway or bookdrops to thru traffic.
  • Any other illegal acts or conduct in violation of Federal, State, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.
  • Sleeping or laying your head on a table. Placing your feet or legs on furniture.
  • Misusing or abusing furniture.
  • Bringing animals or pets in the library (except guide dogs for the physically impaired).
  • Following a person around the library, staring at a person, or persistently asking a person questions.
  • Distributing or posting printed material / literature that has not been approved by the library system
  • Panhandling, selling, soliciting for money or items or services, transacting business for profit, or loitering inside the library or in parking lot or on library grounds.
  • Cell Phone use.
  • Consuming food or beverage in any type of container or bringing in any packaged or unpackaged food or beverages.
  • Leaving children unattended who are under the age of twelve or who require supervision. Children must remain within sight of responsible adult at all times.
  • Leaving a child or young adult (up to the age of 18) on library property after closing time. Children left on library property after closing should remain in sight of library employees until transportation arrives.
  • Misuse of restrooms. Restrooms are for library patron use only. Changing of clothes and bathing in restrooms is not permitted.
  • Carrying weapons of any type with the exception of law enforcement personnel.
  • Entering non-public areas such as staff workrooms, break room, offices, and storage areas.
  • Skateboarding, rollerblading, or bicycling in the parking lot, garden or around the perimeter of the library building.
  • Certain acts involving computer fraud or abuse of library system network computers or display of obscene materials on computer equipment (covered under the Georgia Computer Services Protection Act and punishable by fine, imprisonment or both).
  • Library materials must be properly checked out at the circulation desk. Certain materials, such as reference items, may not be removed from the library. Willful concealment and/or unauthorized removal of library property are violations of Georgia Law. (Georgia Code 20-5-54)
  • Failure of a library patron to return borrowed materials is punishable under Georgia Code 20-5-53.
  • Theft or damage to library property is punishable under Georgia Code 20-5-52.
  • Trespassers will be arrested and prosecuted.
  • Bringing food or beverages into the library. Intoxication and/or use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal substances. (Georgia Code 16-12-2, 16-11-41)
  • Damage, destruction, theft or improper use of library property or facilities. (Georgia Code 20-5-52).

The library reserves the right to inspect all bags, briefcases, backpacks, containers, books and any similar items. The library reserves the right to require anyone violating these rules of conduct to leave the library. The library may withdraw permission to re-enter library facilities for serious or repeated misconduct. Communication of threats, physical violence or sexual misconduct (indecent exposure, unwelcome touching, or sexual harassment toward staff or patrons) will result in permanent exclusion from the library and notification to law enforcement authorities Engaging in any other illegal acts or conduct in violation of Federal, State or local law, ordinance or regulation will result in notification to law enforcement authorities. Any person who disregards a request by a staff member and/or security guard to leave the building will be immediately reported to the local law enforcement agency. The library is not responsible for any personal items left, lost, or stolen on library property.

Adopted March 11, 2004
Houston County Library System Board of Trustees

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