The Handley Regional Library Board wants its libraries to be places where the staff and the public feel and are safe and secure.  A public library is a place for activities such as individual reading, research, and study; thus an individual’s behavior in the library should be consistent with normal library usage. 

The Library Board authorizes the staff to prepare guidelines for behavior within the library and to enforce the guidelines.  The guidelines will include the possibility of temporary or permanent removal of library users who are disruptive or dangerous.  Additionally, the Library Board authorizes the staff to put into place procedures to protect library patrons such as children or others unable to care for themselves.  If a library user wants to appeal a staff decision, the Library Board will hear such appeals. 

Library staff members should not hesitate to call for police or sheriff’s assistance if they feel there is an imminent danger to patrons, staff, or facilities.  Preventive measures such as panic buttons, up-to-date fire and security systems, and emergency training are also important components of the Handley Regional Library’s safe library procedures and are authorized by the Library Board.

Under Library Rules & Guidelines the items below are prohibited:

• Eating or drinking within the library.  (This does not include the Bowman foyer or events within the library at which refreshments have been approved.)
• Use of any tobacco products
• Use of alcohol or illegal drugs anywhere on library property
• Pets within the library (service animals are permitted)
• Inadequate attire (for instance, shoes and shirts are required)
• Loud or disruptive behavior
• Harassing or threatening behavior, whether to staff or other members of the public
• Damaging or destroying, or unlawfully removing library materials or property
• Using library restrooms or other areas for inappropriate purposes (such as bathing or doing laundry in restroom)
• Leaving children unattended for prolonged periods or at closing or failing to adequately supervise children or other individuals requiring care.  (Children age six or under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult during the entire stay of the children at the library.  See the Library’s Safe Child Statement for additional information.)
• Soliciting, petitioning, or distributing literature except as permitted in areas designated by staff
• Use of any sports equipment within the library.  Skateboarding or roller-blading on any part of library buildings or sidewalks.  Motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles except in paved parking lot.
• Weapons or explosive of any kind anywhere on library property except those worn by uniformed officials.
• Improper acts that are subject to prosecution under criminal or civil codes of law.

Additionally, patrons should be aware of the following:

• Should the security system alarm sound, patrons should return to the circulation desk and show that all library materials have been properly checked out.  The Library staff may ask to examine users’ briefcases, handbags, and other packages to help assure compliance with the Library’s checkout procedures.
• Library users are responsible for compliance with copyright law. 

If the offense is serious or frequent, the Library will enforce its rules by asking the individual(s) to leave the library, by declaring that the individual(s) may not trespass on library property, or if there is an immediate threat, by calling the police or sheriff.