Patron Behavior Policy

The Park Forest Public Library is dedicated to providing a quiet, pleasant environment and is open to the public for specific purposes: reading, studying and using library materials or services. It is the goal of the Park Forest Public Library to aid in the acquisition of knowledge through reading, quiet contemplation and related activities. To achieve its stated goal, the library must protect the rights of those individuals who are in the library to use library materials and services. It must also protect the rights of staff members to conduct library business without disruption and preserve and protect library materials and facilities. The following rules of behavior have been established to create an atmosphere in which the library’s stated goal may be met.

The patrons of the Park Forest Public Library are expected to behave in a manner that does not disturb or harm other library patrons or staff, disrupt the operation of the library, or damage property.

The Library Director, in cooperation with the library’s staff, has developed the following rules to govern the behavior of patrons using the library’s facility. These rules are designed to promote the safety and security of library patrons and to ensure that the library remains conducive to reading and study. Behavior which interferes with the peaceful and orderly management of the library will result in expulsion from the library.

Rules of Conduct

Disruptive behavior such as talking loudly, using profane or abusive language, producing excessive noise, throwing objects, running, fighting, and horseplay is not permitted. Headsets must be used if sound is needed on a computer or other device.
Food, uncovered beverages, alcohol, smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, and cannabis in any form are not permitted in the library. Patrons are not permitted in the library while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Patrons may not engage in illegal activities while in the library.
Destruction of library property is not permitted. Patrons may not tamper with or intentionally damage computer hardware, software, printers, operating systems, or other associated equipment.
Patrons may not remove library property without authorization or conceal library property for the exclusive use of an individual or group.
Patrons may not distribute leaflets, take surveys, collect signatures for petitions, solicit, fundraise, proselytize, or participate in similar activities on library property.
Appropriate clothing is expected. Clothing with profanity is prohibited. Swimsuits are not permitted in the library. Shirts and shoes are required.
Loitering is not permitted.
Cell phones should be turned off or set to silent in the Library. Patrons are asked to take extended conversations outside.
Laser pointers may not be displayed, pointed, or used in any manner in the library, except by a scheduled speaker during a presentation in one of the library’s meeting rooms.
Sleeping or lying prone on the floor or furniture is not permitted in the library.
Shaving, bathing, or laundering clothes in public bathrooms is not permitted.
Possession of any kind of weapon (firearms and look-alikes, knives, explosives, etc.) is prohibited in the library.
Patrons may not bring into the library equipment that presents a hazard. This includes, but is not limited to, bicycles, grocery carts, sports equipment, water toys/balloons, etc.
Animals (except one assisting a person with a disability or those brought by program presenters) may not be brought into the library.
Patrons may not engage in any form of physical, sexual or verbal abuse or intimidation of any library patron or staff member. Patrons may not annoy other patrons or staff members by following or staring at them in a manner which disrupts that patron’s or staff member’s use or care of the library’s materials or facilities.
Patrons may not engage in public displays of affection/sexual activity such as sitting on laps, kissing, etc.
Patrons may not display offensive material in any media.
Patrons whose bodily hygiene or attire is offensive as to constitute a nuisance to others may be required to leave the building.
Patrons are required to leave the building upon request, at closing time, or during an emergency.
Patrons are prohibited from entering unauthorized areas.
Patrons are not permitted to leave personal belongings when they leave the building. The library is not responsible for any loss of patrons’ personal belongings.
Roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, wheeled shoes, cleats, and other similar equipment may not be used on library property.
Patrons may not rearrange furniture, sit on tables, or put feet on furniture.
Patrons using computers should follow all regulations of the Internet Use Policy.
Children and their caregivers should follow all regulations of the Safety of Children in the Library Policy. Children under the age of 9, and anyone who requires supervision, must be attended by a parent or other responsible caregiver aged 18 or older at all times while in the library.

Group Visits

Prearranging school and group visits is necessary to provide meaningful use of the library and its resources. It allows library staff to prepare for group needs and to ensure that the visit will not conflict with other events or group visits. Coordination of planning between the library and school and group leaders will result in the best possible experience for patrons.

Schools and groups of seven or more individuals must prearrange visits to the library at least one week in advance.
During school or group visits, one adult must accompany each group of seven children. Adults must remain with their groups during the visit and assist in monitoring the group for proper library behavior.
Because there is a high demand for school and group visits, the library may not be able to provide regularly scheduled visits for specific groups or schools.
Teachers or group leaders are asked to notify the library if their group will not be keeping its scheduled appointment.

Social Distancing

The library may require all who enter the building to follow social distancing rules. These rules will be posted inside the building. Social distancing rules include but are not limited to:

Wear a mask at all times.
Stay six feet apart from other people who are not part of your household.
Wash your hands after blowing your nose or coming into contact with something potentially contaminated.
Limit your time inside the building.

In Addition

Patrons must abide by all library regulations including the return of library materials.
The library reserves the right to impose time limits upon continuous use of library equipment.
The library reserves the right to inspect the contents of all bags, purses, briefcases, backpacks, etc. for library materials.

Violators may be denied use of the facilities for specified periods of time based on the severity of the violation as determined by the Library Director. Any expulsion may be appealed to the Library Board of Trustees by seeking a hearing to be scheduled at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

Disruptive patrons may be required to produce identification if they wish to remain in the library. Not producing identification when requested will be grounds for being asked to leave the library. When identification is requested and produced, a report shall be placed in the library’s Incident File. If any patron is reported twice to the Incident File within six months, the Library Director shall write to the patron. If the patron is a minor, the letter will be addressed to the child’s parent or guardian. Except in those instances where a patron has been barred from the library, no report shall be kept in the Incident File more than six months.

If a patron is asked to leave the library and does not do so, the police shall be called. The police shall also be called anytime that it appears laws have been broken or the situation seems dangerous or out of control.

Criminal Prosecution

After calling the police to the library, library officials shall cooperate with law enforcement officials. Library officials will file criminal charges and seek criminal prosecution if law enforcement officials believe that it is appropriate.

Forbidding Library Use

State statute permits the library board “To exclude from use of the library any person who willfully violates the rules prescribed by the board” 75 ILCS 5/4-7(11)(1992 State Bar Edition).

Library officials shall temporarily or permanently bar patrons from the facility when such action is necessary to maintain order in the building.

Staff Enforcement Activity

All library staff members are responsible for maintaining order in the library. When staff members observe a rule being violated, they are expected to enforce the rule or to report the violation to their supervisor or the person-in-charge.

It is important for staff members to remain consistent in their treatment of patrons and not make exceptions or give special treatment to some patrons but not others. Staff should not offer money to patrons, offer to give patrons rides, or offer extra services on library time that other staff members could not give. All patrons will be served equitably and with respect.