Conduct Policy
Petoskey District Library
July 2004
Revised July 2008
Revised September 2009
The purposes of the Library’s rules for behavior in the public sector are to protect the rights of individuals who are in the Library to use library materials and/or services, to protect the rights of staff members to conduct library business without interference, and to preserve library materials and facilities.
According to Michigan Statutes, the Library Board may exclude from the use of the Library any and all persons who shall willfully violate such reasonable rules and regulations as the Board may adopt (MCL 397.206). Such exclusion from this Library shall occur on the orders of the Director or his/her designee. In this document, “withholding of library privileges” is defined as meaning that an individual may not enter or use the Library.
On the premises of the Petoskey District Library, the violation of any federal or state statutes or local ordinances will also be regarded as a violation of library rules. The laws and ordinances that follow are cited by way of illustration and not limitation.
- assault/assault and battery
- fighting
- larceny
- knowing destruction, damage, defacement or removal of property
- indecent/obscene conduct or exposure
- selling or use of controlled substances
- intoxication
- patron in building after hours without permission
- disturbance of peace by loud/aggressive behavior
- solicitation for acts of prostitution
- harassment of patrons or staff
- loitering in a menacing manner
- possession of a firearm, knife, or other weapon
First Offense: Library privileges will be revoked for 1 (one) month
If convicted: Library privileges will be revoked for 1 (one) year, afterwhich the suspendee may be considered for reinstatement upon petition.
Suspension of library privileges may be appealed to the Library Director within one week of notification. The following conduct policies are also in force:
- No alcohol may be consumed on the premises except at a scheduled meeting and with the necessary permit/s. Out for the day.
- No smoking in the building. One warning, then out for the day. (Public Act 368 of 1978, Rule 21531)
- No eating or drinking except in designated areas. One warning, then out for the day.
- No conversations or other sounds louder in volume than the general noise level in the area of the building at the time. No cell phones except in designated areas. Audio equipment allowed only with earphones. Two warnings, then out for the day.
- Library users are not permitted in non-public areas of the library unless accompanied by a staff member or through prior arrangement with the Director or his/her designee. One warning, then out for the day.
- No animals (except for those assisting the handicapped, therapy animals on library business and animals assocated with a library program), bicycles, skateboards, or roller skates in the building. No use of skateboards on library property (building or grounds). One warning, then out for the day.
- Children should keep visits at a reasonable length, depending upon the age and maturity of the child. Self-supervised children are welcome to use the Library as long as their behavior is in accordance with the conduct policy. Staff may impose restrictions on children as needed to allow all patrons use of the facilities without disruption.
- No entering or remaining in the library without shirt and/or shoes.
- No soliciting for any reason.
Petoskey District Library · 500 E. Mitchell · Petoskey · MI
49770