Code of Conduct

The Salt Lake City Library Board endorses the following code of conduct as presented to patrons, staff and volunteers

1.1 Purpose of the Code of Conduct

The Salt Lake City Library Board endorses the following code of conduct as presented to patrons, staff and volunteers:

 

It is the purpose of the Salt Lake City Library to provide free, open, and equal access to ideas and information to all members of the community. To accomplish this purpose, a code of conduct is provided to assist staff, volunteers, and patrons in promoting safe, healthy, and barrier-free access to all the resources and facilities the system has to offer. The code is designed to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and courtesy and applies to all patrons, volunteers, and staff while on Library property.

 

1.2 When visiting the Library, you are encouraged to:

1. Ask Library staff for help finding resources or information.

2. Inform the staff if you need accommodation or if assistance is needed for your full use of Library services.

3. Explore new ideas and interests by attending Library programs.

4. Be responsible for the safety, well-being, and conduct of children and vulnerable adults in your care.

5. Cooperate with the requests of Library staff.

6. Keep mobile phones on silent when attending a Library-sponsored program.

7. Keep your personal belongings in your control at all times. The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

8. Recognize that the Library occasionally uses photographs and/or video of patrons in publications, eNewsletters, websites, social media, and/or in other forms without further consideration or notification. If you wish to be excluded, it is your responsibility to let staff know.

9. Enjoy light refreshments. If you are having more than a drink or snack, you may be asked to move to a designated eating area. In the event of a spill, we ask that you alert staff so the area can be cleaned.

 

1.3  When visiting the Library, the following is prohibited:

1. Committing or attempting to commit any activity that violates any federal, state, or local criminal statute or ordinance.

2. Behavior that is unsafe, disruptive, or disturbing to other patrons, volunteers, or staff such as using offensive language, loud talking, shouting, screaming, playing of music or other media at a volume which can be heard by others or making other loud noises, pushing, running, shoving, throwing things, or other disruptive behavior. This includes inappropriate use of the restrooms (ex. bathing, sexual activity, sleeping, etc).

3. Verbally or physically harassing or threatening other patrons, volunteers, or staff. Harassment may include, but is not limited to: initiating unwanted conversation, impeding access to or within the building, or other actions that an individual reasonably perceives to be hostile, threatening, intrusive, or offensive.

4. Brandishing or unholstering weapons, making any threatening gestures or actions implying the use of weapons.

5. Abandoning, or leaving dependent children or vulnerable adults unattended.

6. Actions that damage Library property or the property of others.

7. The use of tobacco, alcohol, illegal substances, and/or vaping. This includes any inappropriate behavior from being under the influence, as well as, displaying any alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia.

8. Disruptive odors. For the health and safety of all, patrons who exhibit odors that cause negative impact on other patrons may be asked to move, take measures to correct the odor or leave the Library until the problem has been corrected.

9. Sexual misconduct, such as exposure, touching, verbal comments or unwanted sexual advances to patrons, volunteers, or staff. The viewing of sexually explicit material in the Library is prohibited.

10. Sexual harassment of staff or patrons. This includes, but is not limited to, sexual remarks, staring, stalking, invasive questions, or any other behaviors that would be deemed inappropriate or sexual in nature.

11. Bringing animals, other than service animals, into the Library except as authorized by a Library manager. By federal law, employees may ask what services an animal provides. Service animals must abide by Service Animal Behavior and Rules of Conduct. If a service animal becomes disruptive (barking, urinating, defecating and aggressive behavior, etc.) they may be asked to leave the Library.

12. Accessing staff areas, unless accompanied by a Library employee.

13. Sleeping or lying down on the floor, benches, or couches.

14. Insufficient clothing. Patrons must wear clothing that appropriately covers private areas of the body (this includes chest, genitals, and buttocks). Shirt and shoes are required. Underwear does not count as a covering.

15. Tampering with the arrangement of Library materials, which makes finding or using them difficult.

16. Use of listening or communication devices (including mobile or courtesy phones) at a level that can be heard by others.

17. The use of transportation devices in the Library or misusing Library space on Library property is prohibited. This does not include ambulatory devices that assist with physical impairments.

18. Adults loitering in the Children’s or Teen areas. Adults may pick up items in these collections or accompany children or teens actively using the collection. Computers and furniture in these areas are reserved for children and teens only. 

19. Solicitation of funds or signature distribution of any type of literature or promotional materials, or sale of goods by any person or agency other than the Library on any part of Library property. Placing flyers on cars in the public or staff parking lots or on cars parked on the street around the Library.

20. Blocking aisles or passageways so as to make them dangerous, difficult, or impossible to walk through. This includes placement of cords for electricity to electronic equipment.

21. Putting feet on furniture except for foot rests or furniture in children’s areas designed for this purpose.

22. Violating the Library’s Internet Access Policy (available in the SLCPL Policy Manual under “INTER - Internet Access Policy).

 

Note: This list is not all inclusive and other behaviors determined inappropriate by Library staff may be cause for consequences.

 

1.4 Consequences of Misconduct

The Library Safety Team and staff will apply these rules in a fair and equitable manner for the benefit of all. If any of the information is unclear, please ask a member of the Library staff for clarification.

 

The consequences of misconduct may be any of the following: verbal warning, suspension, loss of Library privileges, or prosecution to the full extent of the law. If the police are called, the offender may be cited or arrested. Attempts will be made to contact parents in the case of a minor (less than 18 years of age). See Suspension Matrix for Length of Suspensions

 

1.5 Suspension Appeals

Suspension of Library privileges for more than one (1) week may be appealed. The appeal will be evaluated by a Suspension Appeal Committee. The appellant may file a final appeal to the Director of Customer Experience if they do not agree with the first appeal decision. A decision from the Director of Customer Experience will be final and no other appeals will be accepted. 

 

Approved by Library Board of Directors 9/25/23