Behavior Policy
The library is a public place shared by many. It is a space for learning, relaxing, connecting, and having fun. To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patrons and staff, the following expectations have been set:
Be courteous, considerate and understanding of other patrons and staff.
Examples of conduct that would violate this principle include:
• Disruptive or unsafe behavior including, but not limited to, use of profanity, hate speech, throwing objects, running, pushing, or shoving.
• Bringing non-service animals into the library. Service animals are defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act as a dog that has been trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.
• Leaving children under the age of eight or vulnerable adults unsupervised or unattended. Adults may use the children’s or teen areas if accompanied by a child or teen, or if using the library’s juvenile or teen collection.
• Leaving personal items unattended.
• Engaging in sexual acts and/or sexual, physical, verbal, or other harassment.
• Making threats against or abuse of library patrons or staff. This includes verbal abuse and nonverbal intimidation or harassment including, but not limited to, stalking; online, cell phone or computer harassment; or language that is obscene or harassing.
• Interfering with others’ use of the library by blocking free passage, soliciting (defined as the act of asking for or trying to obtain something from another person), or exhibiting hygiene or scent that poses health risk or interferes with use of the library.
• Openly displaying or consuming cannabis, alcoholic beverages, or controlled substances on library grounds. Being under the influence in a manner that causes a public disturbance.
• Violating the Duluth Public Library’s Internet Use Policy.
• Failing to wear shirt in the library. Shoes must be worn when walking around inside the building.
• Bringing bicycles into the library. Strollers and wheeled vehicles required for mobility are allowed.
• Skateboarding, skating or using a scooter on library grounds.
Respect the property of the library and the property of others.
Examples of conduct that would violate this principle include:
• Stealing, defacing, damaging or destroying library property.
• Using library fixtures or furnishings in a manner that is unsafe and/or unsanitary.
• Consuming food or beverages in a manner that may create an unclean environment, disrupts others, and/or is harmful to library resources.
Keep in mind that different areas of the library have different levels of activity and noise.
Examples of conduct that would violate this principle include:
• Conversation or use of personal electronic equipment at a volume that that is disruptive or exceeds the noise level designation for the area.
For safe and equitable access there may be time limits on the use of certain spaces. Library patrons are expected to leave a space, including the public restroom or library plaza, when asked to do so by staff.
Abide by all applicable local, state, and federal policies and/or laws.
Library staff has the responsibility to follow the Duluth Public Library’s behavior policy enforcement guidelines when enforcing this policy. People who fail to follow library policies may be trespassed from the library.
The City of Duluth will not tolerate discriminatory behavior by or toward any city employee or visitors to city property. Discriminatory behavior includes inappropriate remarks about or conduct related to individuals’ race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, gender, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or status with regard to public assistance. Violent behavior includes the use of physical force, harassment, intimidation, or threat of the same. Harassment includes a pattern of words or conduct that a reasonable person would find abusive. Offensive behavior includes words or conduct that a reasonable person would find reprehensible.
The Duluth Public Library’s policies are subject to change without notice.
Adopted October 25, 2023
Duluth Public Library Board