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Whitefish Library Policies

2017. Appropriate Behavior of Library Users



The Whitefish Community Library (WCL) is a community facility, and its doors are open to everyone. Because of that welcoming attitude, library users are expected to respect the facility and its resources, and to honor the presence of other library users.

WCL has a strong commitment to intellectual freedom and freedom of access to information. Adults are responsible for the selection choices of their minor children.

Library users should observe the following:

• Use the WCL for the purposes for which a library is created.
• Respect the presence of other library users, and behave in a courteous and safe manner.
• Treat the library staff as professionals and be respectful of their time and services.

The following behaviors are prohibited in the library:
• Engaging in any activity in violation of Federal, State, local or other applicable law, or library policy.
• Leaving children under the age of ten (10) unattended in any area of the library (see Children and the Library Policy).
• Stealing, damaging, altering, or inappropriate use of library property including computer hardware, software and other equipment (see Use of Library Computers Policy)
• Engaging in behavior or language that is offensive or threatening to patrons, volunteers, and staff, including but not limited to stalking, staring, lurking, and offensive touching.
• Bringing in non-service animals (see Animals in the Library Policy).
• Generating excessive noise or engaging in disruptive behavior.
• Smoking or other tobacco use, including all electronic smoking devices such as e-cigarettes and vaping products.
• Being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs, or selling, using, or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs.
• Sleeping or eating except at authorized functions. Drinks in no-spill containers are permitted.
• Using wheeled devices (except for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers).
• Unlawfully bringing, carrying, or using a weapon.
• Soliciting, selling, distributing items, conducting surveys or collecting signatures not authorized by the library.
• Being barefoot, without a shirt, with offensive body odor/personal hygiene, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the library environment.

The WCL staff has complete authority to determine appropriate behavior by library users. In exercising that authority, the staff will honor the legal rights of all library users. lt will also do whatever is legally necessary to protect other library users and library facilities, including removing library users from the premises. Violating could also result in the revoking of library privileges.

Approved by Whitefish Community Library Board of Trustees 2/13/2019.
(Revised 6/14/2023)

Anne E. Shaw Moran, Chair




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