Code of Conduct Policy

Policy

It is the policy of the Board of Trustees that patrons of the Cedarburg Public Library have the right to use Library materials and services without being unduly disturbed or impeded by other library users, and that patrons and staff have the right to a secure and congenial environment.

Rules

Any behavior that disrupts or hinders public use of the Library is prohibited.  This includes, but is not limited to, loud or boisterous behavior, verbal, sexual or physical harassment, drunkenness, running and fighting.

Seating at tables, carrels, and chairs are limited to the number of persons for whom the furniture was designed.

Smoking, chewing tobacco and vaping is not permitted in the library.  Public eating and drinking are discouraged, however, light snacks that are contained and do not create a mess may be allowed in the public area.  Food and drink are allowed when specifically approved as part of a Library program or agreed to as part of the Community Room rental agreement.  Patrons may bring drinks into the library, provided they have a lid, cap or cover.

Bicycles are not permitted in a public area or entryway.  Roller-skating and skateboarding are not permitted on library grounds.  Wagons and strollers may not be left obstructing a corridor, hallway, aisle, entry or exit.

Selling products or services, or soliciting donations, is not permitted except as part of a library-sponsored program.

Taking surveys, petitions, distributing leaflets, and other similar activities are permitted in the library only when authorized by the Library Director.

Animals (except those used to aid persons with disabilities and those used as a part of a library sponsored program) are not permitted in the library.  Animals may not be left unattended on library grounds.

Parents or other legal guardians are responsible for the behavior of their minor children in the library.

The violation of federal or state laws or local ordinances will not be permitted.    Theft, vandalism, mutilation of property are criminal offenses and may be prosecuted.  The library reserves the right to inspect all bags, briefcases, backpacks, and other such items when the staff has reason to believe this rule has been violated.  The library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted.  Library sponsored events with alcohol need approval and may need a permit per city hall staff

Members of the public shall not enter the building unless fully clothed including shirt and footwear.

Persons whose bodily hygiene is so offensive as to impede the use of the library by the public or the provision of services by the staff shall be required to leave the building.  Repeat offenders may be subject to a ban from the library, as determined by the Library Director or staff member-in-charge.

Patrons are not allowed in non-public areas of the library unless conducting official library business or as part of a library tour.

Anyone who disregards these or other rules and regulations of the library will be asked to cease such activity and/or be excluded from the building.  Exclusion from the library by the Director or staff member-in-charge should occur as a last resort in cases of misconduct, unless the severity of misbehavior warrants immediate expulsion.  Library staff is authorized to call the police if necessary.

Adopted by the Cedarburg Joint Library Board of Trustees on February 16, 2000.

Revised by the Cedarburg Joint Library Board of Trustees on July 16, 2008.

Revised by the Cedarburg Public Library Board of Trustees on May 26, 2019.

Confidentiality of Library Records

The Board of Trustees and administration of Cedarburg Public Library recognize that the reading activity and interests of library users are and should be private, and that any attempt to invade such privacy, without direct and legitimate need, is the invasion of the personal right of library users and the “right to read” implicitly guaranteed in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The Board of Trustees and administration also affirm their adherence to the Wisconsin State Statute S.43.30 which reads as follows.

43.30 Public Library Records. “Records of any library which is in whole or in part
supported by public funds, including the records of the public library system,
indicating the identity of any individual who borrows or uses the library’s
documents or other materials, resources or services may not be disclosed except by
court order or to persons acting within the scope of their duties in the administration
of the library or library system, to persons authorized by the individual to inspect
such records or to libraries as authorized under subs. (2) and (3).”

Furthermore, the information contained in library registration records will also be
considered confidential and will not be released without the authorization of the
individual or by court order except as needed by the library or associated libraries for the legitimate recovery or protection of library materials.

The Board interprets those records to include all transactions associated with the use of library materials including interlibrary loan forms, records of reference questions, and other documents or electronic records that would link the individual with particular materials or services.

Cedarburg Public Library does release information to a parent or guardian about their minor child’s account because parents are responsible for library use by their minor children. Library staff will not knowingly give one patron’s transaction information to another patron.

Requests for transaction information by law enforcement officials should be referred to the Director or whoever is the ranking staff member in the library at the time. Any cost incurred by the Cedarburg Public Library in performing a court-ordered search may be billed to the agency requesting the search.

Adopted by the Cedarburg Joint Library Board November 16, 2000

Unattended or Unaccompanied Children Policy

Purpose

This policy describes the responsibilities of caregivers for children in the library and the staff’s role with respect to unattended or unaccompanied children. The goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of children and promote the constructive use of the library.

Policy

I. Responsibility for the welfare and behavior of children using the library rests solely with the parent, guardian or responsible caregiver.  While in the Library, parents and caregivers must monitor and regulate the behavior of their children. While Library staff will respond to children with care and concern, staff cannot supervise unattended children and do not provide child care.

II. Unattended Children

The library will adhere to these guidelines concerning the care and behavior of children in the library:

• Children under the age of ten (10) may not be left alone in the library and must be supervised by a parent or caregiver who is in the immediate vicinity and has visual contact with the child.   When children under age 10 are attending Library programs, parents or caregivers are expected to remain in the library.
• If a child under the age of ten (10) is found unattended, Library staff will attempt to locate the parent or caregiver within the library and inform him/her of the Unattended Children Policy. In the event that the parent or caregiver cannot be found, the Cedarburg Police Department will be contacted by Library staff.
• Children between the ages of ten (10) and thirteen (13) may be left unattended for a maximum of two (2) hours, provided they behave with the guidelines of the Library’s Code of Conduct.
• Children ages ten (10) and over who are unattended must be using Library materials and/or resources or using the library for school-related work. If the child’s behavior is disruptive, he/she will be given the option to call caregivers for a ride home.

III. Closing Time

It is the responsibility of parents or caregivers to make sure their children have transportation to and from the library. When an unattended child is left at the library at closing time without transportation, Library staff will attempt to contact the parents or caregivers of the child. If contact is not made, Library staff will contact the Cedarburg Police Department. In any situation when the Cedarburg Police Department is contacted, staff will complete an Incident Report. Under no circumstances will a child be taken out of the building by a staff person.

This policy replaces any previous policy regarding unattended children.

February 16, 2000

Adopted by the Joint Library Board 2014

Adopted by the Cedarburg Public Library Board

Revised and adopted by the Cedarburg Public Library Board

Unaccompanied Adults in the Youth Services Department

Use of the Youth Services Department is intended for children, teens through age 18 and their parents or caregivers.  Adults who are not accompanied by youth may use the department for retrieving materials only.  Adults unaccompanied by a child may not use the children’s restroom or use the children’s area to loiter.  Adults using the department for any other purpose will be asked to move to another area of the Library.

Approved by the Cedarburg Public Library Board

August 22, 2014