Code of Conduct Policy

The Chouteau County Library is supported by the taxes of the citizens of Chouteau County who expect our facility to be clean, comfortable, and safe for selecting materials, reading, researching, studying, writing, and attending programs and meetings. To this end, the Library is responsible for establishing rules or a code of conduct to protect the rights and safety of Library patrons, volunteers, and staff, and for preserving and protecting the Library’s materials, equipment, and facilities.

Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

1. Disturbing library users or staff members with:

1. Harassing or threatening behavior;
2. Obscene or abusive language, behavior, or gestures;
3. Unreasonable noise, including loud noises and talking on cell phones;
4. Behavior inappropriate in a business setting, such as running, fighting or throwing objects, especially on or near furniture, shelves, or stairs. Parents or chaperones of children who violate this policy will receive the same warnings and penalties as the children.

2. Disrupting the normal functions of the library.
3. Inappropriate use of Library premises or equipment, including vandalism.
4. Entering the library inappropriately attired, including barefoot or without a shirt; offensive body odor or poor personal hygiene.
5. Being intoxicated or incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, smoking or using tobacco products. The term “smoking” includes, but is not limited to: cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape products, cigars, and pipes.
6. Interfering with others' use of the library.
7. Taking library materials into a restroom.
8. Tampering with the arrangement of Library materials, so much so, that it makes finding or using difficult.
9. Bringing a knife, gun, or any other weapon into the library.
10. Engaging in any activity that violates Chouteau County Library policies, or any federal, state, local, or other applicable law(s).

Patrons will be asked to adapt their behavior to comply with library policy. If a customer fails to do so, appropriate action will be taken, which may include permanent expulsion from the Chouteau County Library facilities and outreach programs. Behavior that results in calling the Sheriff’s Office or 911 for crisis intervention at the library is unacceptable and will result in the individual being trespassed from the library. Illegal activities will be reported to appropriate law enforcement agencies.

The intentions of this policy are posted as “Rules of Behavior” around the library.

Approved by the Chouteau County Library Board of Trustees - August 23rd, 2023

RULES OF BEHAVIOR

We ask you to observe some simple guidelines so that the Chouteau County Library is a welcoming, comfortable place for all of the people who come to enjoy our services.

HELP KEEP THE LIBRARY CLEAN

• Drinks and food are allowed everywhere in the library, but please no food near the computers. Please use a lid for drinks.
• No littering and please throw away all garbage in available receptacles.
• Please wear appropriate attire at all times in the library.

HELP KEEP THE LIBRARY A PLEASANT PLACE TO VISIT

• Please refrain from excessive or disruptive noises. Cell phones are permitted in the library if they are not distracting to other patrons and staff.
• Please be respectful of other library patrons and staff. Disorderly conduct and/or disturbing the peace in such a way that disrupts other patrons’ library use or staffs’ performance is not permitted.

HELP KEEP THE LIBRARY SAFE

• Viewing of obscene materials, as defined by law, is not permitted.
• Please keep your personal items with you, not unattended or obstructing traffic.
• No alcohol or drugs can be brought into the library. And no smoking on the premises. 
• Children ages 8 and younger must be accompanied by a caregiver, guardian, or parent while in the library.

Approved by the Chouteau County Library Board of Trustees - August 23rd, 2023