Patron Responsibility and Code of Conduct

The Lone Cone Library District creates a welcoming environment for all. LCLD provides resources and services to patrons and visitors in a manner that ensures their safety in an atmosphere of courtesy and respect. To clarify the behavior expected by those on library property, and the consequences of behavior, the following Code of Conduct has been adopted.

Code of Conduct

1. Individuals on library property will, at all times, show respect for themselves,
   other library users, staff and all property of the Library.
2. They will refrain from behavior that is illegal; that may constitute a danger to
   themselves or others; that is disruptive, threatening, or damages library property.
3. Library patrons will keep all valuables and personal property with them at all
   times. (*The library is not responsible for lost or stolen items.)

Permitted conduct in the library includes:

• Quiet and courteous use of cell phone in lobby
• Small group congregation for social, study or discussion purposes
• Consumption of light snacks and covered beverages in lobby
• Service animals as defined by ADA and Disability Law Colorado
• See Community Room Policies as appropriate

Prohibited conduct in the library includes, but is not limited to:

• Code of Conduct Violations: violating any Library District Policy, Patron Code of Conduct or rules for usage of materials, computers or other library property.
•  Failure to Comply: failure to comply with any request or demand of staff.

*See following list of misconduct that is not tolerated for more details.

The Lone Cone Library District reserves the right to remove any person and/or restrict library privileges of any person whose conduct is deemed by library staff to violate this Code of Conduct. Recurring offenses may elevate the penalty. Consequences could be verbal warning, temporary suspension from use, police intervention or permanently banned from the library.

Misconduct

The following forms of misconduct are deemed serious and may result in restricting access to the Lone Cone Library District for up to 90 (ninety) days depending upon the frequency or severity of the incident(s). The age of the patron and any mental disabilities that play a role in the inappropriate behavior will be considered. Authorities will be notified as appropriate and necessary.

• Alcohol/Drugs/Intoxication: possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or illegal drugs or being under their influence.
• Disorderly Conduct: disrupting the normal flow of library operations or interfering with the use and enjoyment of the library by others; repeatedly questioning, commenting, approaching or confronting staff with questions or comments currently being addressed or previously addressed.
• Identity Theft: obtaining, possessing, transferring or in any way using the identifying information of another without that person’s consent including using another person’s library card without their permission.
• Inappropriate Activities: engaging in activities inappropriate for a public library facility including, but not limited to, loud social interaction, bathing, shaving, washing clothes, sleeping, gambling, betting or wagering.
• Misuse of Computers: utilizing library computers to engage in illegal activities, to gamble, wager or engage in booking activities, or to publicly view sexually explicit or pornographic materials.
• Inappropriate Attire or Poor Hygiene: failure to wear appropriate attire, posing a health, safety or sanitary risk or having bodily hygiene that detracts from the enjoyment of the library by others or damages library property.
• Theft: concealing library materials or property on library premises, theft or other attempts to convert library property to personal use.
• Verbal Abuse: using language, words, expressions, gestures or other behavior that is intimidating, insulting, hostile, loud, abusive, obscene, offensive, rude, vulgar, or demonstrates a lack of civility to others.

Severe Misconduct

The following forms of severe misconduct may carry up to a one year banning penalty depending upon the frequency or severity of the incident(s). The age of the patron and any medical disabilities that play a role in the inappropriate behavior will be considered. Authorities will be notified as appropriate and necessary.

• Physical Abuse: behaving in a threatening, intimidating or violent manner toward any person, or acting in a manner that creates the potential of physical injury to oneself or others and any form of unwanted touching or other contact.
• Property Damage: destroying, damaging, defacing or vandalizing library property on or off library premises or threatening to damage such property in any way.
• Sexual Misconduct: engaging in any action that is sexually inappropriate or offensive including, but not limited to, lewd or lascivious behavior, indecent exposure, sexual battery, touching one’s self or others inappropriately or publicly displaying any pornographic or sexually explicit materials whether in photographic, graphic or animated form which does not relate to medical research or would otherwise be considered obscene by local community standards.
• Threats: communicating a threat of harm to any person or property including patrons, Library District staff members and security guards.
• Weapons: (inapplicable to law enforcement) openly carrying a knife, blade, firearm or other object that could be used as a weapon; carrying a concealed knife, blade or other object that could be used as a weapon; or, carrying a concealed firearm without a concealed firearm permit issued by the State of Colorado.

Patron Responsibility and Conduct Policy Adopted 05/14/2012, updated 1/11/2021
Approved by: Lone Cone Library District Board of Trustees
Last Updated (condensed to Code of Conduct): 02/13/2023