Lake Station-New Chicago closed until further notice
These Patron Rules of Conduct were adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Lake County Public Library to promote a safe, attractive, and orderly atmosphere; to ensure every person’s ability to use the library and library materials to the maximum extent possible; and to have reasonable access to library facilities without interference from any other person. The policy cannot anticipate every possible event or situation. Employees are expected to use their best judgement in the spirit of this policy.
Friendly, courteous, and respectful service;
Free and equal access to information;
Privacy and confidentiality in their use of library services and collections;
A clean, comfortable, and pleasant environment; and
Use of the library undisturbed without threat of harm, interference, or discrimination.
Respect other patrons and their right to have a positive experience of the library.
Respect library employees whose responsibility it is to help you get the most from your library experience and to maintain a safe and comfortable atmosphere for all patrons.
Respect all library facilities, materials, computers, equipment, and resources, and understand and follow rules related to their use.
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The mission of the Lake County Public Library (LCPL) is to provide the highest quality informational, educational, cultural, and recreational resources and services to residents of all ages in the Lake County Public Library District. We welcome all ages and abilities and also protect the right of library users to speak/play at a respectful volume.
Lake County Public Library is committed to providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere for people of all ages and abilities. A wide variety of activities are encouraged in our buildings, including some activities that produce noise. Library users are welcome to converse, play and collaborate at a volume that is respectful to other library users. It is the responsibility of library staff to determine what noise level is best suited to the needs of its users. Please direct any noise complaints to library staff.
To ensure individuals' rights to use the library free of disruption, library patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a public library while in the building and on library property. Patrons not engaged in reading, studying, using library materials or services, attending programs or classes, or viewing exhibits may be asked to leave the building.
Noise and conversations are expected to be kept at low levels out of consideration for other patrons. Bringing pets or animals into the Library, other than service animals necessary for accommodation, must be authorized by the Executive Director.
The safety and security of our employees and patrons are of the utmost importance. Library employees have the right to a safe and respectful workplace environment. Patrons will use polite language and keep the tone of voice moderate.
Conduct that causes or threatens harm to others, interferes with library employees’ performance of duties, or constitutes persistent, unwanted behaviors will not be tolerated.
All patrons are expected to comply with reasonable requests of any library employee.
The Library is supported by taxpayers who reside in the Lake County Public Library district. These patrons expect our facilities to be clean, comfortable, and safe. It is expected that all library users will treat library materials, furniture, and equipment with care, and use library facilities, materials, and furnishings as intended.
Single-serving, dry snacks and covered beverages are permitted in most areas.
Soliciting is not permitted except in support of the library and sanctioned library activities.
Bringing bicycles, shopping carts, or other large wheeled conveyances inside library buildings is prohibited. Wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility devices are only permitted if being used as transportation for, or as a mobility device by, an adult or child.
Bringing containers, packages, briefcases, parcels, or bundles into the library which singly or collectively exceed 24” x 14” x 12” is prohibited. Items deemed unsanitary by the library branch manager will not be permitted inside library buildings.
Interfering with access, egress or use of Library facilities or resources by placement of objects or by use of wheeled devices including, but not limited to, shopping carts, bicycles, skateboards, suitcases, roller blades or moving equipment (exceptions include wheelchairs, walkers, strollers with child).
Monopolizing library space, furniture, electrical outlets, or equipment to the exclusion of other patrons or staff is prohibited.
A pattern of sleeping or lying down in or on Library premises is prohibited.
Library employees may at any time request that patrons show library cards and other documents (driver's license, school ID, e.g.) for purposes of identification.
The library reserves the right to inspect all bags, purses, briefcases, or backpacks for concealed library materials.
It is expected that patrons will follow federal, state, and local laws and policies. Library employees are authorized to call the police for assistance in the case of violent behavior or illegal activities; or to ensure enforcement of this policy.
Library employees have the authority to decide what is considered appropriate behavior and to enforce the Patron Rules of Conduct. Library staff will inform the patron of the relevant conduct policy and warn the patron that continued violation will result in a loss of privileges. Staff may ask the patron to leave the Library property for one day if they are uncooperative or argumentative. The Library reserves the right at all times to immediately eject a patron who is dangerous or in any way threatening employees or other patrons. In addition, the
Library may pursue remedies under Federal, State, or local law where applicable.
Unattended minors who do not abide by library rules and policies, or who exhibit unacceptable behavior, will be asked to leave, and/or call their parents for a ride home. If unable to reach their parents, or if a ride is unavailable, the children may be considered abandoned and the local police department will be called.
The Lake County Library Board of Trustees authorizes library staff and law enforcement officers to enforce the library’s published Patron Code of Conduct Policy up to and including long-term suspension of library privileges, permanent banning from the library or prosecution.
Depending on the nature and frequency of the behavior, consequences may include suspension of library privileges or permanent banning. The Library Director has the authority to ban from the library premises any individual whose behavior is a sufficient threat to the ability of the library to operate in a safe manner or individuals who repeatedly violate the Patron Code of Conduct. If the individual facing exclusion is under the age of eighteen (18), then banning will not occur until the minor’s parent or guardian is notified in writing.
Banning or exclusion from library premises denies the patron access to the building, grounds and services of any library within the Lake County Public Library system as well as from all telephone reference. The individual will receive the suspension notice in writing and a copy will be kept at all library locations. The patron may still access from an offsite computer the library’s webpage and any databases available through that site.
If any individual named in a suspension notice enters a Lake County Public Library before the return date listed on the suspension notice, it will be considered criminal trespass and the individual will be asked to leave. If the individual does not leave when asked, staff will contact local law enforcement.
Individuals who have had their library privileges suspended may appeal the suspension. The request must be in writing and will be evaluated by the Library Board.
It is the sole responsibility of the individual banned to apply for reinstatement of library privileges. These are not automatically available at the end of the period of exclusion. A Request for Resolution must be completed to be eligible for reinstatement.
