Appropriate Behavior Policy

Adopted: June 6, 2011
Reviewed and approved: February 2013

The Ohio County Public Library Board of Trustees and staff want to create an atmosphere that supports the Library's Mission: to provide library services that support the community's informational and educational needs. In an effort to keep the Library welcoming to all patrons, the Board created this policy.

The Library Director and staff are responsible for upholding the Library's policies.

When a patron requests and accepts a library card for OCPL, they are in agreement with all policies set forth by the Board of Trustees.

Appropriate behaviors encouraged by both staff and patrons, include but are not limited to:

reading or selecting materials quietly

group study at tables, carrels or meeting rooms

research in the stacks or while on computers

attending to one's children

participating in library-sponsored events

Inappropriate behaviors discouraged by both staff and patrons, include but are not limited to:

loitering

sleeping

running

climbing shelves

gambling

use of obscenities

solicitation

public intoxication

smoking

theft or damage of library materials

indecent exposure

carrying of weapons with intent to harm patrons or staff

verbal or physical harassment, threats or abuse to staff or patrons

use and/or possession of illegal drugs

Patrons in violation of this policy will initially be asked to leave. Repeated or aggressive behaviors may result in patron banishment or arrest under Indiana Code Section 35-43-2-2 entitled "Criminal Trespass."