Patron Rights and Responsibilities
The Ada Community Library has an obligation to its patrons to maintain an atmosphere conducive to reading, study, research, and the pursuit of life‑long learning opportunities. A person's right to use the library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views. The library supports the rights of all individuals to use the library without discrimination; to receive friendly, courteous and respectful service; to have a clean, comfortable and pleasant environment; and to use the library undisturbed without threat of harm, invasion of property, or interference.
Library patrons are expected to use the library, including its facilities, grounds, resources and materials, in a responsible, appropriate, and courteous way. Irresponsible use is any behavior which either consciously or unconsciously violates, restricts, or otherwise negatively impacts the rights of staff or patrons using the library, or damages library materials.
The guidelines below are posted for the comfort and protection of all. The guidelines will be courteously but firmly enforced by library staff. If necessary, staff may call the Ada County Sheriff's Department for assistance. Patrons who fail to follow the library's guidelines and posted rules may lose library privileges, may be removed from the library, suspended for a period of time, and/or may face legal action.
Unacceptable behavior in the library, and supporting examples, includes, but is not limited to:
1. Any illegal activity, including theft, damage to, or unauthorized alteration of any library property.
Examples may include, but are not limited to: altering or damaging the setup of computer equipment or software; writing on library materials; cutting or tearing out pages from books, magazines, or newspapers; or damaging fixtures and furnishings.
2. Disorderly, drunken, disruptive, or threatening behavior, including behavior that may jeopardize the personal safety of library patrons or staff.
Examples may include, but are not limited to: cursing; making obscene gestures; threatening the personal safety of patrons or staff; transmitting or displaying threatening, harassing, malicious, or abusive language and/or images; fighting; climbing on fixtures; playing in and around the elevator; running, skateboarding, or rollerblading. Patrons with skateboards or roller blades are asked to carry, place, and/or store them so as not to create a safety hazard for other users.
3. Patrons carrying or displaying symptoms of contagious diseases or conditions.
Examples may include, but are not limited to, head lice, chicken pox, and pink eye.
4. Loitering.
Examples may include, but are not limited to: blocking library entry ways, vestibules, or staircases; and groups congregating on library grounds without permission of duly authorized library staff
5. Intoxication resulting from the use of alcohol or drugs or the use or consumption of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products or any electronic smoking device and/or vapor based products, in the library, including restrooms, or anywhere on library grounds, including parking areas, sidewalks, and curtilage.
6. Consumption of beverages without lids or food around equipment or sensitive materials, except during approved special functions.
7. Possession on library grounds of any deadly or concealed weapon except as expressly permitted by law.
8. Conduct, whether verbal, visual, or physical, that alarms, annoys, harasses, or impacts the privacy of other library patrons or impedes duties of staff.
Examples may include, but are not limited to: certain photographing or recording; being shirtless/shoeless; stalking; inappropriate displays of affection; excessive odors; aggressive petitioning or protesting; adults in the Youth Services area unaccompanied by a child and not engaged in library business.
9. Indecent exposure, harassment, or display(s) of pornography.
Examples may include, but are not limited to: unpermitted touching; attempts or threats of physical contact; solicitation for sex; display of sexually explicit images, including sites from the Internet.
10. Solicitation of donations of money, distribution of materials at the library, installation of any advertisement or election posters/signs on library property,peddling or vending, and panhandling; solicitation of signatures, distribution of leaflets, or protesting within 20 feet of entryways.
11. Production of excessive noise that is not part of an authorized library program and that disturbs others.
Examples may include, but are not limited to: loud talking, singing, or crying; repeatedly ringing cell phones; playing musical instruments; and use of televisions, radios, or music players without headphones.
12. Possession of animals or pets in the library except as part of an authorized library program. Accredited guide or service animals in harness or on leash for the purpose of assisting or accommodating a person with a physical disability are not subject to the foregoing limitation.
13. Presence in employee only/non-public areas of the library.
In addition, parents or other adults accompanying minor children are responsible for the behavior of those children. Parents or other adults accompanying minor children attending scheduled library programs are to remain in the library during all such programs. Parents and other adults are expected to control the children they accompany, not only for the safety of such children, but to show respect for other library patrons.
Any person who engages in any of the above-listed behaviors or any other unacceptable behavior is subject to immediate removal by library administrative staff. Individuals who engage in the above-listed behaviors or any other unacceptable behavior may also be subject to suspension from the library and/or legal action which may include exclusion. Any individual who is asked to leave the library as a result of the violation of these guidelines and who refuses to do so shall be considered trespassing and may be subject to arrest.
Any patron who has been suspended by the Branch Manager or Library Director may appeal the decision to the Ada Community Library Board of Trustees within thirty (30) days of the decision.
Approved by the Board of Trustees, June 24, 1998
Revised, August 17, 2004
Revised, March 18, 2008
Revised, May 20, 2008
Revised, June 15, 2010
Revised, September 20, 2011
Revised, November 20, 2013
Revised, July 19, 2022
Revised, January 17, 2023
