Library Code of Conduct Enforcement Guidelines
This document is intended to ensure that behavior that violates Hayward Public Library’s Code of Conduct are dealt with in a consistent manner and guarantee that Hayward Public Library (Library) facilities are safe and welcoming to all. Persons who violate the policy may receive a warning from staff and/or an opportunity to correct their behavior or may be asked to leave the library. Persons who violate the code through the use of a telephone or electronic communication, may have their communication ignored or may be forbidden from communicating with the Library in such a manner.
Illegal activity, as well as any repeated or egregious violations of the Code of Conduct or other library policies may result in removal from the facility and/or suspension of library privileges. Longer suspensions of the privilege to enter or use Library premises or services will be given based on the severity of the offense as outlined below. In addition, where authorized by Federal, State or local law, violations of these guidelines may also result in arrest or other legal measures, including Restraining or Stay Away orders.
Any of the listed offences may result in involvement of Law Enforcement personnel to help restore order. Any repetition of offences beyond the 3rd time, or of an assortment of more than 3 offences by one individual within a period of 18 months may result in an indefinite or even permanent suspension of Library-use privileges which will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Suspension periods for minors may be adjusted at the discretion of Library staff. Suspensions of privileges may be appealed by contacting the Library Director as explained in the suspension of privileges notice, though it will continue to be enforced during the appeal process.
Behavior | First Offense | Second Offense | Third Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
Any conduct that violates federal, state, or local statutes or ordinances. | 30 Days or as determined by the law | 60 Days or as determined by the law | 90 Days or as determined by the law |
Displaying, using, or threatening the use of firearms or other deadly weapons. Exemptions from this prohibition are recognized for law enforcement and individuals licensed to carry handguns in accordance with state law. Individuals licensed to carry handguns may be asked to show proof of this privilege. | 30 Days | 60 Days | 90 Days |
| Physically assaulting other patrons or staff. | 60 Days minimum and possible arrest | 120 Days and possible arrest | 180 Days and possible arrest |
| Use of illegal or recreational drugs including alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis, including smoking, vaping, or use of e-cigarettes. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| The use of abusive, threatening, harassing, or offensive language. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Harassing behavior toward any person in the library, including but not limited to staring, stalking, lurking, repeated unwanted personal and/or embarrassing questions or attention | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Defacing, damaging, or stealing Library or City property or the property of Library staff or patrons. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Failure to follow the reasonable direction of a Library staff member, intentionally monopolizing staff time to the exclusion of others, or engaging in any other behavior or activity that prevents or hinders Library employees in the performance of their duties. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Refusal to leave the premises when asked by a member or the staff or entering non-public areas without authorization. | Asked to leave for the day | 14 days and possible arrest | 30 days and possible arrest |
| Engaging in or soliciting any type of unwanted or explicit sexual contact or behavior. | 7 days and possible arrest | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Soliciting or asking for money, donations, or signatures, or the distribution or posting of any printed materials except through authorized library procedures subject to the Community Information Board Policy. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Viewing or displaying inappropriate or sexually explicit material that is visible to other patrons or staff, on library or personal computers or devices. Use of library computers and Wi-Fi is further subject to the Computer Use Policy. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children and dependent adults. Children under the age of 10 may not be left unattended in the library. See the Unattended Children Policy for additional information. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Entering or remaining in age-restricted areas. While everyone is welcome to browse for materials, seating in the Children’s area is reserved for children and families, and seating in the teen room is limited to teens aged 13-17. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Bringing animals, other than service animals assisting people with disabilities, inside library facilities or within 10 feet of any door. Service animals recognized under Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and under California laws protecting the use of service dogs are permitted in the library. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Presenting offensive and pervasive odors which constitute a nuisance to other patrons or staff. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Creating any unreasonable noise which disturbs other patrons or staff. Please use headphones set at a reasonable level when listening to audio on electronic devices. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Bringing bicycles, scooters, or other similar devices into the library, except for wheelchairs or walkers that are actively being used to assist persons with disabilities and strollers that are actively being used to transport children or infants. Motorized mobility devices must not travel faster than typical pedestrian speeds. Skateboards, roller blades, or other similar devices are permitted inside library facilities if they are carried, not ridden. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Monopolizing/obstructing space, seating, tables, or equipment to the exclusion of others; blocking entrance areas, aisles, or passageways in any way that could prohibit the free flow of pedestrian traffic. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Consuming or possessing food or beverages outside of designated areas or not in approved containers. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Using another patron’s library card and/or account number for any purpose, including to access library computers or services. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Using restrooms for bathing, laundering, loitering, sexual activity, drug use, or any other unintended use. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Failing to wear adequate clothing, including top, bottom and shoes. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Lying down or sleeping on Library premises. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
| Storing personal belongings on Library property or leaving personal belongings unattended. Library staff will not monitor unattended property and is not responsible for lost or stolen property. | Asked to leave for the day | 7 Days | 30 days |
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