Code of Conduct Policy

The purposes of the Library's rules for the conduct for library users are: 

1. To protect the rights of individuals who are in the Library to use library materials and/or services.

2. To protect the rights of staff members to conduct library business without interference.

3. To preserve library materials and facilities.

According to the Michigan statute (MCL 397.206), the Library Board may exclude from the use of the Library any and all persons who shall willfully violate such reasonable rules and regulations as the Board may adopt. Such exclusion from this Library shall occur on the orders of the Director or his/her designees. In serious cases parents or police will be contacted. In this document, "withholding of library privileges" is defined as meaning that an individual may not enter or use the Library. This policy applies to the conduct of library users at the Elsie Public Library, referred to in this document as "the Library".

The violation of any federal or state statute or local ordinance on library premises will also be regarded as a violation of library rules. The laws and ordinances that follow are cited by way of illustration and not limitation. These are regarded as major infractions necessitating possible police action:

- assault/assault & battery - intoxication - fighting - patron in building after hours without permission- larceny - knowing destruction, damage, defacement or removal of property- disturbance of the peace by loud/aggressive behavior - indecent/obscene conduct or exposure - solicitation for acts of prostitution - selling, use, possession or distribution of mood altering substances, except with a legal prescription- harassment of patrons or staff - loitering - obstructing the lobby or entrance of the Library

In addition to prohibitions against illegal behavior, the following conduct policies are also in force:

1. Alcohol may not be consumed on the premises. (Out for the day.)

2. There is no smoking in any part of the building. (One warning, then out for the day.)

3. Eating or drinking are not permitted in the building except for the Community Room during scheduled meetings or in staff areas. (One warning, then out for the day.)

4. Conversations, including cell phone conversations or other sounds in louder volume than the general noise level in the building at the time are not permitted. Foul or abusive language will not be tolerated. Audio equipment is allowed only with earphones. (Two warnings, then out for the day.)

5. Boisterous behavior, running, or roughhousing are not permitted. (Two warnings, then out for the day.)

6. Animals are not permitted in the Library, except for those assisting the handicapped (such as leader dogs for the blind), or in special circumstances with the specific permission of the Director or his/her designee. (One warning then out for the day.)

7. Bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, roller skates and similar devices may not be used in the building, or library sidewalks.

8. Possession of a firearm, knife, or other weapon is not permitted on Library property. 

9. Littering on library property is not permitted. (One warning, then out for the day.)

10. Patrons must wear shirts and shoes at all times while in the library. 

Persons who violate the Library's conduct code may be asked to leave the premises for the day. A second offense may bar them from the Library for a month; a third offense for a year.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, any person may, without prior notice or warning, be immediately removed from the Elsie Public Library if his/her presence or conduct on the premises poses an immediate and imminent danger to any person or property on such premises.