VI. Patron Responsibilities and Conduct
It is a patron's responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior in order to protect his/her individual rights and the rights and privileges of other patrons. If a patron creates a public nuisance, that patron may be restricted from the Library and from the use of the Library facilities. Those who are unwilling to leave or do not leave within a reasonable amount of time, after being instructed to do so by the staff, will be reported to law enforcement.
Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of the Library while in the building or on Library property. Patrons not engaged in reading, studying, writing, participating in scheduled Library programs, or using Library materials shall be required to leave the building and shall not remain on Library property.
Young children: Also see attached Children in the Library Policy
The White Pigeon Township Library encourages visits by young children and it is our desire to make this important visit both memorable and enjoyable for the child. Library staff is not expected to assume responsibility for the care of children in the Library.
Therefore, it is Library policy that all children under age seven must be continually attended by a parent or designated responsible adult while in the Library. Also, if the young child is attending a Library program, we require the parent/responsible adult to remain in the Library throughout the program.
Disruptive children:
Children of all ages are encouraged to use the Library for homework, computer use, recreational reading, and program attendance. The Library staff realizes that the Library will be noisier at busy times and that children by nature can cause more commotion. Children (whether with parents or not) who are being disruptive will be redirected to appropriate library behavior. If after a second warning, the child continues to be disruptive, he/she will be asked to leave the Library property. If the child needs to contact a parent, they may use the library phone to do so. If a child is asked to leave the Library for any breach of patron conduct, a parent or guardian of the child must meet with the Director in person prior to the child being allowed on Library property.
School-age Children: Also see School Closing Due to Illness (Section XXI, Letter H)
School-age children will not be allowed in the library during school hours unless accompanied at all times by their parent or guardian. This includes home schooled children and those enrolled in the school CTE program. Exceptions to this rule are at the discretion of the Director.
A. User Conduct Policy
The White Pigeon Township Library seeks to provide a comfortable environment for all Library users, and to be stewards of the property in its care. For the Library to be safely enjoyed by all patrons, the following rules and regulations must be observed. While no list can be complete, any conduct that disrupts the operation of the Library or the safety and well-being of its users is prohibited.
Violations of this policy may result in action ranging from a verbal warning, to staff asking a patron to leave the Library for the remainder of the day, to a patron’s permanent loss of Library privileges, to legal prosecution. The level of action shall be at the discretion of the Library Director with the recommendation of the Library Board.
Any patron that loses Library privileges as a result of violations to this policy may file a written appeal within five business day of the date of the violation to the Library Director whose decision is final.
B. Photography Policy
The White Pigeon Township Library (WPTL) has a significant interest in maintaining an environment that allows patrons to freely access library information and resources. This interest requires WPTL to maintain policies that protect the privacy of its patrons and staff members and ensures their freedom from harassment, intimidation, and threats to their safety and well-being.
Permission is not required for taking photographs or videos in public areas of the Library building for personal, noncommercial use if no tripods, lights, or other specialized equipment is used. However, there may be library locations where the taking of photographs or videos is restricted or prohibited (i.e., restrooms, populated children’s area, staff only areas). Persons taking photographs or videos shall not compromise a patron’s right to privacy or in any way violate the Library Privacy Act (see section V. of WPTL policies). Persons taking photographs or videos may not harass, intimidate, or threaten a patron or staff member, may not block library aisles, walkways, doors, or exits, and may not enter the staff only areas of the library.
Members of the media should check in with the library’s staff prior to or upon entering the library to alert staff of the intent to photograph or video inside the library; when possible, the Director or AD will be notified in advance to avoid potential interruption.
C. Notice of User Conduct Policy Violation Patron(s) _____________________
Date of Incident________________
White Pigeon Township Library
Notice of User Conduct Policy Violation
This is notice that you have violated the White Pigeon Township Library User Conduct Policy.
Your violations:
Excessive noise or disruption Computer use agreement violations Offensive behavior
Obscene language Misuse of Library materials/equipment
Disrespect of Library Staff or patrons
Other:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As a result of this violation, you are suspended from the Library grounds for __________ beginning ___________, 20___ based on the severity of the violation and prior violations, if any.
If patron is a minor, this form must be signed by the patron and their parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must personally meet with the Director to discuss the violations and ways to avoid them in the future before the patron’s Library privileges are reinstated. The suspension period will begin on the date of parent/director meeting.
To arrange for a meeting with the director, call 269-483-7409 or email [email protected]
Due to the violation of policy # _____, the patron must address the Library Board in person to request reinstatement of library privileges.
Violations of this policy may result in action ranging from a verbal warning, to staff asking a patron to leave the Library for the remainder of the day, to a patron’s permanent loss of Library privileges, to legal prosecution. The level of action shall be at the discretion of the Library Director with the recommendation of the Library Board.
Date: _______________ Patron Name: ___________________________
Patron Signature:_________________________ Parent Signature:_________________________
(parent or guardian must sign if patron is a minor)
Staff Member:___________________________
Any patron that loses Library privileges as a result of violations to this policy may file a written appeal within five business day of the date of the violation to the Library Director whose decision is final.
Copies to:
Patron (and Parent or Guardian if patron is a minor), Library Director, Library Board President
D. Children in the Library
White Pigeon Township Library
Children in the Library Policy
To prevent undue interruptions of normal Library activities, to provide for the general welfare of all persons using the Library, and to provide for the general safety of the children using the Library, the following rules and regulations are in effect:
All patrons, no matter their age, are required to abide by the Patron Responsibilities and Conduct Policy.
THE WHITE PIGEON TOWNSHIP LIBRARY ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CHILDREN LEFT UNATTENDED ON LIBRARY PREMISES.
If a child has not been picked up within 15 minutes after closing time, the local police will be notified.
LIBRARY STAFF ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TAKE CHILDREN HOME.
Computer Use Agreement
White Pigeon Township Library
Children wishing to use library computers must understand and agree to the following:
Children may be prohibited from using computers if they have overdue books or unpaid fines, or if the adult responsible for them has overdue items or unpaid fines.
I have received and understand the Children in the Library Policy and give my permission for the following child(ren) (ages 7-17) to use library computers.
Child’s Name ____________________________________ Birthdate _____________
____________________________________ Birthdate _____________
____________________________________ Birthdate _____________
____________________________________ Birthdate _____________
Parent’s Name:__________________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature: _______________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________ Township: _________________________
Phone: ___________________________
updated 12/27/2021
It is a patron's responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior in order to protect his/her individual rights and the rights and privileges of other patrons. If a patron creates a public nuisance, that patron may be restricted from the Library and from the use of the Library facilities. Those who are unwilling to leave or do not leave within a reasonable amount of time, after being instructed to do so by the staff, will be reported to law enforcement.
Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of the Library while in the building or on Library property. Patrons not engaged in reading, studying, writing, participating in scheduled Library programs, or using Library materials shall be required to leave the building and shall not remain on Library property.
Young children: Also see attached Children in the Library Policy
The White Pigeon Township Library encourages visits by young children and it is our desire to make this important visit both memorable and enjoyable for the child. Library staff is not expected to assume responsibility for the care of children in the Library.
Therefore, it is Library policy that all children under age seven must be continually attended by a parent or designated responsible adult while in the Library. Also, if the young child is attending a Library program, we require the parent/responsible adult to remain in the Library throughout the program.
Disruptive children:
Children of all ages are encouraged to use the Library for homework, computer use, recreational reading, and program attendance. The Library staff realizes that the Library will be noisier at busy times and that children by nature can cause more commotion. Children (whether with parents or not) who are being disruptive will be redirected to appropriate library behavior. If after a second warning, the child continues to be disruptive, he/she will be asked to leave the Library property. If the child needs to contact a parent, they may use the library phone to do so. If a child is asked to leave the Library for any breach of patron conduct, a parent or guardian of the child must meet with the Director in person prior to the child being allowed on Library property.
School-age Children: Also see School Closing Due to Illness (Section XXI, Letter H)
School-age children will not be allowed in the library during school hours unless accompanied at all times by their parent or guardian. This includes home schooled children and those enrolled in the school CTE program. Exceptions to this rule are at the discretion of the Director.
A. User Conduct Policy
The White Pigeon Township Library seeks to provide a comfortable environment for all Library users, and to be stewards of the property in its care. For the Library to be safely enjoyed by all patrons, the following rules and regulations must be observed. While no list can be complete, any conduct that disrupts the operation of the Library or the safety and well-being of its users is prohibited.
- Food: Eating in the Library, outside of meeting rooms or Library-sanctioned events is prohibited.
- Proper Attire: All patrons must wear proper attire including shirts and shoes for health and safety reasons,
- Unattended Children: Abandoning or leaving young children (under the age of seven) unattended is forbidden. See Children in the Library policy.
- Internet Use Policy Violations: Violating the provisions of the Internet Use Policy, including the viewing of inappropriate sites/content, exceeding computer access time limitations or disregarding requests by Library staff to terminate computer use is forbidden. See Internet Use Policy.
- Wheeled Conveyances: In order to maintain a safe environment, the use of any wheeled conveyance, including but not limited to, skateboards, roller blades or skates, baby walkers, and Heelys are prohibited. This does not apply to baby strollers and mobility assistance devices such as wheelchairs and scooters.
- Service Animals: Only service animals directly assisting persons with disabilities are allowed in the Library unless they are part of a Library program. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the American Disabilities Act and are not allowed in the Library.
- Disorder/Noise: Disorderly behavior of any kind, boisterous physical behavior, or excessive noise and/or noise that disturbs others is forbidden. While some Library programming may involve noise and activity, all efforts will be made not to unduly disturb others. Patrons should respect the rights of others and not engage in loud conversations or noisy activities, profane or abusive language, shouting, singing, or use of audio devices without headphones. Cell phone conversations should be performed quietly and courteously or be taken outside the library.
- Harassment: Staring, photographing, video recording, audio recording, following, stalking, harassing, arguing with, threatening or behaving in a manner (1) which can reasonably be expected to disturb Library users or staff while such staff or patrons are in the Library or on Library property; and/or (2) that interferes with the Library patrons’ use of the Library or the ability of the staff person to do their job is prohibited.
- Interference with Staff: Patrons may not interfere with the staff’s performance of duties in the Library, on Library property, or at Library programs off of the premises. This includes engaging in conversation or behavior that monopolizes or forces the attention of staff for an inappropriate period of time, inappropriate personal comments, sexual advances, or physical and/or verbal or written harassment.
- Staff Areas: Patrons shall not be permitted in staff areas unless otherwise permitted by the Library Director.
- Library Telephone: The library phone is for library business only. Patron use is not allowed.
- Tables/Structures on Library Property: No person may use or set up a table, stand, sign, or structure on Library property without expressed consent from the Library Director. This does not apply to Library-sponsored or co-sponsored events.
- Restrooms: Misuse of restrooms, including but not limited to laundering, shaving, hair cutting or trimming, bathing, and sexual activity is prohibited. No more than one person is allowed in the restroom stall (or men’s restroom) at a time unless they are related.
- Body Odor: Offensive body odor due to poor personal hygiene, overpowering perfume, or cologne that causes a nuisance is prohibited.
- Tobacco/Alcohol/Drugs: The use of alcohol, vaping, tobacco in any form, or narcotics is prohibited in the Library. Patrons noticeably under the influence of alcohol or an illegal drug will be asked to leave Library property, and will be reported to law enforcement.
- Soliciting: Soliciting or selling, campaigning, panhandling, distribution of non-library literature, and fundraising on Library premises is prohibited unless part of a Library-sponsored or co-sponsored program.
- Theft/Damage: Theft of or damage to Library property or other patron’s property is prohibited. Anyone involved in such activity will be subject to arrest and prosecution and will be responsible for restitution.
- Disruptive or Illegal Video and Photography: A patron may take videos and photographs in and around the library as long as they are not being a nuisance to staff or patrons, and they are abiding by the Library Privacy Act (see B. Photography Policy). Photography of minor children without expressed consent of the child’s parent is strictly forbidden.
- Violations of Law: Committing or attempting to commit an activity in violation of federal, state, or local law, ordinance or regulation (including but not limited to assault, larceny, removing Library materials from the property without authorization through the approved lending procedures, or vandalism) is prohibited.
- Weapons: While open carry of a firearm is permitted in Michigan, brandishing or threatening in any way (whether physical, verbal, or implied) is prohibited and is punishable by law. Other than open carry of a firearm, patrons are not allowed to possess any item that could be construed as a weapon. This includes, but is not limited to: knives, tactical batons, pepper spray, tasers, stun guns, and baseball bats.
- Unauthorized Use: Patrons must leave the Library promptly at closing time and may not be in the Library when it is not open to the public. Further, any patron whose privileges to use the Library have been denied may not enter the Library. Any patron whose privileges have been limited may not use the Library in any manner that conflicts with those limits placed on the patron by the Library Director, his or her designee, or the Library Board.
Violations of this policy may result in action ranging from a verbal warning, to staff asking a patron to leave the Library for the remainder of the day, to a patron’s permanent loss of Library privileges, to legal prosecution. The level of action shall be at the discretion of the Library Director with the recommendation of the Library Board.
Any patron that loses Library privileges as a result of violations to this policy may file a written appeal within five business day of the date of the violation to the Library Director whose decision is final.
B. Photography Policy
The White Pigeon Township Library (WPTL) has a significant interest in maintaining an environment that allows patrons to freely access library information and resources. This interest requires WPTL to maintain policies that protect the privacy of its patrons and staff members and ensures their freedom from harassment, intimidation, and threats to their safety and well-being.
Permission is not required for taking photographs or videos in public areas of the Library building for personal, noncommercial use if no tripods, lights, or other specialized equipment is used. However, there may be library locations where the taking of photographs or videos is restricted or prohibited (i.e., restrooms, populated children’s area, staff only areas). Persons taking photographs or videos shall not compromise a patron’s right to privacy or in any way violate the Library Privacy Act (see section V. of WPTL policies). Persons taking photographs or videos may not harass, intimidate, or threaten a patron or staff member, may not block library aisles, walkways, doors, or exits, and may not enter the staff only areas of the library.
Members of the media should check in with the library’s staff prior to or upon entering the library to alert staff of the intent to photograph or video inside the library; when possible, the Director or AD will be notified in advance to avoid potential interruption.
- Exterior Photography and Videos
- Library Photography, Videos, and Recording
- Library Board Meetings
- Liability
- Right Subject to Compliance with Policy
C. Notice of User Conduct Policy Violation Patron(s) _____________________
Date of Incident________________
White Pigeon Township Library
Notice of User Conduct Policy Violation
This is notice that you have violated the White Pigeon Township Library User Conduct Policy.
Your violations:
Excessive noise or disruption Computer use agreement violations Offensive behavior
Obscene language Misuse of Library materials/equipment
Disrespect of Library Staff or patrons
Other:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As a result of this violation, you are suspended from the Library grounds for __________ beginning ___________, 20___ based on the severity of the violation and prior violations, if any.
If patron is a minor, this form must be signed by the patron and their parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must personally meet with the Director to discuss the violations and ways to avoid them in the future before the patron’s Library privileges are reinstated. The suspension period will begin on the date of parent/director meeting.
To arrange for a meeting with the director, call 269-483-7409 or email [email protected]
Due to the violation of policy # _____, the patron must address the Library Board in person to request reinstatement of library privileges.
Violations of this policy may result in action ranging from a verbal warning, to staff asking a patron to leave the Library for the remainder of the day, to a patron’s permanent loss of Library privileges, to legal prosecution. The level of action shall be at the discretion of the Library Director with the recommendation of the Library Board.
Date: _______________ Patron Name: ___________________________
Patron Signature:_________________________ Parent Signature:_________________________
(parent or guardian must sign if patron is a minor)
Staff Member:___________________________
Any patron that loses Library privileges as a result of violations to this policy may file a written appeal within five business day of the date of the violation to the Library Director whose decision is final.
Copies to:
Patron (and Parent or Guardian if patron is a minor), Library Director, Library Board President
D. Children in the Library
White Pigeon Township Library
Children in the Library Policy
To prevent undue interruptions of normal Library activities, to provide for the general welfare of all persons using the Library, and to provide for the general safety of the children using the Library, the following rules and regulations are in effect:
- All children under seven years of age, shall at all times be continually attended and adequately supervised by a responsible adult.
- Children from age seven and older may use the Library unattended, subject to any other policies of conduct.
- School age children will not be allowed in the Library during school hours unless accompanied at all times by their parent or guardian. This includes home schooled children and those enrolled in CTE programs.
- Persons responsible for children with special needs related to physical, mental, ability, or emotional health which causes disruptive behavior, will be expected to remain with the child at all times (no matter the child’s age), while on Library property or attending Library functions.
All patrons, no matter their age, are required to abide by the Patron Responsibilities and Conduct Policy.
THE WHITE PIGEON TOWNSHIP LIBRARY ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CHILDREN LEFT UNATTENDED ON LIBRARY PREMISES.
If a child has not been picked up within 15 minutes after closing time, the local police will be notified.
LIBRARY STAFF ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TAKE CHILDREN HOME.
Computer Use Agreement
White Pigeon Township Library
Children wishing to use library computers must understand and agree to the following:
- Be considerate of the others using the library
- Respect the legal protection provided by copyright and license to programs and data
- NOT visit websites with content unsuitable for public viewing
- NOT use library computers in any way that is malicious, illegal, or unethical
Children may be prohibited from using computers if they have overdue books or unpaid fines, or if the adult responsible for them has overdue items or unpaid fines.
I have received and understand the Children in the Library Policy and give my permission for the following child(ren) (ages 7-17) to use library computers.
Child’s Name ____________________________________ Birthdate _____________
____________________________________ Birthdate _____________
____________________________________ Birthdate _____________
____________________________________ Birthdate _____________
Parent’s Name:__________________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature: _______________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________ Township: _________________________
Phone: ___________________________
updated 12/27/2021