Pursuant to Sections 3375.40(H) and 2935.041 of the Ohio Revised Code the following Code of Conduct was adopted by the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Board of Trustees on November 12, 2013. The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library encourages and supports lifelong reading, viewing and listening in the pursuit of knowledge and joy. The following rules have been adopted for the comfort and protection of everyone using the library. The library staff will enforce these rules in a courteous yet firm manner. If any patron is confronted with violations of these rules, he/she should alert a staff member immediately. The library may use security video to confirm violations of the Code of Conduct.
The following activities are prohibited on library property:
- Excessive noise, including in person and cell phone conversations held at a disruptive level
- Use of foul, abusive, or threatening language
- Threatening actions, including fighting, hitting or physical abuse
- Running, or use of skateboards, roller skates, roller blades or other sports equipment
- Bringing non-service pets or animals into the library building.
- Use of tobacco products (or electronic substitutes), alcohol and/or unauthorized drugs in any form anywhere on library property (inside or outside). Persons who are under the influence of alcohol or an illegal substance will be asked to leave immediately.
- Inappropriate or disruptive behavior, which may include, but is not limited to, loitering, sleeping, vandalism, molestation, or solicitation
- All illegal activities
Food is allowed only in designated areas. Beverages with lids are permitted in all areas of the library except at public computers.
Shirts and shoes must be worn in the library.
Intentional defacement of library materials is a crime punishable by law.
The library reserves the right to inspect all bags, purses, briefcases, personal listening equipment, and overcoats for library materials, upon reasonable suspicion of a violation of library rules.
Given the potential adverse effect on an individual’s fundamental right to privacy, it is reasonable for a library, as a Limited Public Forum, to regulate the use of cameras and other recording devices in a manner that preserves an individual’s right to library services free from harassment, intimidation, or threats to their safety, well-being, and privacy.
Ohio Revised Code sections 149.432(A)(3) and (B) require that “personally identifiable information about an individual who has used any library service” remain confidential. This would include recording a person’s image or presence while on library premises. Therefore, taking photographs and/or recording videos of library patrons while on Library premises requires prior permission from (1) the library administration, (2) the subject being photographed/recorded, and (3) the parent or legal guardian of any minor subject.
Library staff may ask a patron who violates the policies regarding patron conduct to leave the library. Any patron refusing to leave the library at the request of library staff is considered in violation of Ohio Revised Code 2911.21 regarding trespass. Staff may ask police officers to assist them if the situation warrants.
Revised: December 2022
Adopted by the Board of Trustees: December 2022