CODE OF CONDUCT

Our library is supported by the taxes of Hillsborough County residents, who have a right to expect our facility to be a clean, pleasant and safe place for selecting materials, reading, researching, studying, writing, and attending library or community-sponsored programs and meetings.

This Code of Conduct is intended to encourage behavior that supports the Library's mission of providing the best possible resources in a warm, welcoming environment. Behavior becomes unacceptable when it interferes with this mission, compromises the rights of others, causes damage to buildings or equipment, or causes injury to oneself or others. Those willing to modify unacceptable behavior are always welcome to stay. Those unable to comply will be asked to leave. If necessary, authorities will be called. Parents or guardians are responsible for the conduct and safety of people under their care.

Examples of unacceptable library behavior include:

- Violation of an active trespass warrant
- Abusing or vandalizing the library building, materials, computers, equipment or other property
- Bathing, shaving, washing clothes or other inappropriate uses of the restrooms
- Behaving in a manner that reasonably can be expected to disturb other patrons or staff members
- Personal hygiene that is offensive or constitutes a nuisance or health risk to others
- Bringing animals into the library, with the exception of certified service animals
- Operating any radio, telephone, television or other disruptive electronic devices
- Drinking beverages in open containers or at library computer stations
- Consuming food in non-designated areas
- Failure to follow library rules and regulations
- Harassing, intimidating, stalking or prolonged staring at other patrons or staff members
- Inadequate or improper attire (shirts and shoes required)
- Leaving individuals who require care or supervision unattended at closing
- Loitering on library property
- Loud, boisterous or disruptive behavior, or using abusive language
- Misuse of computers
- Placing feet on tables or chairs
- Possessing, consuming or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs
- Verbal or physical abuse of library patrons or staff members
- Skateboarding, roller skating or any similar activity on library property
- Selling, soliciting or proselytizing
- Sleeping
- Smoking
- Putting up posters, signs or sandwich boards for non-City sponsored events
- Setting up tables or displays in the lobby without library approval
- Illegal activity of any kind
- Any other activity deemed inappropriate or harmful to the library's mission

UNATTENDED CHILD POLICY

The library is a public place open to all members of the community and as such the staff encourages and welcomes use of the facility by children. However, for the safety of the children and courtesy to all patrons, parents are required to provide proper supervision and control over the activities of their children at all times.

To encourage both use and good behavior, parents or guardians are asked to observe the following:

1. Children under 8 years may not be left unattended in the library. They must be supervised at all times by their parent or an approved caregiver over the age of 16.

- The caregiver must remain in the room supervising the child at all times.

- The caregiver must remain in the library while children are attending story times, puppet shows or other library programs, and reassume supervision over the child upon program completion.

2. Children 8 through 10 will not be allowed to remain in the library for more than 30 minutes without a caregiver present.

3. Children 11 to 13 can be left alone for no more than two hours without a caregiver.

4. Talking, eating, chewing gum, drinking or disruptive behavior will not be permitted. Such conduct can result in denial of library privileges. After a warning by library staff, children who continue to be disruptive may be asked to leave. If disruptive children have no transportation, a parent or guardian will be called.

5. If an unaccompanied minor under the age of 16 remains in the library without a ride home at closing time, library staff will call the police and remain with the child until police arrive. The officer will remain with the child until the parents arrive or take protective measures as necessary.