Erie County Public Library
Policy Manual
SECTION: BEHAVIOR AND CONDUCT POLICY
NUMBER: 952
UPDATED: March 8, 2018
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 21, 2011
The Erie County Public Library seeks to provide clean, safe, and pleasant facilities for everyone to use and enjoy. We expect all library patrons to observe normal rules of common courtesy and to treat other patrons, staff, and volunteers with civility and respect. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the Library and/or loss of Library privileges.
For the safety and comfort of all, please observe the following:
- Comply with all staff direction and requests, verbal or written
- Food and uncovered beverages are allowed in the lobby, café, and designated areas only
- Attire conforming to community standards for public spaces, including shirt, shoes, and bottoms, are required at all times
- Large items, packages, or personal effects must not block or obstruct walkways or aisles or inhibit the use of the library by other patrons. Personal items must not be left unattended; the Library is not responsible for any lost or stolen items
- All posted or distributed material must be approved by Library Administration
- Use library materials, facilities, and equipment as intended. Viewing of texts, photos, movies, or sound bites of an obscene or pornographic nature (see 18 Pa.C.S. 5903) is prohibited.
- Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are welcome in the library. All other animals, unless assisting in a prearranged library event, are prohibited
- Do not leave youth or adults who are in need of supervision unattended
The following are examples of prohibited behavior:
- Soliciting, panhandling
- Voyeurism, peeping, exhibitionism, and/or interfering with another’s reasonable expectations of privacy
- Creating unreasonable noise or disturbances, including loud and/or prolonged cell phone conversations
- Bathing, shaving or washing clothes in the public restrooms
- Bringing infested clothing, personal effects or items into the library
- Fighting, threatening or verbally abusing other library users or library staff
- Riding a bicycle, skateboard, wearing roller skates, roller blades, or footwear with wheels in the library
- Having offensive and/or pervasive odor that interferes with other users ability to enjoy the library
- Drug or alcohol use and intoxication
- Smoking, vaping, and the use of tobacco or e-cigarettes
- Bringing unauthorized weapons into the library
- Monopolizing or harassing library staff or other library users
Applicable Laws and Ordinances
We expect all Library users to abide by the laws of the United States and Pennsylvania and the ordinances of the City and County of Erie while at the Library. Anyone violating such laws and ordinances will be prosecuted in accordance with the Pennsylvania Crimes Code and other applicable laws.
Banning and Appeal
Individuals who violate the Library’s policies may be banned by library managers for repeated and/or serious offenses. Banned individuals will be informed in writing of their ban and the ban length. They may not visit any ECPL location during the length of their ban. Individuals may appeal their ban by contacting the Library’s Executive Director within 3 days of receiving their ban letter. The Executive Director will speak with the individual to discuss the ban and may lift or keep the ban in place at their discretion.
