Library Use Guidelines

Three Rivers Regional Library strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all our patrons for reading, learning, exploring, creating, participating in programs and enjoying all the Library has to offer. The following guidelines are meant to ensure that the Library is a safe and enjoyable environment for our patrons and that the Library equipment and facilities are protected.

Illegal Conduct/Activities

Library patrons may not engage in any action or activity that violates any Federal, State, local laws, ordinances, regulations and/or community standards.

Personal Conduct/Behavior

Patrons may not: engage in disruptive, disorderly or threatening behavior; smoke (including e-cigarettes) or use tobacco in any form; possess, consume or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs; solicit for money, signatures, donations, services or goods; sleep; make unreasonable noise including cell phone use. Personal property must be in sight of the owner and cannot obstruct aisles, doorways, stairways, walkways, elevators or ramps.

Public Computers/Internet Use

Patrons may use library computers for lawful purposes in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided and must follow all rules concerning limited computer time.

Patrons may not use the Internet for any purpose prohibited by Florida or federal law; misrepresent themselves by access code, password or signature; alter hardware or software nor make copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data unless such use is authorized. The Library is compliant with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and has technology protection measures on its computers designed to protect against access to visual depictions that may reasonably be construed as 1.) obscene, 2.) child pornography or 3.) harmful to minors. Patrons will not send, receive or display sexually explicit materials nor materials deemed harmful to minors and will refrain from displaying such material on a terminal.

Children/Vulnerable Individuals

Children under the age of 10 and/or vulnerable individuals* must be attended by a responsible person while using the Library. Adult use of the children’s area is limited to use by parents and caregivers accompanying or acting on behalf of children.

Food/Drinks

No food or drinks are allowed in public areas unless permission is granted by the library manager.

Animals

Only service animals are allowed in the Library.

Restrooms

Bathing, shaving or other unintended uses of restrooms are not permitted. Library materials may not be taken into the restroom.

Library Property

Furniture may not be moved without staff permission. Library furniture and equipment may only be used for their customary and intended purposes.

Attire and Hygiene

Appropriate dress for a public place is required; shoes and shirts must be worn; clothing must be appropriately buttoned or zipped. Personal bodily hygiene must be such that offensive odors do not disturb and constitute a nuisance to others and prevent them from using library equipment and facilities.

Failure to comply with the Library Use Guidelines may result in exclusion from the Library for specific periods of time, including permanently.

* 'Vulnerable individual' means an individual with mental or physical impairment who is unable to protect himself from abuse or exploitation or comprehend and comply with Library policies.


Adopted by the Three Rivers Regional Library Board of Trustees on June 14, 2018