Customer Behavior
All persons have free access to the Library during the hours it is open and the right to the reasonable use of its facilities and services. The Library, however, expects reasonable behavior from its users. Anti-social or problem behavior may infringe upon the rights of others in the use of the Library. It is the policy of the Library to maintain a safe facility, free from any threat of physical violence, emotional abuse, or any form of intimidation.
The following guidelines will apply:
- Respect for other Library users and staff shall prevail at all times.
- Talking shall be limited to quiet tones and low voices.
- Consumption of food and beverages in areas not designated for these activities.
- Tobacco use is prohibited inside the Library. This includes all tobacco related products, IE vaping, smoking, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, etc..
- Shoes and shirts are required at all times while using the Library.
- Public restrooms may not be used for bathing.
- No animals are permitted, except those assisting persons with disabilities.
- Use and possession of controlled substances, drugs or alcohol is prohibited on Library property.
- Criminal mischief to Library property is not permitted.
- Begging, soliciting, or gambling is not permitted.
- The Library maintains the right to inspect all packages of visitors entering or leaving the Library.
- Any behavior that endangers safety or health.
- Violation of any local, state or federal law.
- Vandalism or deliberate destruction of library property or materials.
- Theft of library materials or the personal property of other patrons or staff members.
- Deliberate disruption of library services.
- Library users must wear shoes and shirts.
- Panhandling, soliciting and loitering.
- Failure to supervise a child, of whom you are a parent or legal guardian, so that he or she does not disturb other persons in the library or damage library property.
- The Library has the right to restrict visitors from entering the Library with large bundles, carts, bicycles, or similar items.
Anyone who refuses to leave the Library at the request of a staff member is guilty of criminal trespass and is subject to arrest and prosecution.
The Library may take appropriate legal measures to enforce these behaviors or to prevent access to individuals who refuse to comply.
Problem Patrons
In dealing with the public, it is not usual to encounter difficult customers. To the extent that these customers exhibit criminal activity, whether felony or misdemeanor, the library is responsible for taking appropriate action, such as call the police. It is the responsibility of the library to ensure a safe place for the use of its customers and work of its staff.
Staff is urged to recognize the difference between true problem customers and the merely pesky customer. A certain degree of acceptance must be given to those unpleasant customers who are not breaking the law by their behavior but are disagreeable in manner and/or actions. Staff is not expected to allow them to interrupt their work, but is expected to treat them fairly.
Definitions
Abandonment of Minor: KRS 530.040
A person is guilty of abandonment of a minor when, as a parent, guardian, or other person legally charged with the care or custody of a minor, this person deserts the minor in any place under circumstances endangering his life or health and with intent to abandon him.
Assault
Intentional or by reckless conduct causes injury to another person.
Criminal Mischief
Intentionally damages the property of another.
Disorderly Conduct: KRS 525.060
A person is guilty of disorderly conduct when in a public place and with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or wantonly creating a risk thereof, this person:
- Engages in fighting or in violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior, or
- Makes unreasonable noise, or
- Refuses to obey an official order to disperse issued to maintain public safety in dangerous proximity to a fire, hazard, or other emergency, or
- Creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act that serves no legitimate purpose.
Harassment: KRS 525.070
A person is guilty of harassment when, with the intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person, this person:
- Strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects any person to physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same; or
- In a public place, makes an offensively coarse utterance, gesture or display, or addresses abusive language to any person present; or
- Follows a person in or about a public place or places; or
- Engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts which alarm or seriously annoy such other person and which serve no legitimate purpose.
Indecent Exposure: KRS 510.150
A person is guilty of indecent exposure when s/he intentionally exposes genitals under circumstances in which the individual knows or should know the conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm.
Jostling
Places a hand in the proximity of a person’s pocket or handbag.
Larceny
Wrongfully takes, obtains, or withholds the property of another.
Loitering: KRS 525.090
A person is guilty of loitering when such a person:
Loiters or remains in a public place for the purpose of gambling with cards, dice, or other gambling paraphernalia, except that the provisions of this section shall not apply if the person is participating in activity defined by KRS 528.010; or
Loiters or remains in a public place for the purpose of unlawfully using a controlled substance.
Menacing
Intentionally places another in fear of imminent physical injury.
Public Intoxication: KRS 525.100
A person is guilty of public intoxication when appearing in a public place manifestly under the influence of alcohol, or a controlled substance, or other intoxicating substance, not therapeutically administered, to the degree that he may endanger himself or other persons or property, or unreasonably annoy persons in his vicinity.
Public Lewdness
Intentionally exposes the private or intimate parts of the body in a lewd manner in a public place.
Trespass
Knowingly enters or remains unlawfully (see) in or upon premises.
Unlawfully Remains
A person who, regardless of his intent, enters or remains in or upon premises, which are, at the time, open to the public does so with license and privilege UNLESS THE PERSON DEFIES A LAWFUL ORDER NOT TO ENTER OR REMAIN, PERSONALLY COMMUNICATED TO SUCH PERSON BY THE OWNER ON SUCH PREMISES OR OTHER AUTHORIZED PERSON.
Complaints
Regarding Personnel
The single most important function of the library is to serve the public. This requires, on the part of the library employee, a commitment to meeting the informational needs of library users. Respect, courtesy, patience, tact and a diligence in the use of the library’s resources are necessary attributes of the library employee’s relations with the public. Offensive language, such as swearing, obscenities, shouting, ethnic slurs, etc., on library property will not be tolerated.
If a patron wishes to lodge a complaint against a library employee, that patron should be directed to the Library Director. In the Director’s absence, the patron may be asked if he/she/they would like to contact the Director later or speak with the Assistant Librarian. If the complaint is against the Director, the patron should be given the name of the President of the Board of Trustees.
Regarding Policies
All library users have a right to question general library procedures and policies. If a patron wishes to challenge or discuss a particular library policy, he/she should be shown the policy as written in the Policies and Procedures Manual of the Bracken County Public Library System, and invited to discuss the matter further, if need be, with the Director.