Code of Conduct

Elm Grove Public Library Code of Conduct policy

The Elm Grove Public Library, established and supported by the citizens of Elm Grove, provides access to library facilities, resources, and services to meet the informational, educational, and leisure needs of all people in the community.  The purpose of the library’s Code of Conduct policy is to protect the rights of individuals using library services, assist staff members in effectively conducting library operations, and to preserve library materials and facilities.

No policy can anticipate and address all possible inappropriate behaviors, but this policy is intended to establish certain guiding principles.

Behaviors that are disruptive or inappropriate or that disrupt others’ use of the library are prohibited and will not be tolerated.

Examples of disruptive behaviors are:

• Any illegal activity
• Smoking, tobacco, or electronic cigarette use and possession or use of alcoholic beverages
• Engaging in loud or disruptive conversations, making continuous noise, or using personal electronic equipment at a disturbing volume
• Offensive, threatening or abusive language or behavior
• Refusal to leave the library when asked
• Harassment, unwanted conversations, or interference with staff performance of duties or patrons’ use of the library
• Food and uncovered beverages in the public areas of the library
• Violating the privacy of patrons or staff
• Entering an unauthorized area
• Damaging, defacing or misusing library materials, equipment or facilities, or relocating library furniture or equipment without permission of library staff
• Not wearing upper and lower body clothing and footwear
• Personal hygiene which disrupts others from using library facilities, collections or services
• Prolonged or chronic sleeping
• Soliciting or providing commercial goods or services, or soliciting donations, distributing literature or collecting petition signatures, except as part of a library-sponsored event
• Animals brought into the library that are not working service animals or part of a library program 

When possible, library staff will first seek to inform individuals about the applicable policy or procedure before taking stronger measures. Code of Conduct violations may result in temporary or permanent revocation of library privileges including being banned from the library at the discretion of the library director. 

A written request for reconsideration may be submitted to the library director for consideration. 

Adopted by the Elm Grove Public Library Board of Trustees on July 22, 2024