Standards for Public Behavior

[Library Use by Children] [Grievance Procedures]

The “Standards for Public Behavior” Policy is to ensure that all users of the Library experience a pleasant and productive environment for study and research. Misuse of the Library, whether by theft, mutilation, or vandalism of library materials or property, or by interference with other library users, shows disrespect for the institution and disregard for the rights of other library users.

Any patron exhibiting disruptive behavior will be given a verbal warning that his/her behavior is not acceptable and must be stopped. If the disruptive behavior continues, or is of a serious nature, as outlined below, the patron will be asked to immediately leave the Library. If the patron fails to follow staff directions, the police may be called. 

Disruptive behavior may include, but not be limited to: inappropriate or abusive language, fighting, running, failure to heed staff directions, loud talking, littering, jumping on furnishings, playing loud audio devices, loitering, harassing others, and public displays of affection.

More serious disruptive behavior may include, but not be limited to: activating fire alarms and emergency exit alarms, theft, defacing or abusing library property or other acts of vandalism, threatening staff or other patrons, behaving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, and acts of public indecency. In the case of serious disruptive behavior, the Library Director, or the Person in Charge in the absence of the Library Director, will take appropriate action which may include contacting the police.

Patrons who cause repeated disturbances, violate Library policies repeatedly, violate any local, state, or federal law, or create a significant problem may have their Library privileges revoked or restricted at any time. In the event that the Library Director deems a longer ban necessary, s/he will seek final approval from the Library Board of Trustees.

Under no circumstances will Library staff transport any patron in their personal car or library vehicle to their home or to any other location.

I.          Food

Only covered beverages are allowed in the Library. No food of any kind is allowed in the main Library.

II.         Rollerblades, skateboards, etc.

Roller skates, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters and sports equipment are not permitted in the Library building. These items may be left at the Reception Desk until the patron is ready to leave. Roller shoes are only permitted if the rollers are recessed into the shoes.

III.        Bicycles

Bicycles are to be parked in the bike racks only. Bike locks may be borrowed from the Reception Desk to secure bicycles.

IV.        Audio devices

Audio devices with headphones are permitted unless noise becomes disturbing to others.

V.         Public Telephone

No loitering is allowed in the vicinity of the public telephone.  A limit of 10 minutes may be   imposed if others are waiting.

VII.       Smoking

The Library is a smoke free building. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Library building or within 15 feet of any Library entrance.  Smoking by persons under the age of eighteen (18) is not permitted at any time on Library property.

VIII.      Clothing

Footwear and shirts must be worn by all persons when in the Library.

IX.       Sleeping

Sleeping is not permitted on Library property.

X.        Cell Phones

Quiet and courteous use of a cellular telephone in the main Library is allowed. If conversation is disruptive to others, patrons may be asked to take their phone use to the lobby.

XI.        Group Study

Seating at Library tables is limited to four people. Staff members may authorize a larger group depending on circumstances and if the group behavior is not disruptive to others.

Library Use by Children

The Carol Stream Public Library welcomes the use of its facilities and services by children of all ages. The Library, however, is a busy public building and public places are not always safe for unattended children. The Library staff is not responsible for the supervision of children. Parents are responsible for the safety and behavior of their children in the Library and on Library property, whether or not the parents are in attendance.

I.          Children under the age of five (5) years:

Children under the age of five shall, at all times, be in the immediate presence of an adult or adolescent age fourteen (14) or older who has been designated by the parent or legal guardian to care for the child. Children ages three (3) to five (5) years of age who are attending Library programs may be left under the supervision of Library staff for the duration of the program only.

II.         Children ages five (5) to eight (8), or completing second grade:

Children between the ages of five (5) and eight (8) need not be in the immediate presence of a supervising adult or adolescent but the supervising adult or adolescent must be in the same area of the Library unless the child is attending a Library program. During Library programs the supervising adult or adolescent must remain in the Library and must promptly pick up their child as soon as the program is over.

III.        Children ages eight (8) and up:

Children ages eight (8) and up are welcome to use the Library unattended providing they are mature enough to follow Library rules and observe proper conduct. Any child who is left alone at the Library must be able to contact a responsible person in case of emergency or for transportation needs.

IV.        Special needs children:

Children of any age with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities which affect decision-making skills or render supervision necessary, must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver at all times.  Library patrons needing any additional accommodations should communicate these needs to Library staff.

V.         Disruptive children:

If a child is being disruptive to other patrons or violating Library rules, staff members will first verbally warn the child that his/her behavior is not acceptable and must be stopped or the child will be asked to leave the Library.  If the disruptive behavior continues, staff members will locate the parent or supervising adult or adolescent and ask them to take control of the child. If the parent or supervising adult or adolescent refuses or is unable to control the child, they will be asked to leave the Library.

If the disruptive child is at the Library unattended, and if the child is under 12 years of age, the library staff will attempt to locate the parent and/or guardian, explain the child’s behavior, and ask that the child be picked up immediately. If unable to reach the parent or guardian, the Library may contact the Carol Stream Police Department to report the presence of an unattended child in the Library and request that the child be picked up and transported to the police department where law enforcement will continue to attempt to locate the parent or guardian.  If an unattended, disruptive child is 12 years or older and has continued to violate Library rules or act in a disruptive manner following a verbal warning by Library staff, the child will be asked to leave the building immediately.

VI.        Unattended children after closing:

Parents are responsible for being aware of the Library’s hours and for picking up their children on time. Children are encouraged to contact their parents before closing to verify that transportation is available. Children under the age of 16 left unattended at closing time may be deemed at risk. If a child under the age of 16 is not picked up within 15 minutes of the Library’s closing time, the Carol Stream Police Department will be called.  Under no circumstances will Library staff transport any child in their personal car or library vehicle to the child’s home or to any other location.

Library staff members may notify the appropriate authorities if they have reason to suspect that there is evidence of abuse or neglect. Child neglect may include, among other things, a child being left unattended at the Library on a regular basis.

Grievance Procedures

Any redress for grievance regarding any actions taken by Library staff to enforce Library public  behavior standards must be submitted in writing to the Director. The Director shall respond in writing to this grievance. If the patron does not accept the Director’s response to the written grievance, the patron may submit a written redress for grievance to the Board of Library Trustees. The Board of Library Trustees shall review this grievance and provide a written response. The Board’s decision shall be final.