Policy: Code of Conduct

Fayetteville Public Library is committed to providing a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for all those using the library. The following policy protects the rights and safety of library patrons, staff and volunteers, and preserves and protects library materials, facilities and property.   

1. Patrons using the library agree to abide by the following guidelines:

1. Adults are not allowed in the preschool, grade school or teen libraries unless they are accompanied by  a child or require access to the youth collections.  Only adults with children in their care are allowed to use the restrooms located in youth libraries. 

2. Vulnerable adults will be supervised and attended to by a responsible party. 

3. Patrons, regardless of age, who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves must have adequate supervision and may not be left alone in the library. Caregivers must be attentive to the needs of persons in their care. *Note: Please see our Children in the Library policy for more information. 

4. Cell phone use will be short, quiet, in designated cell phone areas and will not disturb other library patrons. 

5. Headphones are required to listen to audio devices.

6. Unacceptable behavior or activities include, but are not limited to: 

   1. Smoking, skateboarding or skating, consuming intoxicants, intoxication, spitting or loitering. 

   2. Soliciting, selling, petitioning, canvassing, campaigning or distributing written materials on premises.

   3. Leaving bags and items unattended. 

   4. Annoying, harassing or threatening another person.  

   5. Physically, sexually or verbally abusing another person.

   6. Carrying or emitting an odor that interferes with others’ use of the library.

   7. Eating except in the café, deli, library terrace on the first floor or other approved areas. 

   8. Possessing food or drink that creates a potential nuisance because of odor, garbage or spills. Beverages in covered containers are allowed. No food or drink is allowed in the genealogy library. 

   9. Leaving automobiles in the parking deck overnight or for extended periods when the library is closed. 

   10. Demonstrating or picketing inside the building or in such a way as to block access to the building. 

   11. Carrying weapons of any type. 

   12. Defacing, damaging, rearranging or stealing library or City of Fayetteville property.   

   13. Uttering profane, obscene or injurious language. 

   14. Failing to follow the library’s Computer Resources & Internet Access policy. 

   15. Failing to wear proper attire.  Footwear, shirts/blouses and pants/skirts/dresses are required at all times. 

   16. Disturbing public peace by persistent loud, annoying or aggressive conduct. 

   17. Bringing animals into the building, except ADA service animals or by invitation for a program. 

   18. Tying up dogs or cats on library property as per City of Fayetteville leash law ordinance.      

   19. Parking motorized scooters on the plaza and sidewalks. Parking is available on the south surface parking or parking garage. 

   20. Lying down or appearing to be sleeping in the library; having feet on furniture/wall; or blocking aisles, exits or entrances. 

   21. Being in an unauthorized area of the library, remaining in an area after its closing or staying in the building when requested to leave during emergency situations or drills. 

   22. Engaging in any activities while on library premises that are not related to the proper use of the library. 

   23. Displaying other behaviors inappropriate in a public setting including, but not limited to, bathing in public restrooms and running.

2. The violation of any federal or state statutes or local ordinance will be regarded as a violation of library rules and may subject the individual(s) involved to exclusion from the library premises.   

3. Notwithstanding the above provisions, any person may, without prior notice or warning, be immediately removed from the Fayetteville Public Library if his or her presence or conduct on the premises poses an immediate and imminent danger to any person or property on such premises.  On first offense of unacceptable conduct, the person will be asked to leave the library; on second offense the person will lose library privileges for a short period of time; on third offense all library privileges will be revoked indefinitely.

4. Disruptive behavior is any behavior which, either consciously or unconsciously, violates or restricts the rights of others, including physical abuse, abusive or threatening language, and misuse of library facilities, computer systems and furnishings. Disruptive behavior disrupts the normal functioning of the library, whether or not that disruption is intentional. 

5. Theft, vandalism or mutilation of library material or property are criminal offenses that shall be prosecuted. In this regard, the library staff reserves the right to check library patrons’ personal belongings.