Approved 09/13/2022; Revised 09/14/2025
This policy seeks to preserve a safe atmosphere in the Library, where patrons can use library services and materials without disturbance, and staff can feel safe while conducting their duties.
Under the provisions of Chapter 43 of the Wisconsin State Statutes, specifically section 43.52(2), the Board may enact regulations that serve to ensure the safety of
all library staff and patrons, protect the materials collection, and maintain order in
the library.
Code of Conduct
The use of the Library is a privilege. Appropriate conduct by patrons of the Library will ensure a pleasant and safe environment, including respect for staff and other patrons. This Library has zero tolerance for threats or acts of violence.
Appropriate behavior includes:
- Respect for staff and other patrons so that all may use the services and facilities of the Library.
- Language and behavior that is suitable for a public building where young children are present.
Inappropriate behavior includes:
- Engaging in activities that unduly disturb other patrons, staff, or volunteers,
- Interfering with library operations,
- Using profanity, abusive or harassing language, including racial or ethnical slurs, jokes, or comments,
- Bringing weapons into the library,
- Vaping/smoking inside and on the library property,
- Committing or attempting to commit activities that are prohibited by law, such as:
- Battery/assault of another,
- Vandalism, destruction, or theft of library property,
- Disorderly conduct,
- Physically intimidating or threatening behavior
Library staff have the authority to issue an immediate ban lasting up to 48 hours from the Library facility and/or property. Staff must document this action, which is at their sole discretion based on the patron’s behavior. The ban must be based on the disruption caused by the patron’s inappropriate behavior.
Note: Library staff should contact local law enforcement if they require assistance with a disruptive patron.
The Director or her designee has the authority to issue extended bans from the Library and/or property of up to one year or more per incident. A lifetime ban may be issued for behavior such as the following:
- incidents that threaten the life or safety of staff or patrons
- misuse of the library property, contents, or technology
- use of library computers to commit fraud
A patron may ask the Library Board President to be added to the agenda to appeal an extended or lifetime ban to the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board’s decision shall be final.
Provisions for Children (ages 0 to 10):
Library staff do not assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the building and/or property. A parent or responsible person must accompany all children aged 10 or under while in the Library, including attendance at programs.
Staff may issue unofficial (undocumented) verbal warnings to disruptive children and/or to the parent/responsible person.
If children continually disrupt Library programs or services, staff will request the parents or guardians to promptly remove the children and themselves from the library. If the problem continues, staff will follow the library’s escalation process. (Documented in the Library’s Procedures Manual.)
Provisions for Youths (ages 11 to 18) & Adults
Youths may be in the Library without an adult. They must avoid disruptive behavior.
Staff may issue unofficial (undocumented) verbal warnings to youths and adults if they create disruptions.
If either youths or adults are so disruptive that they interrupt Library programs or services, and will not heed unofficial warnings, staff will contact the parents or guardians, and ask the youth to leave the library. If the problem continues, staff will follow the library’s escalation process. (Documented in the Library’s Procedures Manual.)
Updated: 10/28/25