FLINT PUBLIC LIBRARY

POLICY ON PATRON CONDUCT

Statement of Purpose

Each visitor to the Flint Public Library can expect a welcoming environment, quality library services and respect for privacy. Each person has a right to receive quality services without disturbances from other patrons. The staff has a right to provide services free from fear of abuse or threatening behavior from library patrons.

To enable the Flint Public Library to provide quality library service in an environment where each patron is not disturbed by other patrons, the following policy is adopted.

Policy Statement

Disruptive behavior is unacceptable at the Flint Public Library. Failure to comply with the Library’s established rules and policies may result in removal from its premises and/or suspension of library privileges.

Prohibited behavior that is unacceptable in the Library includes:

• Soliciting inside the building
• Animals (except service animals)
• Visiting without shirt and/or shoes
• Vandalism or theft
• Threats or verbal abuse
• Eating food outside of designated areas
• Drinking from uncovered containers
• Fighting or throwing objects
• Gambling
• Smoking or using chewing tobacco
• Bikes, rollerblades, skateboards and scooters inside building
• Obstructing entrances, exits or stairways
• Disruptive, or excessive noise
• Except as authorized by Michigan law, weapons are strictly prohibited from library premises

Other Regulated Activities:

• Unattended personal belongings will be sent to Lost & Found.
• Cell phones should be set to vibrate and used in a manner that does not disturb other patrons.  Cell phones should not be used at the Checkout or other public service desks.
• Upon request for security purposes, all briefcases, luggage, handbags, packages, overcoats and shopping bags may be inspected by library staff.
• Use of Internet is regulated by specific policies available upon request.

Children Age 13 and Under:

• Children, ages 7 and under, must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or caregiver at all times.
• Children must be 13 years or older to watch a child aged 7 years and younger
• When children, 12 years or younger, are left 30 minutes after the library closes, the library staff will call the City of Flint Police Department for assistance.

We affirm the responsibility and the right of all parents and guardians to guide their own children’s use of the library’s resources and services.

Adopted by the Flint District Library Board August 2, 2007

Revised by Flint District Library Board September 10, 2009, Resolution 09-190

Revised by Flint District Library Board March 4, 2010, Resolution 10-199

Revised by Flint District Library Board May 5, 2022

Revised by Flint District Library Board April 6th, 2023