Fullerton Public Library

Code of Conduct

The Fullerton Public Library has adopted this policy to ensure a positive library experience for everyone who visits the Library. The Library is open to all members of the general public for the purposes of reading, writing, conducting research, studying and the use of Library materials. Everyone has the right to use Library services and resources provided her or his behavior does not unreasonably interfere with the rights of other Library patrons to do the same. To that end, the Library prohibits any behavior that infringes on the reasonable expectation by Library patrons of a quiet and safe environment free of unreasonable disruption.

The Library expects its patrons to abide by the following rules. These rules are expressly promulgated to maintain the Library’s peaceful atmosphere, facilitate Library usage to as many patrons as possible, preserve easy access to Library materials, and protect Library property.

Failure of Library patrons to abide by the following code of conduct while on Library premises constitutes grounds for warning to cease the offending behavior, an order to immediately leave the Library premises, and/or the revocation of Library privileges and/or Library access.

Code of Conduct: Prohibited Personal Behavior

  • Any illegal conduct as defined by local, state, or federal law.
  • Interfering with another Library patron’s use of the Library and/or with the performance by Library staff of their duties. (Such prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to, behaving in a manner which reasonably can be expected to disturb others, harassing or annoying others through noisy or boisterous activities, battery, verbal threats, abusive language, offensive touching, staring at another person with the intent to annoy that person, singing, talking in monologues, and following another person about the Library premises with the intent to annoy that person.)
  • Sleeping
  • Selling, soliciting, or any other commercial activity in the Library, including but not limited to distributing or posting printed commercial material in the Library.  
  • Petition-signing and/or taking surveys in the Library.
  • Panhandling (meaning to approach strangers and beg for money, food, or some other item) in the Library.
  • Occupying more than one space during peak times of Library use
  • Blocking or impeding access to the Library, including but not limited to, blocking or impeding the use of Library entrances, exits, facilities, or property.
  • Lack of personal hygiene, or use of perfume or fragrance, which produces an odor that constitutes a nuisance by interfering with the reasonable use of the Library by other Library patrons, or by interfering with Library staff’s ability to reasonably perform their duties.
  • Unreasonably loud noise (such as from talking, cell phone conversations, banging on the furniture, and use of laptops and other media devices at a volume level that disturbs others).
  • Not wearing shirts and shoes (or other footwear) at all times in the Library.
  • Bringing any animal into library facilities, except for service animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, in compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations. Animals that are part of a library program may be allowed in library facilities with the consent of library staff.
  • Possession or display of weapons, illegal substances or drugs, or alcohol.
  • Smoking tobacco or any other substance (including the use of so-called “e-cigarettes,” which generally include electronic inhalers meant to simulate and substitute for tobacco smoking by utilizing a heating element to vaporize a liquid solution).

Code of Conduct for Personal Property

  • Food is prohibited in the Library, except in designated areas (Library Café). Covered beverages are permitted outside the technology area.
  • Any items brought into the Library are subject to inspection.
  • Personal possessions should not take up seating or space needed by others.
  • Unattended personal property abandoned in the Library will be removed and disposed of as appropriate.
  • Any items brought into the Library must not obstruct pathways or deny other Library patrons the reasonable use of the Library.
  • Personal items are the responsibility of the owner, and must be within the line of sight of the owner at all times. The Library is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen or damaged in or on the grounds of the Library.
  • Bringing more than 3 containers, packages, briefcases, parcels, or bundles into the library which singly or collectively exceed 24” x 16” x 10.”
  • Bringing bicycles, shopping carts or wheeled conveyances into the Library is prohibited, with the exception of wheelchairs and baby strollers/carriages used for the actual transport of a person or child, as well as wheeled backpacks or book carriers for the transport of research and reading material.
  • Laptop computers and other electronic devices are permitted as long as power cables are plugged in such a way that the power cables do not unreasonably disturb and/or cause potential injury to other Library patrons or staff.

Code of Conduct for Library Property

  • All Library patrons must use the Library's property (e.g., facilities, materials, and furnishings) for its intended purpose. For example, tables are not meant to be used as footrests, books and other reading material must not be damaged, torn or written in, and facilities must be maintained and left in a clean and orderly manner.  
  • Library furniture is not to be moved or rearranged without the approval of Library staff.
  • Public restrooms are not to be used for food preparation, camping, sleeping, bathing, shaving, or washing of hair or clothes.
  • Failure to return Library materials made available for loan, and/or to pay library fines or fees may result in the loss of borrowing privileges and/or computer use.
  • Theft, defacement, or destruction of Library property is prohibited. California Education Code Section 19910 provides that it is a misdemeanor to cut, tear, write in, mark, deface, break or injure library property, and that the parent or guardian of a minor who willfully and maliciously commits any of these prohibited acts shall be liable for all damages so caused by the minor.
  • Manipulating or bypassing Library software and/or computer systems, such as those that regulate computer use (e.g., software restricting computer use), as well as tampering with Library computer hardware or accessories, are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, violation of California Penal Code section 502 (Computer crimes).

Violations of Code of Conduct

In the event a Library patron violates any of the provisions of this Code of Conduct, the Library Director or her/his designee, authorized by the Library Board of Trustees, may revoke library privileges (including library cards) and/or access to the Library for a period to be determined by the Library Director or her/his designees. Revocation of Library access shall be issued in a written determination notice issued by the Library Director or her/his designee if the revocation is to exceed more than one day.

The Fullerton Police Department may be called upon to assist in the enforcement of this policy, including but not limited to, citation or arrest for trespassing by Library patrons who fail to leave the Library after being asked to leave by the Library Director or her/his designee and/or staff and for violation of the Library Code of Conduct.

Violation of the Library Code of Conduct or violation of any local, state or federal law in the Library may be addressed in any of the following manners by Library staff:

  • Verbal warning to cease the conduct in violation of the Code of Conduct (e.g., notification of the violation and reference to the Library Code of Conduct).
  • An order to the patron in violation to leave the Library immediately and to not return for the rest of the day.
  • Suspension of borrowing privileges for the patron in violation.
  • Suspension of Library privileges including removal from and denial of access to, all Library facilities and services for a period to be determined by the Library Director or her/his designees.
  • Criminal sanctions.

Conduct Which Warrants Immediate Order to Leave Library

  • Abusive or threatening language or gestures towards other Library patrons or staff.
  • Physical interference, confrontation or aggression towards other Library patrons or staff.
  • Failure to comply with any warning or request to cease conduct prohibited by the Library Code of Conduct, and/or failure to cease conduct which Library staff reasonably requests is ceased because the conduct is interfering with the reasonable use of the Library by other Library patrons.
  • Illegal behavior under local, state, or federal law.

Appeal of Revocation of Library Privileges and/or Access

A Library patron whose Library privileges and/or access have been revoked may appeal this action by submitting a completed PDF iconLibrary Privileges Revocation Appeal.pdf, to the Library Director or her designee within ten (10) days from the delivery date of the revocation letter. A copy of the Library Privileges Revocation Appeal Form and a self-addressed stamped envelope will be included with the revocation letter. An appeal can be submitted by mailing the completed form to: Fullerton Public Library, c/o Library Director, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832, or scan and email this completed form to: libraryreference@cityoffullerton.com  within ten (10) days from the Delivery Date of the letter, or the form may also be delivered to the Library within the 10-day period by a person whose Library privileges have not been revoked.

Upon receipt of a completedPDF iconLibrary Privileges Revocation Appeal.pdf, the Library Director or her designee will notify the Library Board of Trustees within 30 working days and will convene the Library Privileges Revocation Appeal Committee. This committee will consist of three Library Board Trustees and one Trustee who will serve as an Alternate. The Library Privileges Revocation Appeals Committee of the Library Board of Trustees will conduct a review of the Library Privileges Revocation Letter and documentation as well as the Library Privileges Revocation Appeal submitted by the patron. The Committee’s decision shall be issued in writing within five working days after the hearing and will be sent to the address on the submitted Library Privileges Revocation Appeal Form.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees ­| Date: July 22, 2021

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FULLERTON PUBLIC LIBRARY CODE OF CONDUCT

SAFE PRACTICES ADDENDUM

The following items are added to the library code of conduct as an addendum and shall continue indefinitely until such time as this temporary policy is revoked by the Library Board of Trustees. Thank you for honoring these measures, which are designed to keep our community safe, while allowing access to the library.

The library operates per relevant law, executive orders, and recommendations of federal, state, and local health and safety authorities. Therefore, the practices in this policy may be further modified as needed to conform to changing guidelines. Library staff continue to closely monitor the evolving understanding of Covid-19 by health and medical experts and will adapt its policies and procedures as appropriate as new information becomes available.

TEMPORARY SAFETY MEASURES

1.           All persons visiting City facilities observe current health and safety protocols.

2.            Library patrons with medical conditions preventing the wearing of masks will be provided reasonable accommodations for the delivery of library services.

3.            Please respect the safety of staff and our other patrons; do not enter the library if you are sick or experiencing symptoms of covid-19 or have recently been in contact with someone who has a confirmed or suspected case.

4.            Patrons that are sick, or have a fever, or are actively coughing or sneezing shall not enter library buildings, even if they are wearing a face covering.

5.            If health orders require them, face coverings or masks should completely cover the mouth and nose for all patrons ages 2 and up. Bandannas, scarves, hands, shirts or other clothing are not acceptable face coverings. Also, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas, face coverings containing valves, and mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings. All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:

•             Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material

•             Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin

•             Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face

•             Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the guest to remain hands-free

6.            Patrons visiting the library are asked not to reshelve the books they touch. Instead, place them on a designated book cart or on a designated shelf.

7.            Patrons are required to adhere to all signage and staff requests as related to current requirements, including changes in health and safety protocols.

8.            Minors (those under age 16) must be accompanied by, and under the direct supervision of, their own parent or legal guardian at all times. Exceptions can be made by the manager on duty.

9.            The library is following local & state regulations and guidelines. Failure to comply with applicable health and safety regulations as mandated or recommended by federal, state or local health officials will not be tolerated. Patrons should be aware that there is some risk inherent in using shared spaces & shared materials. We cannot guarantee a perfectly safe experience.

10.          For questions about this code of conduct, please contact the library director Judy Booth at 714-738-6383 or by email at judy.booth@cityoffullerton.com

We encourage you to explore our digital resources and take advantage of curbside services if you are unable to adhere to the new safety requirements listed above.

APPROVED BY THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES: DATE: July 22, 2021

PDF iconCode of Conduct - APPROVED BY BOT ON 7-22-2021

PDF iconSafe Practices Addendum - APPROVED BY BOT ON 7-22-2021