Resolution number
02-03-23

Effective date

We want people to use our facilities frequently and take full advantage of available materials, resources and programs. It is our intent to provide a positive and welcoming experience for all library visitors. To maintain this atmosphere, the staff will intervene in situations at the Library that present danger to the safety of persons or property, interfere with the rights of others, constitute disturbing or inappropriate uses of the Library and/or that involve the commission of illegal acts.

The following has been adopted and shall be posted at strategic places in the Library:

Worthington Libraries - Code of Conduct

The established rules are based on the powers granted to a public library board of trustees under the Ohio Revised Code, Section 3375.40(H).

These rules have been adopted for the comfort and safety of all those using library materials and services. They will be courteously and firmly enforced by the library staff. We ask your cooperation in maintaining a pleasant atmosphere, conducive to the effective use of library materials and services. As such, please note the following:

  1. Enjoy your food and covered drinks in the Library. Please dispose of trash, crumbs and debris properly.

  2. We love pets, but only service animals are permitted in the Library.

  3. Petitioning, such as voter registration or ballot issues, is welcome on library sidewalks and in the lobbies, but petitioners cannot block building entrances/exits. Regulations for leased space take precedent over library policies.

  4. Designated Teen areas are designed for people ages 12-18. Adults and younger children are encouraged to use other areas of the Library.

  5. Children under the age of 12 who are left at the Library for 20 minutes past closing may be reported to the police.

Please practice respectful behavior when visiting the Library. Certain activities, whether intentional or inadvertent, are not acceptable at the Library, including any actions that are unsafe or interfere with the rights of others, physical abuse, abusive or threatening language and misuse of library furnishings and equipment. Engaging in these activities may result in a loss of library privileges, and those engaging in such activities may be asked to leave the Library. We ask that all visitors refrain from engaging in the following behaviors during their library visits:

  1. Making unreasonable noise (speaking loudly, singing, snoring and listening to music at a volume noticed by others)

  2. Provoking arguments, fighting and arranging fights on or off premises

  3. Harassing other patrons and/or staff (deliberate or repeated behavior that is intimidating, offensive and/or hostile) in a manner that impacts patron use of the Library and/or staff work performance

  4. Taking photographs and/or recording videos of library staff or patrons without their permission

  5. Using profane, obscene or abusive language, including but not limited to related to someone's identities such as race, sexual orientation, gender, age, etc.

  6. Possessing weapons or other items deemed dangerous by library staff

  7. Using, selling or being under the influence of drugs (including alcohol) while on library property

  8. Smoking and use of tobacco products or substitutes

  9. Gambling, panhandling and soliciting (including but not exclusive to money, handbills, coupons)

  10. Monopolizing/obstructing space, seating, tables or equipment to the exclusion of others

  11. Bathing, shaving and/or washing clothes on the premises

  12. Committing theft, vandalism or other illegal acts which are subject to prosecution

  13. Leaving children unattended or insufficiently supervised by siblings or caregivers, which results in acts disruptive to patrons

  14. Failure or refusal to leave the Library at the request of staff or after closing hours as set by the Board of Trustees

If you witness a breach of our Code of Conduct, please inform a staff member immediately and allow library staff to address these situations. We will do our best to come to a quick resolution.

Library staff are required to bring to an individual's attention any act or omission which is not in line with the Code of Conduct and related library policies. Library visitors will be asked to change their behavior to align with the rules. If such a change is not evident or forthcoming, visitors may be asked to leave the library building and library property. If a visitor is asked to leave and does not do so, police may be called in for assistance.

Depending on the nature of the infraction, visitors who have been asked to leave the building may be barred from returning to the Library for varying periods of time. Individuals who have been barred from returning may be required to discuss the violation with the Library Manager or Director before being welcomed back to the Library. A conversation with the parents or caregivers of children to discuss future conditions of library attendance may be required.