1. Respect for the rights of other library users shall prevail at all times. This is the keystone of the Code of Patron Behavior.
2. All library materials must be properly charged out.
3. Disruptive behavior is prohibited, including, but not limited to the following:
   1. Physical action or the threat of physical action that could cause injury to patrons or staff or damage to library property.
   2. Verbal abuse toward patrons and/or staff.
   3. Obscene language.
   4. Extended or loud speaking or noise that is disruptive to patrons and/or staff.
   5. Lewd or suggestive words or actions to patrons and/or staff.
   6. Voyeurism and/or exhibitionism.
   7. A repeated pattern of behavior in the building that is disturbing or threatening to patrons and/or staff.
   8. A pattern of napping or sleeping.
   9. Actions suggesting the influence of alcoholic, hallucinogenic or other controlled substance.
   10. Running and/or rough-housing in the library building.
   11. Sitting on walls or steps (both inside and outside the building) or any activity that obstructs patrons from entering or exiting the building is prohibited.
   12. Skateboarding, roller skating on library property, wading in and/or sitting on the fountain is prohibited.
   13. Tables, chairs and other furniture are not to be moved.
   14. No more than four (4) people are to sit at a table.
4. Weapons of any kind are prohibited on library property.
5. Patrons shall not bring food and/or beverage into the building nor consume the same within the building.
6. Use of a public restroom for such purposes as shaving, bathing, washing/drying clothes, etc., is prohibited.
7. Patrons shall not smoke within the building.
8. Pets may not be brought into the building except for registered service animals and/or for special events.
9. Any adult entering the Library must wear a shirt and shoes. Children without shirt and/or shoes may enter, but not stay for more than a few minutes.
10. Commission of any offense which would constitute a misdemeanor or felony under the criminal laws of the City of Charleston or State of West Virginia is prohibited.
11. Persons whose personal hygiene is a source of disturbance to other patrons or staff and/or interferes with other patrons' use of the library shall be barred from the library building until the source of the disturbance is removed.
12. The Library is not responsible for book bags, briefcases, purses, coats, or other personal belongings left unattended.
13. Behavior or activity by non-library personnel which implies that the library facility is a person's place of business or employment, or that their activity is sponsored or endorsed by the Library will not be tolerated.
14. Solicitation is prohibited.
15. Videotaping or the taking of pictures is prohibited unless prior authorization has been given by the Library Director or Administrative Services Officer.

In the event of a violation of this Code of Patron Behavior, sanctions may take the form of a warning or a request to leave the library building or a call to the police or other legal action as, in each instance, seems most appropriate.

Adopted April 9, 1981
Amended March 11, 1985; September 14, 1987; October 12, 1992; July 10, 1998