Code of Conduct
To ensure that all patrons of the Hastings Public Library may safely and freely use the library, there are expectations that patrons will behave in a manner that does not interfere with the mission of the library, the rights of others, damage the library or cause injury to others. Any library patrons who are unwilling to modify behavior that is unacceptable will be asked to leave the premises. The library uses security and video surveillance cameras to assist the library as it monitors behavior. The police will be called immediately when a patron’s conduct is illegal or when a patron has been requested to leave the library and has refused to do so.
In accordance with the Michigan Statue (MCL 397.206), the Library Board may exclude from the use of the library any or all persons who shall willfully violate the Code of Conduct that the Library Board has adopted. Such exclusion from the Hastings Public Library shall occur on the orders of the Director or the Director’s duly authorized representative.
The following procedures will be enforced for library patrons who have been asked to leave the library:
1st time offense. No library privileges for 1 week.
2nd time offense. No library privileges for 1 month.
3rd time offense. No library privileges for 1 year.
Conduct that is considered unacceptable includes, but is not limited to:
Abandoning or leaving children under the age of 8.
Vandalizing or deliberately damaging library property.
Threatening or harassing library patrons or staff.
Use of offensive or abusive language.
Intoxication.
Smoking or chewing tobacco.
Eating food or drinking beverages without using a spill-proof container.
Carrying a weapon.
Boisterous behavior i.e. running, rollerblading, skateboarding, loud talking, whistling, singing.
Selling or soliciting.
Sleeping.
Loitering.
Bringing animals into the library with the exception of service animals/programming activities.
Not wearing shoes or shirts.
Viewing pornographic material.
Aggrieved patrons may have the decision reviewed by the Library Board.
Unattended Children Policy
Parents and guardians are responsible for their children’s safety and behavior while in the library or on library property and will be held responsible for damage to library property caused by their children. This responsibility is not abridged if the parent or guardian is not present in the library with their child.
Children ages four (4) and younger may not be left unattended in the library unless participating in scheduled library programs. Children ages five (5) and six (6) may be left alone in the children’s area provided a responsible adult or mature adolescent is in the building.
All children are subject to the Code of Conduct and policies of the Hastings Public Library.
If it is determined by library staff that a child is left unattended, the proper authorities will be contacted. “Unattended” means that the parent/care giver is not in the library building supervising the child.
If at closing a child is left in the building, staff are instructed to call the police.
Surveillance Cameras in the Library
Hastings Public Library uses surveillance cameras to record at 15 points within the library during business hours. The monitoring is overwritten when the database is full so that ongoing security information is only kept for a minimum time, generally not exceeding a week.
Extracts of the monitors can be made by storing certain segments of the data to external CD. These copies are made when security breaches occur or disciplinary action under the Code of Conduct occurs. These materials are kept by the Library Administrator until the purpose for creating the tape is served. At that time the copies are destroyed. These copies are considered library records and can only be released to third parties with permission of the individuals involved or by court order.
The library discloses the use of surveillance cameras by signage at the entry doors.
