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 thought to be illegal or when a patron has been requested to leave the library and has refused to do so.

In accordance with the Michigan Statute (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 Library Administrator or the Administrator’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 contrary to unattended children policy.
• Vandalizing or deliberately damaging library property.
• Threatening or harassing library patrons or staff.
• Use of offensive or abusive language.
• Intoxication.
• Smoking or chewing tobacco or e-cigarettes.
• 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.
• Leaving animals unattended outside the library or bringing animals into the library with the exception of service animals/programming activities.
• Not wearing shoes or shirts.
• Viewing pornographic material.
• Theft.
• Sexual misconduct.

Aggrieved patrons may have the decision reviewed by the Library Board.

Approved by the Library Board April 20, 2009; Amended October 15, 2012, Amended July 15, 2013, Amended December 16, 2013, Amended March 2, 2015, Amended January 2, 2018, Amended March 2019