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Policy: Code of Conduct

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  1. Fayetteville Public Library is committed to providing a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for all those using the Library. The following policy protects the rights and safety of library patrons, staff, and volunteers; it also preserves and protects Library materials, facilities, and property.

  2.  Patrons using the library agree that:

    1. Adults are not allowed in the Preschool, Grade School, or Teen Libraries unless they are accompanied by a child or require access to the youth collections.

    2. Adults with children in their charge are the only adults allowed to use the restrooms located in youth libraries.

    3. Patrons who cannot use the library safely and independently, for any reason, must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver who provides the level of supervision appropriate to the individual’s needs.

    4. Patrons, regardless of age, who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves must have adequate supervision and may not be left alone in the library. Caregivers must be attentive to the needs of the person in their care. (Note: See policy ND Children in the Library).

    5. When a minor is left unattended at closing (see policy ND Children in the Library):

      1. For ages 12 and under, if a parent or caregiver cannot immediately be contacted and does not arrive within 15 minutes, local law enforcement will be contacted. Law enforcement can be contacted sooner if the situation warrants it.
      2. For children age 13 and over, staff discretion is advised if there are additional safety or situational concerns. If there are concerns, law enforcement could be contacted.

    6. Bags and personal items must be kept with the patron at all times, may not obstruct walkways or other library resources, and should be of a size that allows for safe and unobstructed placement beneath seating or tables.

    7. Cell phone use will be short, quiet, and not disturbing to other Library patrons.

    8. Headphones are required when listening to audio and video devices.

    9. Unacceptable behavior or activities include, but are not limited to:

      1. Smoking, skateboarding, skating, consuming intoxicants, intoxication, spitting, or loitering.

      2. Soliciting, selling, petitioning, canvassing, campaigning, or distributing written materials on premises.1

      3. Leaving bags and items unattended.

      4. Annoying, harassing, or threatening another person.

      5. Abusing another person either physically, sexually, or verbally.

      6. Strong odors that unreasonably interfere with others’ use of the library.

      7. Food may be consumed only in designated areas, including the café, terrace, and other approved spaces. Beverages in covered containers are permitted. Food and drink are not allowed in the Genealogy Library.

      8. Leaving automobiles in the parking deck overnight or for extended periods when the Library is closed.

      9. Demonstrating or picketing inside the building or in such a way as to block access to the building.

      10. Carrying or possessing a loaded firearm or other deadly weapon on Library premises, except as permitted by Arkansas Code Annotated § 5-73-122, including without limitation: (1) law enforcement officers, whether on-duty or off-duty; (2) security guards employed by the state, city, or county; (3) state or federal military personnel; and (4) persons who have completed training and received a concealed carry endorsement under § 5-73-322(g).

      11. Defacing, damaging, rearranging, or stealing Library or City of Fayetteville property.

      12. Using language or behavior that is threatening, harassing, profane, obscene, or likely to incite immediate disruption is prohibited.

      13. Failing to follow the Library’s “Computer Resources and Internet Access” policy.

      14. Failing to wear proper attire. Footwear, shirts/blouses, and pants/skirts/dresses are required at all times.

      15. Disturbing public peace by persistent loud, annoying, or aggressive conduct.

      16. Bringing animals into the building, except service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted. All other animals require prior approval.

      17. Tying-up dogs or cats on Library property as per City of Fayetteville leash law ordinance.

      18. Parking motorized scooters on the plazas and sidewalks. (Note: Parking on the south surface parking lot or parking garage is available.)

      19. Lying down, sleeping, or appearing to be sleeping in the Library; having feet on furniture/wall; or blocking aisles, exits, or entrances.

      20. Being in an unauthorized area of the Library or remaining in an area after its closing; staying in the building when requested to leave during emergency situations or drills.

      21. Engaging in any activities while on Library premises that are not related to the proper use of the Library.

      22. Displaying other behaviors inappropriate in a public setting, including but not limited to bathing in public restrooms and running.

  3. The violation of any federal or state statutes or local ordinance will be regarded as a violation of Library policy and may subject the individual(s) involved to exclusion from the Library premises.

  4. Notwithstanding the above provisions, any person may, without prior notice or warning, be immediately removed from the Fayetteville Public Library if their presence or conduct on the premises poses an immediate and imminent danger to any person or property on such premises. Depending on the severity of the violation, consequences may include being asked to leave for the day, a temporary suspension of library privileges, or permanent revocation of library privileges.

  5. Disruptive behavior is any behavior, which, either consciously or unconsciously, violates or restricts the rights of library patrons or staff, is physical abuse, is abusive or threatening language, or is misuse of library facilities, computer systems, and furnishings. Disruptive behavior disrupts the normal functioning of the Library, whether or not that disruption is intentional.

  6. Theft, vandalism, or mutilation of Library material or property are criminal offenses that shall be prosecuted. In this regard, the Library staff reserves the right to check library patrons’ personal belongings. 

1 Premises is defined as all property up to, but not including, the public sidewalk.

Code: NC

Date: 1991 & 3/21/05

Date Revised: 9/23/99; 3/27/01 (D); 5/28/01 (D); 5/13/03 (D); 3/18/04 (D); 8/16/04; 3/21/05; 2/08/08 (D); Policies NC & ND combined and revised 10/17/16 ; 7/12/21 (D); 06/15/26