Behavior Policy
The Indianapolis Public Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming, pleasant, and safe environment for all patrons. Patrons are encouraged to use the Library's resources and services, to enjoy the Library as a place of study and inquiry, and to participate in Library's programs.
The Library Board of Trustees is responsible for determining the rules for public behavior in the Library that are necessary to protect the rights of individuals to use Library property, materials, and services; to protect the rights of Library employees and volunteers to conduct Library business without interference; to preserve Library materials and facilities from harm; and to ensure the safety of Library patrons, employees, and volunteers.
Adults and children are expected to adhere to the Library's Behavior Policy. For the safety and comfort of children, a responsible adult or caregiver should accompany children while they are using the Library.
IndyPL Behavior Policy (Policy 142)
Incidents of Problem Behavior. Problem behaviors are specific instances of disruptive actions that interfere with staff work or patron use of the Library.
Disorder. The Board reserves the right to cause to be ejected from the Library and to refuse further admission to those individuals who display inappropriate behavior, may violate the rights of the staff or Library users, or create disorder on Library property including any of the following:
- Any situation in which the actions of a person present an imminent danger to the life or safety of others on Library property, or
- Any situation in which a person is observed in an attempt to steal Library property or that of another Library user or employee, or to maliciously destroy Library property, or
- Any situation in which a person willfully and purposefully disturbs the staff or other Library users or whose behavior is in any way disruptive to the legitimate use of Library facilities by others, or
- Any situation in which a person’s behavior is inappropriate to the use of the Library building or outside grounds for the purposes for which it is legally constituted.
Inappropriate Behavior. Inappropriate behavior includes but is not limited to:
- Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children
- Loitering
- Sleeping
- Smoking Inside Buildings
- Eating and Drinking Except Where Permitted
- Gambling
- Begging/Panhandling
- Voyeurism
- Unwanted Sexual Advances
- Public Indecency
- Failing to wear shoes and clothing which substantially covers the torso
- Exhibiting a pervasive odor that unreasonably interferes with others' user of the Library
- Molestation
- Solicitation for Unlawful Purposes
- Using Obscene Language
- Using Threatening or Abusive Language
- Fighting
- Carrying a firearm other than allowed by law
- Carrying a weapon (other than a lawfully allowed firearm)
- Public Intoxication
- Possessing Alcohol or Illegal Drugs
- Vandalism
- Misuse of Library Computer Resources
- Violating any Federal, State, or Local laws, codes, or ordinances
Threatening Behavior. Threatening behavior includes any situation in which a person exhibits an expressed or implied threat to interfere with an individual's health or safety, or with the property of the Library, or property on Library premises belonging to others, which causes a reasonable apprehension or fear that such harm or injury is about to occur. Examples of threatening behavior include, but are not limited to:
- Direct or indirect threats of harm or injury
- Words or gestures which create a reasonable fear of harm or injury
- Prolonged or frequent shouting which creates a reasonable fear of harm or injury
Public Meetings. The Library prohibits the intentional display of firearms during public meetings.
Violators. Those persons who violate these rules will be asked to leave the Library, or, when appropriate, be subject to arrest. Repeated violators and/or those who refuse to leave will be subject to arrest and prosecution under IC35-43-2-2 entitled "Criminal Trespass." Records of violators will be maintained.
Suspended Patrons. Patrons having served the full term of their suspension of Library privileges may apply for reinstatement of their Library privileges via telephone by calling 317-275-4449.
Posting of Rules. These policies and rules as stated will be prominently posted in a public area of all Library buildings.
Computer Use Standards. Acceptable use standards for computer resources will be posted on the Library's web page and accessible on all Library computer terminals.
Revised July 21, 2011
