Acceptable Behavior

 
The Freeman Public Library is funded by the taxpayers of the City of Freeman, who expect the library to be a clean, comfortable, and safe environment for selecting materials, reading, researching, studying, writing, and attending programs or meetings. To ensure this, the library is responsible for establishing rules of conduct that protect the rights and safety of its patrons, volunteers, and staff, while also safeguarding its materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds.
Library staff will enforce these rules fairly and reasonably. They are authorized to intervene if prohibited behaviors or activities occur. Failure to comply with staff requests to correct such behavior may result in being asked to leave the library for the rest of the day. Repeated or more serious incidents may lead to extended loss of library privileges or involvement of law enforcement.
The responsibility for the safety, care, and supervision of children lies with their parents, guardians, or designated chaperones. Library staff are not responsible for the oversight or protection of minors at any time, whether they are inside the library or on library premises.
Parents, guardians, or caregivers are expected to actively monitor and guide children in their use of library resources, including the internet, to ensure materials selected align with personal or family values. It is important to note that some library resources may contain content that could be considered controversial.
Parents and guardians are also responsible for ensuring their children are picked up before the library closes. If a child is left at the library after closing hours and no contact can be made with a guardian for transportation, the Freeman Police Department will be contacted for assistance. Under no circumstances are library staff permitted to transport children to any location.
The following actions are examples of conduct not allowed on library premises:

• Engaging in any activity in violation of Federal, State, local or other applicable law or Library policy.
• Carrying firearms or dangerous weapons (except for law enforcement officers).
• Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or selling, using or possessing alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Verbally or physically threatening or abusive behavior, including stalking, offensive touching, or indecent exposure.
• Trespassing in non-public areas or being in the Library without permission of an authorized Library employee before or after Library hours.
• Creating disruptive noises such as shouting, using profanity or obscenities, rudeness, screaming or banging on computer keyboards.
• Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving or throwing things.
• Using audible devices without headphones. Using cell phones, pagers and other communication devices in a manner that disturbs others. Cell phone and pager audible ringers should be turned off, and calls should be made/taken in the lobby or out of doors.
• Littering
• Smoking or other tobacco use in the Library
• Bringing pets or animals other than service animals necessary for disabilities, into the Library, except as authorized by appropriate Library personnel.
• Any tampering with or destruction of Library property.