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For complete policy information, use the listing at left to access the official Library documents. Below is a general summary of key conduct issues.

General Conduct and Behavior in the Library

The Iowa City Public Library Board Policy prohibits conduct in the Library that "a) interferes with the rights of individuals to use library materials and services, b) interferes with the ability of library staff to conduct library business, or c) threatens the secure and comfortable environment of the Library. "

THEFT OR MUTILATION OF LIBRARY PROPERTY IS A VIOLATION OF STATE LAW. Iowa Code Sections 702.22, 714.5, 716 & 808.12.

First time offenders may lose Library privileges for a period of three months, while second time offenders will permanently lose library privileges and may be prosecuted for theft or destruction of library property.

Unattended Child Policy

Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied at all times by a parent or caretaker of at least 13 years of age while in the library.
[Complete Unattended Children Policy]

Food, Beverage and Smoking

For the benefit of keeping both library materials and furniture in good condition it is necessary to restrict refreshments (food and beverage) to the Public Lounge and Meeting Rooms A, B, C and D only.

Smoking, the use of tobacco products, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in the Library. People found in violation of this guideline will be required to leave immediately.

Patron Behavior

In order to ensure an atmosphere of safety and respect, the Library prohibits behavior which may include but is not limited to the following:

• Willfully annoying, harassing, or threatening another person.
• Campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, survey taking, soliciting, and selling, unless authorized by the Director or his/her designee.
• Picture taking or video taping of people except at Library sponsored events or programs unless authorized by the people involved or their parents if minors are present.
• Behaving in a disorderly, loud or boisterous manner not caused by a disability.
• Listening to radios or personal cassette players without ear phones.
• Impeding access to the building or an area of the building or blocking book stack aisles for extended periods of time.
• Bringing animals into the library, except as required by persons who are physically challenged.
• Leaving animals, bicycles or personal items in the library vestibule.
• Leaving personal items in the building overnight. Library assumes no responsibility for any belongings left unattended.
• Entering the non-public or locked areas, unless accompanied by a staff member or through prior authorization from a staff member.
• Maintaining bodily hygiene which is so offensive as to constitute a nuisance to other persons.

[Complete Conduct Policy]

Internet Use

Full access to World Wide Web sites is available. Staff may, however, limit images displayed on those screens open to public viewing in order to ensure the secure and comfortable environment of the library. Use of library internet workstations for illegal activity is strictly prohibited.
[Complete Internet Use Policy]

Enforcement

Enforcement of these rules for persons age nine and over may take the form of any of the following actions, depending on the severity of the misconduct which will be determined by the staff on duty at the time.

In the case of minor disruption, the patron receives two warnings. At the third offense, the patron must leave the library for the rest of the day.

In the case of extreme misconduct the offender may receive only one warning or be ordered to leave the building immediately. The police may be called as appropriate.

Patrons causing disruption on repeated visits will be warned by the Director or designee that they will not be allowed to enter the building if the behavior continues. If a correction is not made, patron will be barred from the library for one month. If library privileges are reinstated and the disturbance recurs, the patrons may be barred from the library for longer periods.

For children under age nine, a staff member will issue two warnings to the child and then inform parent/caretaker that the child is behaving in a disruptive manner. If the parent/caretaker refuses or is unable to control the child, they will be asked to leave with the child. If the parent/caretaker has not been located within an hour, is uncooperative, or if the library is closing, the police will be called to assume responsibility for the child. Children are subject to all of the above guidelines and may be banned from the library.

These guidelines are designed to make your library visit safe, productive and pleasant. Please help us keep our collection intact and in good condition and help us to maintain our building for all to use.

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