Patron Code of Conduct
The purpose of the Bryan-Bennett Library Patron Code of Conduct is to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all library patrons. This code of conduct applies to patron conduct with each other, as well as with staff and volunteers.
Patrons have a responsibility to use the library in a manner that does not interfere with the rights of other individuals to use library materials, resources, and services.  Patron conduct should not prevent the library staff and volunteers from conducting library business.  The library uses security cameras to help monitor patron activities, both inside and outside of the building.
Conduct considered unacceptable includes, but is not limited to:
* Any act or conduct in violation of federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulations.
* Any act or conduct which constitutes a nuisance or disrupts service to other library patrons, volunteers, and/or staff.
* Bringing weapons of any kind into the library or on library grounds. The ONLY exception is law enforcement.
* Behaving in loud, boisterous, or disruptive manner.
* Smoking, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes.
* Intoxication, and consumption of alcohol on library grounds or in the library.
* Fighting or threatening to fight.
* Patrons may not display materials or make verbal comments or gestures that might reasonably be expected to offend or harass other patrons, volunteers, or staff.
* Patrons may not engage in or solicit a sexual act or sexually harass other patrons or staff.
* Damaging library materials, equipment, furniture, or facilities.  This includes using these items in a way that may cause harm to self, patrons, volunteers, staff, or personal or public property. 
* For hygiene and safety purposes, patrons must not wear or emit strong odors or scents.  They must wear adequate clothing, including shirts, pants, and shoes.
* Patrons may not jeopardize the health and cleanliness of other patrons, library staff, library materials, and library facilities with pests, bodily fluids, or waste.  This includes, but is not limited to, fleas, lice, bed bugs, roaches, blood, urine, or feces on themselves or their possessions.
* Unreasonable use of library restrooms is not allowed.  This includes, but is not limited to, smoking or vaping, bathing, shaving, laundering clothing, soliciting, clogging plumbing, and/or engaging in any sort of sexual activity.






* Personal possessions must not be left unattended.  The library is not responsible for personal belongings.  Unattended or suspicious items may be removed from the premises without notice.
* Bringing animals into the library. Exceptions include service animals (as defined by the Americans with Disability Act) and animals being used in a library program.
Violators of this code of conduct may be denied access to the library by the Director and/or the Board of Trustees.  The length of time will depend on the nature of the offense.*  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 and is refusing to do so.
Any patron whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Library Board of Trustees upon written request.

*Illinois law (75 ILCS 5/4-7(11)) authorizes the Library Board of Trustees to exclude from the use of the library any person who willfully violates an ordinance or regulation prescribed by the board.




1   (UPDATED 6/2025)