Code of Conduct

It is the intent of the board of trustees of the Lorain Public Library to make the library a place for learning and recreation for all citizens of the library service area. It is the responsibility of the trustees to provide a pleasant, orderly facility conducive to effective use of library services and materials.

The administration has the responsibility of assuring a pleasant experience for all library users. To meet this responsibility, the library staff will identify behavior that infringes on the rights of other patrons or staff and/or threatens the safety of library property. The library staff and/or security personnel will then deal with the behavior according to the guidelines in the routines for this policy.

These rules have been adopted to ensure the comfort and protection of all those using library materials and services.

The following types of disruptive behavior interfere with an atmosphere conducive to effective use of library materials and services. Continued violations may result in a temporary or permanent expulsion from the library and/or loss of library privileges. The Library CEO and other Library staff are authorized to determine what constitutes disruptive behavior. 

They may include, but are not limited to:

  • Noise (including radios and ringing/musical tones played by cell phones) or loud talking which interferes with the rights of others
  • Using profane, obscene or abusive language
  • Making racial, ethnic, religious, gender or sexual orientation epithets
  • Harassing patrons or staff, including without limitation deliberate or repeated behavior that is intimidating, hostile and/or offensive, or that adversely impacts staff work performance or patron use of the Library
  • Creating a disruption that significantly interferes with Library operations or another person's us of Library services or spaces
  • Physical abuse, assault, fighting or challenging someone to fight 
  • Running in the building
  • Misuse of library furnishings, restroom facilities, materials or equipment
  • Loitering, congregating on or around entrances/exits, stairways or any other library property in a manner that blocks easy access to the library’s facilities for other patrons or the staff
  • Entering unauthorized workspaces or work areas or other non-public areas
  • Possessing a weapon of any kind or a realistic imitation weapon in the Library, whether concealed or in plain view, unless the person possessing the weapon is a law enforcement officer acting in an official capacity
  • Failure to adhere to library Internet Access guidelines and procedures
  • Vaping or smoking on Library premises
  • Violating other Library policies and/or guidelines
  • Violating federal, state and/or local laws
  • Engaging in other acts disruptive to patrons and staff

Additional Guidelines for the Use of Library Spaces and Facilities

  • Library staff and/or security personnel may limit the number of people seated in a given area or at any one table
  • Children ages 6 and under should be accompanied by a caregiver who will maintain responsibility for children under their care while in the library. Library staff cannot be responsible for unattended children of any age
  • Assistance animals, or assistance animals in training accompanied by a trainer, will be the only animals permitted in the library unless authorized in advance by a Branch Manager or Main Library Manager, after approval of the Library CEO or Library COO
  • In order to keep books, materials and furnishings in good order, eating is only permitted in designated areas of the library during designated times and at meetings or during special library programs when so designated by the sponsor and approved by the library.
  • The library may limit personal belongings to items that can be stored under a chair or small table. Personal belongings must remain with their owner at all times and may not interfere with others' use of library space or monopolize seating or public areas. The library is not responsible for lost, stolen, or unattended belongings and may remove or dispose of items left unattended inside or outside the facility
  • Appropriate clothing including shoes is required.
  • A suspension can be appealed in writing by contacting the Library's CEO/Director. A permanent expulsion may be appealed to the Lorain Public Library System Board of Trustees.

Policy  revised by Board of Trustees Oct. 16, 2026