TORRANCE PUBLIC LIBRARY
STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR
The Torrance Public Library is supported by the taxes of the citizens of Torrance, Los Angeles County and the State of California; and as such, they have a right to expect that each of the six facilities be a clean, pleasant and safe building. To better serve members of the public, the Torrance Public Library has established certain standards.
Libraries should be used as pleasant places to read, to request information and gain reference assistance, to choose books and other library materials, to do homework, use computers, and copy machines; and to attend programs and listen to storytimes.
Unfortunately, the behavior of a few library visitors creates problems. Behavior becomes unacceptable when it impinges on the rights of others, when it could result in injury to oneself or others, when it disrupts library service, or when it could result in damage to the building or equipment. Examples of this kind of behavior include:
q ABUSING, VANDALIZING, DESTROYING, DEFACING, MOVING OR THEFT OF library materials or property or personal property of patrons or staff
q DISORDERLY CONDUCT Willfully annoying another person, rowdiness, engaging in loud conversation, excessive chattiness, quarreling, throwing objects or running
q HARASSMENT/PHYSICAL, SEXUAL OR VERBAL ABUSE Includes disrespectful language, profanity, verbal abuse or insolence toward other library users or library staff
q EXHIBITIONISM/FLASHING/VOYEURISM/PEEPING
q ABANDONMENT. LEAVING OF YOUNG CHILDREN UNDER AGE 9 UNATTENDED
q RESTRICTING others' use of the library
q INTOXICATION resulting from alcohol, drugs, or other substances
q SMOKING/EATING/DRINKING
q SELLING, PANHANDLING, SOLICITING OR GAMBLING
q SLEEPING
q INTERFERING WITH OTHER PATRONS' USE OF LIBRARY FACILITIES through extremely poor personal hygiene
q PLACING FEET on chairs or tables
q AIMLESS/RESTLESS ROAMING OR LOITERING. Includes refusal to leave at closing
q ENTERING areas marked "Employees Only" or "Staff Only"
q USING AUDIO EQUIPMENT without headphones
q USING CELLULAR TELEPHONES inside the library
The following may not be brought into libraries:
q WEAPONS
q BICYCLES, SKATES OR SKATEBOARDS
q ANIMALS, except for service animals.
q BEDROLLS/BLANKETS
All library visitors are required to be fully clothed, including shirt and shoes, at all times.
The library reserves the right to require library users to leave the library premises if the Standards of Behavior are not maintained. The library premises includes not only the building, but the land area surrounding it, such as the front, rear and side grounds, the sidewalks and parking lots. If you refuse to leave, or otherwise continue prohibited behavior, the Police will be contacted. Repeated violations of the Standards of Behavior may result in the limitation or revocation of library privileges. In addition, criminal acts may result in arrest and prosecution to the full extent of the law. No person shall refuse to obey the reasonable requests of an employee of the Torrance Public Library.
Approved by the Torrance Library Commission 7-11-05
