Code of Conduct

Approved by the Whitefish Bay Library Board of Trustees December 11, 2007. Revised and approved by the Whitefish Bay Library Board of Trustees April 13, 2010; October 21, 2014; April 1, 2025.

Whitefish Bay Public Library Mission Statement
The Whitefish Bay Public Library, as a cornerstone of the community, is dedicated to connecting all people, inspiring a love of learning, and providing access to ideas, information, and resources.

LIBRARY CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY

In keeping with its mission to help people read, learn, and connect, the staff and Board of Trustees of the Whitefish Bay Public Library (Library) are committed to providing excellent customer service in a welcoming atmosphere.

Staff and Library patrons share responsibilities to ensure this atmosphere is maintained at all times. The following guidelines are set forth to define those behaviors and activities that are and are not allowed on Library property. Library staff will enforce these guidelines in a consistent and impartial manner.

Staff is committed to providing:

1. Courteous, respectful, and knowledgeable assistance.
2. Access to Library resources.
3. A welcoming environment.
4. A clean building.

Library patrons have the obligation to:

1. Interact courteously with other users and Library staff.
2. Keep Library materials clean, unmarked, and intact.
3. Follow established computer use guidelines.
4. Refrain from entering the Library when experiencing contagious symptoms.

The following behaviors and activities are examples of conduct permitted on Library property:

1. Pre-packaged snacks and covered beverages are permitted in most areas, except at public computers. All snacks must be cleaned up immediately by the patron.
2. Persons who because of a disability must speak and/or be spoken to in a loud voice shall be allowed to do so.

The following behaviors and activities are examples of conduct prohibited on Library property: Any behavior or actions not listed below will be left to the discretion of the Library Director or their designee for review and action.

1. General Behaviors
   1. Violations of federal or state laws or local ordinances. Such violations may be criminal offenses and are subject to prosecution.
   2. Hiding books or other materials.
   3. Removing books or other materials from the Library building without checking them out.
   4. Entering with concealed or openly visible firearms or other dangerous weapons, with the exception of those carried by authorized law enforcement agents. The Library has a sign posted prohibiting firearms at the main Library entrance.
   5. Intentionally damaging, defacing, destroying, or stealing Library property.
   6. Carrying, consuming, and/or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
   7. Engaging in any sexual contact or activity.
   8. Sleeping for an extended period or on a habitual basis.
   9. Creating a disruptive atmosphere by neglecting to supervise children in one’s care. Refer to the Library’s Child Safety Policy for details specific to that topic. https://bit.ly/4gy3ULk
   10. Violating computer use policies.
   11. Campaigning, panhandling, petitioning, soliciting or selling of products or services are not allowed inside the Library at any time, except if part of a Library program (ie. An author selling books at an event)
   12. Trespassing on Library property when banned from the Library.
2. Language
   1. Harassing other patrons or Library staff through abusive language, following, or staring.
   2. Behaving or socializing in a disorderly, boisterous, or loud manner.
   3. Using profane or obscene language.
3. Use of Space
   1. Food delivery is not allowed.
   2. Blocking of aisles with personal items. This includes obstructing Library aisles or doorways with strollers or wagons.
   3. Leaving personal items unattended on Library premises at any time. Items may be removed from the Library premises if they reasonably appear to be abandoned or have been left unattended for 30 minutes or more.
   4. Use of furniture in any manner that may damage the furniture, such placing feet on the furniture or sitting on tables.
   5. Using Library restroom facilities for inappropriate purposes such as bathing.
   6. Entering staff areas or using staff equipment without permission.
   7. Bringing bicycles into the Library.
   8. Roller-skating, skateboarding, or scootering in the building.
   9. Bringing in animals or pets that are not service animals or for a Library program.
4. Hygiene
   1. Strong odor from poor hygiene, perfume, etc.
   2. Entering without shoes or shirt, and any other manner of dress resulting in indecent exposure.
   3. Clothing and footwear are required.
   4. Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside the Library building and on Library property near the front entrance, including under the portico.
5. Noise
   1. Using cell phones or audio equipment at a volume incompatible with the area of the Library being utilized.
   2. Loud and disruptive ringtones or audible notifications from a cell phone or other devices.
   3. Having loud conversations in person, on cell phones or other devices.
   4. Engaging in horseplay, running, or fighting.

Enforcement
The Library Board authorizes the director and staff to enforce rules of conduct in the Library. Like all Library policies, the enforcement is nondiscriminatory and based on the severity of a violation.
Normally, enforcement involves four stages:

1. A patron who violates the Library Rules of Conduct receives up to two verbal warnings per week, together with a copy of the Library Rules of Conduct.
2. When committing a third violation, the patron is asked to leave the Library for the remainder of the day.
3. Additional violations result in barring the patron from the Library for an extended time period. Its length is determined by the Library Director and usually varies from one week to six months.
4. The Library Director notifies the patron or parent/guardian of a minor in writing of the decision.
5. Continuing violations result in suspending Library privileges and physical Library access. The time period is determined by the Library Director, who will notify the patron or parent/guardian of a minor in writing of the decision.

Occasionally, the Library Director or staff encounter conduct violations that are criminal in nature or endanger the patron involved, other Library patrons, or staff. In these situations, Library personnel may override usual enforcement procedures. Appropriate actions may include, but are not limited to,

• immediate expulsion of a patron from the Library.
• contacting the Whitefish Bay Police Department.

Appeal
Patrons, who wish to appeal an enforcement decision can do so by writing to:
President, Library Board of Trustees
c/o Whitefish Bay Public Library
5420 North Marlborough Drive
Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin 53217