The Peotone Public Library District strives to create a welcoming environment for all patrons; we hope all residents and visitors will connect, discover and grow through the services, materials, and facilities the library provides.  

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The board sets forth these guidelines to ensure such an environment, in which:

• All library patrons have equitable access to library materials and services in a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment, without unreasonable interference or disturbance from others.

• Library staff have a safe and secure workplace protected from disruptive, hostile, or unlawful behavior.

• Library facilities, property and materials are secured from damage and theft.

 

Code of Conduct

Library rules and regulations are listed below, along with the action that will be taken if these rules are violated.  Any behavior that unreasonably infringes on the safe and pleasant use of the library by others, interferes with library operations and the ability of staff to do their work, or endangers library property is prohibited.  These specific behaviors include but are not limited to:

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1.  No conduct is permitted that endangers the safety and health of library users or employees.
   a.)  Examples include threatening or harassing behavior, derogatory insults, fighting, unattended children and vulnerable adults.

2. No conduct is permitted that may cause damage or block access to library facilities, property or materials.  
   a.) Examples include obstructing walkways, vandalism, unattended belongings, parking lot disruptions, tampering with equipment, littering, loitering).
   b.) Library telephones are used for library business.  However, patrons will be allowed to receive or make emergency calls.  

3. No conduct is permitted that may reasonably be expected to create a disturbance or interfere with the safe use and enjoyment of the library by others.  
   a.)  Examples include yelling, profanity, excessive noise, running, rowdy or aggressive behavior.
   b.)  Use of cell phones and other electronic devices should be silenced when entering the library or the patron may use headphones.  
   c.)  Patrons shall not play audio equipment so that others can hear it and will maintain a respectful volume level; singing, talking loudly or cell phone calls which can be reasonably expected to disturb others should not take place in the library.  

4. Weapons such as firearms, explosives, knives, or look-alike weapons are prohibited on library property.
   a.)  Firearms and weapons of any kind are not permitted on library property at any time by any person, other than law enforcement personnel.  Any person or persons violating this rule will have their library privileges revoked immediately for a period of not less than one year.

5. Patrons may not bring animals into the building, except for service animals or ones that have been authorized for a library purpose.  

6. Covered, non-alcoholic beverages are allowed in the public areas if handled properly. 
   a.)  No food or drinks are allowed in the Genealogy Room or by the public computers. 
   b.)  The serving/consumption of alcoholic beverages on library property during special functions or activities will only be permitted upon the written approval of the Peotone Village board and Peotone Library board. 

7. Illegal drugs, smoking, vaping, and tobacco products are not permitted on our premises. 
   a.) Smoking is prohibited inside the library building or within 15 feet of any library entrance.  Chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes are also prohibited.  
   b.)  Vaping in the building or violating any other element of this rule will result in immediate expulsion from the building for the day and the patron will be subject further to our patron discipline policy at the discretion of library person in charge.  
   c.)  Any patron found to be soliciting or using any illegal drugs on library property will be reported to the police.  In addition, all library privileges will be revoked for a minimum of one year.

8. Commercial selling or solicitation of any type is prohibited on library premises.  
   a.)  The seller/solicitor will receive a verbal warning and upon a second offense will be asked to l
   b.)  The distribution of leaflets, literature, or posters on library property without prior approval is prohibited.
             i.)  ​Approval may be obtained from the library director, manager or supervisor on duty that day for that day.

9. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times in the library.

10. Patrons may not sexually harass other patrons or staff.  Harassment includes but is not limited to:
    a.)  making inappropriate personal comments or sexual advances;
    b.)  using obscene or lewd language or gestures;
    c.)  staring at, or following, a patron, volunteer, or staff in a manner that reasonably can be expected to disturb them,
    d.)  And exposing others to sexual internet content.

11. Use of the library computers will be governed by the computer policy (Appendix B).  

12. Patrons will also not:
    a.)  Use the restrooms to shave, bathe or launder clothes
    b.)  Leave personal belongings unattended.  The library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended.
    c.)  Move library furnishings, sit on tables, or place feet on furniture.

13. Bookdrops are located outside of Peotone Library and in front of the Monee Village Hall. 
    a.)  Library materials left outside of the book drops will be the responsibility of the borrowing patron.  
    b.)  When donating items to the library, please do not leave items outside of the book drops; bring all donated items into the library during operating hours and  abide by our donation policy.

14. Unattended Children
    a.)  All children, age 10 and under, must be accompanied by an adult or responsible caregiver.
    ​        i.)  The library assumes no responsibility for an unattended child(ren).  Children must be under the direct                          supervision of a parent or guardian, 18 years or older, when in the library or on library property.  
            ii.) If the parent or guardian is in the building, the child(ren) will be taken to that person and be notified that they                must supervise the child.
            iii.)  On the second offense, the parent or guardian and child(ren) must leave the property and will not be permitted          to return for the rest of the day.  If no parent or guardian is present, the parent/guardian and/or the police will be                contacted.  
     

b.)  Unattended children are not to remain at the library after closing time.
       i.)  If a child(ren) should be left at the library after hours, two staff members will be retired to stay with the child(ren).         An attempt will be made to notify a parent or legal guardian to come for the child(ren), but in no instance will a                 staff member be permitted to take the child(ren) home.
       ii.) If a parent/guardian cannot be reached after 15 minutes, the police department will be notified and the                         child(ren) will be placed into their custody. 
       iii.)  The library assumes no responsibility for any child or teen left to wait outside of the library after it has closed.  
 

15.  Library Parking

        a.)  Library parking facilities are available for library patrons or persons attending functions at the library.  Handicapped          parking spaces are clearly marked in front of the building and violators will be fined.  
        b.)  The use of the library’s parking facilities for loitering or leaving unattended vehicles is not permitted.  Police                        assistance may be used to enforce these rules.  In certain circumstances, violator’s cars will be towed at the owner’s              expense.  
        c.)  Bicycle racks are provided for patron and staff use.  All bicycles must be parked in the bicycle racks provided.  All              violators will be asked to comply with this rule.  Anyone not complying with this rule will be asked to leave the property. 
 

Photography & Filming

        a.)  Taking photos, making videos, or recording audio of library customers without their consent, or in the case of minor          customers, the consent of their caregivers, is prohibited.  Requests to use library facilities as a setting for photography,          filming, or recording should be directed to the Library Director and will be evaluated.  
        b.)  Patrons may film or take photographs in the library provided they respect the privacy rights of their fellow users and          do not impede another users’ access to the library in any way.  
        c.)  Patrons may not enter staff only areas of the library to film or photograph.  A request for a library tour should be                made to the Library Director.  

 

The above rules are not intended to be a complete list of violations but are intended for guidance only.  Library staff and/or local law enforcement officers are authorized to expel persons who, advised of the regulations above, fail to comply with them.  Any conduct in violation of library policies, or federal, state or local law, is prohibited.  The library reserves the right to involve law enforcement if federal, state or local laws are violated.  

 

Failure to abide by these expectations may result in loss of library privileges, up to and including being asked to leave the library and temporary banning.  Any customer whose library privileges have been revoked may have the decision reviewed by the Library Board of Trustees upon written request.  

 

Adopted September 17, 2019
Reviewed  March 12, 2024
Amended January 21, 2025