Behavior Policy

The Fowler Public Library has an obligation to its patrons to maintain an atmosphere conducive to reading, study, research, and the pursuit of life-long learning opportunities.  Library patrons are expected to use the library, including its facilities, grounds, resources and materials, in a responsible, appropriate, and courteous manner.

These rules are posted for the comfort and protection of all. They will be courteously and firmly enforced by Library staff. If necessary, the police may be called for assistance. Persons who fail to follow the Library’s rules may be excluded from the Library and/or face legal action which includes a possible charge of violation of county ordinances. Repetitive violations could mean permanent exclusion from the Library.

Unacceptable Behavior

Kansas Statue 12-1227 states: “Every library…shall be free to the use of the inhabitants of the municipality in which located, subject always to such reasonable rules and regulations as the library board may adopt, and said board may exclude from the use of said library any and all persons who shall willfully violate such rules.”

The following is considered unacceptable behavior:

  1. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, firearms or other weapons (except for an on –duty law enforcement official) on library property.
  2. Smoking in the library or within a 15-foot perimeter of library entrances.
  3. Disorderly, drunken, dangerous, disruptive, or threatening behavior, abusive and/or obscene language.
  4. Loitering within the library building or on library property.
  5. Violation of established library policies and procedures.
  6. Using computers with speaker volume high enough to fill surrounding area; patrons are expected to use headphones/earbuds when listening to computer output.

Lost or Unattended Children

Fowler Public Library is a welcome and enjoyable place for children. The following guidelines for children and their parents are in place for the safety of all patrons.

 Responsibility

Parents, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior and safety of children in their care. If a child is causing a disturbance or harming library property or materials, the parent will be asked to correct the behavior. Failure to control the situation will result in a request for both the parent and child to leave the library premises.

  1. All children in the library under five (5) years of age and children with special needs related to physical and mental ability will be attended by an adult caregiver at all times. No child under the age of five (5) years will be allowed in the computer area.
  2. Children over five (5) years of age may be left unattended providing their behavior is appropriate for the library and they are mature enough to remain alone. The Fowler Public Library assumes no responsibility for children left unattended on library premises, or for children whose parents are in other areas of the library.
  3. Children who violate the code of conduct for public behavior (see VII.A.) will be asked to leave. If the child is unable to go home alone, staff will attempt to: 1)  contact a parent or guardian

2)  contact the police department for assistance

If children are left unattended at the close of the library day, staff will attempt to contact a parent or guardian before contacting the police department for assistance.

An incident report will be filed with the director by the staff member handling any violation of the code of conduct for public behavior within two (2) working days of the date the incident occurred. (See Appendix for report form)