To ensure an atmosphere that encourages the use and enjoyment of library resources and services, promotes the safety of the public and library staff, and protects library materials, equipment, building, and grounds, the Ashley County Library prohibits the following behaviors:

 

• Disruptive or unsafe activity or behavior interfering with the use of the library by others or with the performance of duties by staff.  Examples include, but are not limited to: running, climbing, talking loud enough to disrupt or disturb other patrons/staff, unnecessary noise such as use of cellphones without earbuds, throwing things, pushing and shoving, verbal or physical harassment or threat.

• Eating or drinking at the public computers

• Smoking in the library or within the legal limit of the front door, including vaping.

• Anything in violation of local, state, or federal law.

• Destroying, damaging, or defacing library property

• Leaving a child under the age of 10 unattended, except when the child is participating in a library-sanctioned activity.

• Bringing animals, other than approved service dogs, into the library. 

• Failure to maintain a reasonable state of dress.

• Audible use of cell phones or other personal devices so other patrons are disturbed.

 

     Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner by the library staff.  Staff will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors.  Staff may simply ask the patron to comply with the rule.  For repeated violations or failure to comply, the staff may require the person to leave the library premises and not return the same day.  Failure to comply may then result in the restriction of use of library privileges or being barred from the library for a period of time  Any criminal activity or failure to comply will be reported to the Hamburg Police Department.