Disruptive Behavior of Minors Policy

Statement of Purpose

Everyone has a right to expect and receive quality library service at the Superior Public Library from a friendly and helpful staff.  Each person has a right to receive service in an atmosphere that is calm, safe, and free from disruption.  The staff has a right to provide services without fear of abuse or threatening behavior from library users.

To ensure that the Superior Public Library provides a safe and pleasant experience for all who use it, the following policy has been adopted.

Disruptive behavior is unacceptable in a library.  Disruptive patrons will be asked to leave or will be removed.  Library privileges of repeat offenders may be suspended.  Police shall be called if illegal behavior occurs or if a patron refuses to leave when asked.

Disruptive Attended Children

Children who are being disruptive will be informed of the rules and asked by staff to follow them.

If the disruptive behavior continues, a staff member will inform the parent/caregiver that the child is disturbing others.

If the parent/caregiver refuses to cooperate or is unable to control the child, they and the child will be told to leave.

Disruptive Unattended Children Age 9 and under

Children who are being disruptive will be informed of the rules and asked by staff to follow them.

If the disruptive behavior continues, library staff will obtain the child’s name and attempt to locate the adult responsible for the child within the building.

If the parent/caregiver refuses to cooperate or is unable to control the child, they and the child will be told to leave.

If the parent/caregiver cannot be located in the building, the staff will attempt to contact them through searching the library’s database and/or other resources.  When the parent/caregiver is contacted, they will be told that the child is being disruptive, will be reminded of the library’s policy and told to come pick up the child immediately.  If they are unable to come immediately, they will be told that the child may stay this time, but that police may need to be called if the child causes further disruption.  A letter will then be sent to the parent/caregiver stating that further disruptions will result in the suspension of library privileges.

If staff are unable to locate the parent/caregiver, or if the library is closing, the library staff will call the police (9-911). Library staff may not transport children to any location, even by request of the parent/caregiver.

Disruptive Unattended Children Age 10 and over

A staff member will tell the child they are causing a disturbance, inform them of the rules, and explain that this will be their one warning: if there is another disturbance they will be told to leave the library.

If the disruptive behavior continues, the child will be told to leave the library building and grounds for the remainder of the day and escorted to the door.  Under no circumstances will a staff member take a child out of the library building.

A letter will be sent to the parent/caregiver stating that further disruptions may result in suspension of library privileges.

Approved by the Library Board on 10/14/26.

Previous version 06/27/12.