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 that service in an atmosphere that is calm, quiet, safe, and without disturbances from other customers.  The staff has a right to provide services without fear of abuse or threatening behavior from people using the library.

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 persons 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 patron refuses to leave when asked.

Disruptive Attended Children

Children who are being disruptive will be asked by staff to behave.

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, he/she and the child will be told to leave.

Disruptive Unattended Children Age 8 and Under

Children who are being disruptive will be asked by staff to behave.

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, he/she and the child will be told to leave.

If the parent/caregiver cannot be located in the building, the staff will attempt to contact him/her through searching the database, phone book, city directory, etc.  When the parent/caregiver is contacted, he/she will be told that the child is being disruptive, will be reminded of the library’s policy and will be told to come pick up the child immediately.  If he/she is unable to come immediately, he/she will be told that the child may stay this time, but that the police will be called next time.  A warning letter will then be sent to the parent/caregiver stating that further disruptions may result in the suspension of library privileges.

If unable to locate the parent/caregiver after making an attempt or if the library is closing, the library staff will call the police (9-911).

Disruptive Unattended Children Age 9 and Over

A staff member will tell the young person he/she is causing a disturbance and that this will be his/her one warning: if there is another disturbance he/she will be told to leave the library.

If the disruptive behavior continues, the child will be asked to read and sign a Notice of Disruptive Behavior, 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 copy of the notice and a warning letter will be sent to the parent/caregiver stating that further disruptions may result in suspension of library privileges.

Adopted by the Library Board 06/27/12