CODE OF PATRON CONDUCT

For the enjoyment and safety of all, the library has established rules of conduct. All users are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which ensures the safety of users and staff, and protects the library's resources and facilities from damage. Behavior which does not meet this expectation may result in loss of library privileges or expulsion.

The St. Petersburg Library System will uphold all state laws and local ordinances in regard to public behavior. Any person violating any of the following rules will be asked to leave the premises.

Code of Conduct

The following activities are not allowed in the libraries:

Entering the facility without appropriate attire, including shoes and shirt
Leaving children under 12 unattended in the library
Eating in the facility (except in designated areas)
Consuming beverages in open containers or oversized containers that pose a hazard to library materials
Consuming alcoholic beverages or using other intoxicants in the library building or on library property
Smoking of tobacco or electronic cigarettes, as well as chewing tobacco products
Misusing the restroom (i.e. using as a laundry or washing facility, deliberately defacing or vandalizing restroom fixtures and plumbing)
Sleeping in the library or on library property
Bringing animals into the library, except those needed to assist a patron with a disability
Disturbances that are disruptive to the use of and/or impeding the enjoyment of the library by other patrons (i.e. loud use of audio/video equipment, mobile technology devices, as well as loud communication in-person or via phone/mobile devices, etc.)
Interfering with another person’s use of the library or with the library personnel’s performance of their duties
Soliciting inside the library facility or on library property
Violating federal, state, or county laws, as well as City of St. Petersburg ordinances. Suspected illegal activity will be reported to the police immediately
Leaving unattended personal possessions that obstruct the use of the library by other patrons (i.e. belongings left in aisles, shelving areas, seating areas, restrooms, etc.).

Patrons shall maintain bodily hygiene that is not so offensive as to constitute a nuisance to another person. Nuisance shall also include threats to public health or safety, including but not limited to carrying bed bugs, lice etc. Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a public library while in the building. Adult patrons not accompanied by a minor or not actively seeking materials from the youth services area shall be required to relocate to other areas of the library.

Library privileges may be limited or suspended for the following reasons:

Stealing, damaging, or defacing library property;
Threatening or harassing staff or patrons
Physically harming or presenting a health hazard to staff or patrons
Repeatedly violating any portion of the library code of conduct.

Users may not use the library’s computers or network to make unauthorized entry into any other computer or network and may not interfere with other computer or network users, services, or equipment. Intentional disruption of the operation of computer systems and networks is a violation of Florida statute 815.05.

Users must adhere to SPLS “Patron Code of Conduct," "Unattended Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy,”and “Computer Use Policy” Failure to comply with these policies may result in loss of computer or Library privileges in addition to any appropriate legal action including criminal prosecution.