The Twinsburg Public Library supports the rights of all individuals to information and use of the library without intimidation, threat of harm, or invasion of privacy. To maintain an atmosphere appropriate for work, study, and enjoyment for all Library patrons and staff, the Board of Trustees has established the following policy on behavior and conduct in the Library and on Library property. The policy will be courteously but firmly enforced by Library Staff and by the Twinsburg Police Department as warranted.
The Twinsburg Public Library is designated as a limited public forum. As such, the Library reserves the right to restrict behaviors that may disrupt other patrons or are inconsistent with the purpose and environment of the library. The library may enforce reasonable, content-neutral restrictions regarding the time, place, and manner of activities to ensure that all users can enjoy a peaceful and productive experience.
Children and Vulnerable Adults in the Library
The Twinsburg Public Library provides a safe and welcoming environment for its patrons and welcomes families, children, and vulnerable adults to use its facilities and services. The Library does not act in loco parentis (in place of parents) and library staff members cannot supervise children or vulnerable adults in the library. The parent, legal guardian or custodian is responsible for ensuring that children and/or vulnerable adults are provided with adequate care and supervision while in the Library.
Children eleven (11) years old or younger, along with children and vulnerable adults who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves, must be attended at all times by a parent, legal guardian, teacher, custodian or caregiver. If attended by a custodian or caregiver, the custodian or caregiver must be able to provide adequate care and supervision and must be at least 16 years of age.
Children ages twelve (12) to seventeen (17) may use the library unaccompanied by a responsible adult, subject to library use policy concerning behavior and conduct. Unattended children twelve (12) to seventeen (17) must have a valid library card, student ID or other photo ID. A child who creates chronic problems may be required to bring a responsible adult who will remain with the juvenile at all times.
When the wellness or safety of an unattended child or vulnerable adult is in doubt, or they are unable or unwilling to care for themselves, and a responsible adult cannot be located, the proper authorities will be notified. Authorities will also be contacted if children under the age of 12 or vulnerable adults are left unattended more than 15 minutes after the Library closes.
Library employees are not permitted to transport children or vulnerable adults away from the Library facilities. Whenever possible and advisable, the library will notify the parents or guardian of incidents involving an unattended child with a phone call or Parental Notification Letter. If a child under the age of 18 is asked to leave the property, they will be allowed to call for a ride home, and staff will make an effort to contact a responsible adult if the information is available.
Prohibitions on conduct
No individual may engage in inappropriate conduct on the premises of the Twinsburg Public Library, when using the Library facilities, or when participating in Library programs either on or off site or virtually.
Inappropriate conduct is any conduct that is inconsistent with and disruptive to those activities normally associated with the use of a public library facility.
More narrowly defined inappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to:
- Disrespecting staff or monopolizing staff attention and/or restricting others' use of the library.
- Failing to comply with a reasonable staff request.
- Photographing or video recording staff or patrons without their consent. Photographing or recording in areas where there is an expectation of privacy (bathrooms, nursing rooms, etc.)
- Using abusive/vulgar language, harassing, profane or threatening language, including epithets directed at an individual, including, without limitation, language regarding race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or other personal characteristics.
- Engaging in any behavior that a reasonable person would find to be disruptive, harassing, or threatening in nature, including stalking, prolonged staring at or following another.
- Creating unreasonable noise in a manner that disrupts others in their use and enjoyment of the library collections, equipment, and property in designated areas.
- Using audible devices without headphones or using headphones set at a volume that disturbs others. Using any communication devices in a manner that disturbs others.
- Aimlessly, restlessly roaming, running, pushing, jumping, fighting, shoving, or engaging in physically dangerous activities or behavior.
- Selling, soliciting, distributing written materials, conducting surveys or canvassing, panhandling, or gambling on library property. Petitioning is permitted in accordance with the Solicitation of Signatures and Distribution of Literature at the Twinsburg Public Library Policy.
- Soliciting donations except as part of a library-sponsored program or library support organization.
- Leaving items unattended on Library premises at any time. Items may be removed from the Library premises if they reasonably appear to be abandoned or have been left unattended for 30 minutes or more. The Library is not responsible for personal property left unattended.
- Consuming food or beverages in a manner that creates an unclean environment, disrupts other customers or is harmful to library resources especially near library computers.
- Littering, including leaving wrappers, papers, and/or crumbs anywhere on Library premises.
- Sleeping for extended periods of time or overnight on Library premises.
- Fraudulently using another's library card number for any purpose.
- Failing to wear appropriate covering of one's body, including the failure to wear shoes or other soled footwear. Swimwear is prohibited.
- Entering or remaining upon Library premises with bodily hygiene so offensive that it constitutes a nuisance or health risk to others.
- Improperly using Library restrooms for purposes such as bathing, shaving or washing clothes.
- Bringing animals inside library buildings, except for service animals and those allowed during special library programs (see specific Animals in the Library policy).
- Violating the Library's rules for acceptable use of the Internet and Library public computers. A user accepts these rules when logging into public computers.
- Viewing websites that are inappropriate in a public setting (see the Children's Internet Protection Act and ORC 3375.64).
- Carrying weapons and deadly ordnances or instruments of any kind, concealed or in plain view, apart from law enforcement personnel, as the Library is a political subdivision of the State of Ohio ORC 2923.126.
- Roller skating or skateboarding in the Library or on its grounds.
- Bringing bicycles or scooters into Library facilities.
- Failing to use bicycles or vehicles (electric or traditional) in accordance with traffic laws on Library property.
- Possessing, selling, distributing, consuming or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or controlled substance under state or federal law, including marijuana.
- Smoking (including e-cigarettes or vapes) or using any chewing tobacco or snuff tobacco or any similar substance which involves expectoration.
- Engaging or attempting to engage in any sexual contact, activities or conduct, including indecent exposure.
- Interfering with the safe and free passage of Library staff or patrons on the premises, including but not limited to the placement of objects in hallways, aisles, flooring or elsewhere in a manner that impedes the free passage of people about the Library.
- Failing to leave the Library during emergencies and at closing times.
- Being present on Library grounds past open hours unless attending a specific Library after hours program.
- Entering non-public areas of the Library without permission.
- Using Library materials, furniture, equipment, or facilities in any manner inconsistent with the customary use thereof, or the theft or intentional damaging of Library materials, furniture, equipment, or facilities of the property of any staff or Library user.
- Trespassing or entering property when temporarily or permanently suspended (see ORC 2911.21).
- Performing any actions deemed to be disorderly conduct by local, state, and federal laws.
Information regarding youth safety
Access to Youth Areas
To make the Library an enjoyable place and to encourage a love of books, reading, and learning, we offer designated youth areas for children, tweens, and teens as well as programs and services for each of those age groups. We encourage parents to help their children make effective use of the Library and to assist them in selecting books and materials, using computers, or attending programs.
The Children’s area of the Library is specifically designed to serve the needs of young customers. Adults in that area not using Children’s materials or not using the area for the purpose intended will be asked to use other areas of the Library. Staff members will place the safety of children first. Adults with children in their charge are the only adults allowed to use the restrooms located in Children’s areas. During hours when the Teen area is occupied by minors, adults without a minor or not accessing teen or tween materials will be asked to use other areas of the Library.
Enforcement of the Library Behavior and Conduct Policy
Enforcement of the Library Behavior and Conduct Policy will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. The Twinsburg Police Department may be called if the situation is beyond the staff’s level of training. Individuals who fail to observe the policy may be asked to leave the library property or virtual space for a period of time. Anyone who does not leave after being told to do so will be considered a trespasser and will be treated accordingly.
The Twinsburg Public Library reserves the right to suspend or ban permanently patrons that do not follow the Library’s Behavior and Conduct policy. Violations of any suspension imposed by the Library may be enforced in any lawful manner, which may include without limitation, civil and/or criminal action being brought against the appropriate individual(s).
If an individual is suspended from the library they will be notified verbally, when possible, followed by a certified letter designating the date they may return to Library property. The parent(s) or guardian(s) of suspended individual(s) under the age of 18 years old will be notified. The Twinsburg Police Department will be notified of these suspensions. Parents and suspended individuals under the age of 18 years old may be asked to meet with the Library Administration before their suspension ends.
Each board of library trustees may make and publish rules for the proper operation and management of the free public library and facilities under its authority, including rules pertaining to the provision of library services to individuals, corporations, or institutions that are not inhabitants of the county. ORC 3375.40 (H)