Library Policies

Thank you for visiting the New Castle-Henry County Public Library online. Our library’s top priority is to provide valuable services to the community. From pre-literacy programs for babies to life enriching activities for older adults and everything in between, the library is an important destination for the Henry County area.

The library’s board and our staff have diligently created and refined policies to create an open, enjoyable and safe environment for all of our guests. In order to reach this goal, please abide by the guidelines established in these policies.

New Castle-Henry County Public Library actively works toward the prevention, containment and elimination of bed bugs and bed bug eggs in all materials and on library premises and the mobile library (bookmobile).

New Castle-Henry County Public Library ensures its staff is trained in bed bug detection, containment, elimination and prevention, and regularly examines and updates its procedures according to industry best practices.

New Castle-Henry County Public Library works proactively to:

  • Reduce risk of bed bugs to staff and patrons.
  • Monitor detection and response levels on an ongoing basis.
  • Contract licensed, accredited, and reputable pest detection and control companies.

Staff Protocol

Staff will consistently inspect all incoming materials, including those returned at the public desks, in the book drops, and through inter-library loan delivery, for evidence of bed bugs. Evidence includes live or dead bed bugs, bed bug eggs, bed bug nymphs, and feces and spotting associated with bed bugs.

Materials returned to the New Castle-Henry County Public Library with evidence of live or dead bed bugs will be treated or discarded at the discretion of the Library. Discarded items will be considered as damaged items under the Borrowed Materials Policy.

Materials with live or dead bed bugs returned by a patron will result in immediate suspension of New Castle-Henry County Public Library privileges for that patron and for any patrons in the same residence as original patron. Suspension will be lifted after the patron presents proof in writing that his or her residence has been successfully treated for and eradicated of bed bugs by a licensed and accredited pest control company.

Patron Protocol

New Castle-Henry County Public recognizes that all patrons and staff have a role to play in controlling bed bugs in the community. Library patrons must cease to borrow materials from New Castle-Henry County Public Library if they are experiencing bed bug infestations in their residences.

In the event that a patron discovers a live or dead bed bug, bed bug eggs, bed bug nymphs, or feces or spotting associated with bed bugs in New Castle-Henry County Public materials, the patron must immediately do the following:

  • If the materials are outside of the Library and in the possession of the patron: Place the materials into a sealable plastic bag and add tape to cover the sealed opening. Return the sealed materials directly to a staff member and inform the staff member of the problem. Do not use book drops to return materials suspected or with evidence of bed bugs.
  • Patrons are prohibited from self-treating, including heating, Library materials that are known or suspected to contain bed bugs. Materials damaged by patrons attempting to self-treat the materials will be considered as damaged items under the Borrowed Materials Policy.
  • If the materials are inside of the Library: Leave the materials where they are, get a staff member, and bring the staff member to the materials.

Public Donations Protocol

Donors must inspect materials for evidence of live or dead bed bugs prior to donating them to New Castle-Henry County Public Library. If evidence is present or an infestation is known, the donor must not donate the materials to The Friends of the New Castle-Henry County Public Library.

The Friends of the New Castle-Henry County Public Library are trained and follow the same procedures as Library staff to identify, quarantine, and treat materials for bed bugs.

New Castle-Henry County Public Library and its Friends reserve the right to discard donated materials that show evidence of past or present bed bug activity.

Revised: 7/17/2017

Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services:

  1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
  2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
  3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
  4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgement of free expression and free access to ideas.
  5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
  6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

PURPOSE

The New Castle-Henry County Public Library has established this policy and standard practice for allowing orderly public expression and commentary at every regular meeting of the Board of Trustees.

POLICY

  1. The New Castle-Henry County Public Library and its Board of Trustees recognizes the value of public commentary on Library-related issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on Organizational matters.
  2. To permit fair and orderly public expression, the Board of Trustees shall provide a period for questions and public comment regarding agenda item(s) at every regular meeting open to the public.
  3. Members of the public wishing to be placed on the Library Board meeting agenda for the purpose of making a presentation or addressing non-agenda item(s) must submit a completed Board of Trustee Meeting Public Participation Request form to the Library Director, prior to the meeting, or to the Board President, if submitted just prior to the meeting’s call to order. Requests submitted after the meeting’s call to order will be held over until the next regularly-scheduled open session.
  4. Personnel and personal patron issues will not be addressed during open sessions.
  5. The Board President (or presiding officer) shall be guided by the following rules:
    • Public participation shall be permitted at the discretion of the Board President (or presiding officer).
    • Participants must be recognized by the Board President (or presiding officer) and will be requested to preface their comments with an announcement of their name, address and group affiliation, when appropriate.
    • Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to five (5) minutes’ duration.
    • No participant may speak more than once on the same topic unless all others who wish to speak on that topic have been heard.
    • The Board President (or presiding officer) may:
      • Interrupt, warn or terminate a person’s statement when the statement is too lengthy, personally directed, abusive, obscene or irrelevant;
      • Request any individual to leave the meeting when that person does not observe reasonable decorum;
      • Request the assistance of law enforcement officers in the removal of a disorderly person when that person’s conduct interferes with the orderly progress of the meeting;
      • Call for a recess or an adjournment to another time when the lack of public decorum so interferes with the orderly conduct of the meeting as to warrant such action;
      • Waive these rules with the approval of the remaining Board members when necessary for the protection of privacy or the administration of the Board’s business.
    • Tape or video recordings are permitted, providing the person operating the recorder has contacted the Library Director prior to the Board meeting to review possible placement of the equipment and agrees to abide by the following conditions:
      • No obstructions are created between the Board and the audience.
      • No interviews are conducted during the Board meeting.
      • No commentary is made that would distract either the Board or members of the audience.

Adopted June 20, 2016

The Collection Development Policy upholds the mission of the New Castle-Henry County Public Library by directing staff in the development and maintenance of its collection of materials in various formats to support the educational, informational, and recreational interests of the community.

Full information about our Collection Development.

It is the policy of the New Castle-Henry County Public Library to adhere to the U.S. Copyright Law. Information concerning the copyright law will be posted on all copy machines, microfilm readers, computer lab and Interlibrary Loan forms. Patrons and staff are expected to obey the law.

At no time may patrons or staff use library equipment to copy an entire work. This includes print and digital materials.

Patrons are expected to copy their own materials. Patrons are expected to provide their own change in order to use copying equipment.

Copying time is limited to 10 minutes if another person is waiting to use the equipment. Staff will assist patrons in learning to use the copying equipment.

Revised: February 23, 2009

The health and safety of NCHCPL staff and patrons is a top priority. NCHCPL will phase in library services in order to ensure adherence to federal, state and local public health recommendations. To protect the health of library staff and our patrons, while continuing to provide library services, the following guidelines will be followed:

  • Contactless service will be offered to the public including curbside service, contactless delivery and online and phone reference.
  • NCHCPL will make changes in our spaces and procedures to encourage social distancing between patrons.
  • Onsite programming and meeting room usage will be adjusted or suspended based on social distancing recommendations and rate of community spread.
  • Computer usage will be limited based on social distancing recommendations. All stations will be sanitized between uses.
  • Follow recommended guidance from CDC for maintaining low risk of COVID-19 transmission including:
    • Daily employee self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms
    • Cleaning and disinfecting protocols
      • Increased disinfection of high-touch areas
      • Cleaning supplies including CDC approved disinfectants readily available in all departments
      • Hand sanitizer and access to hand washing stations are available throughout the library
    • Staff should frequently and thoroughly wash and sanitize hands. NCHCPL will provide soap, water, and hand sanitizer.
    • Staff and patrons should maintain the suggested social distancing recommendations
    • Fully vaccinated staff and patrons are no longer required to wear masks while in the building. Unvaccinated staff is required to continue wearing masks while working. The library highly recommends that unvaccinated patrons wear masks while in the library.

 

Employees are encouraged to contact Administration with questions and concerns.

Updated June 21, 2021

The library welcomes exhibits and displays of interest, information and enlightenment to the community. The library provides information to the community through displays, handouts, announcements, and exhibits in designated areas.

  1. Priority and Approval: The library has first priority for all exhibit and display space for library purposes. Approval for all exhibits and displays rests with the library Director or an appointed staff member. Unapproved materials will be disposed of at the library’s discretion. Interpretation of this policy rests with the library Director.
  2. Eligibility and Space Availability: Materials may be provided by the library or other non-profit organizations, community groups, individuals, educational institutions or governmental agencies. Handouts provided by businesses may be considered if they inform and benefit the community. Exhibit and display space is available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of groups requesting this service. The library reserves the display case across from the main circulation desk for use by non-profit organizations. All other display cases are for use by the library, but may be used by non-profit organizations when not needed for library displays. Brochures and handouts are limited to the holders in the upper and lower level lobbies. Flyers are limited to the bulletin board near the main circulation desk. Non-library flyers or other materials are not to be posted on the library windows.
  3. Limitations: The library reserves the right to limit the size and number of items, the schedule of any display, and the frequency with which the group or organization may have a display.
  4. Endorsement: Distribution or posting of materials in the library does not necessarily indicate the library’s endorsement of the issue or events promoted by those materials.
  5. Fees: All exhibits are offered to the library on a voluntary, non-fee basis.
  6. Security and Liability: The library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection or possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed in the library are done so at the owner’s risk.

Adopted: April 19, 2010

The following is the schedule of fines and fees that will be assessed for overdue equipment, lost or damaged materials, and other miscellaneous charges.

Lost or Damaged Materials Fees: All Lost or Damaged Materials will be assessed a $10 processing fee that is in addition to the replacement cost. There are no refunds for lost materials which have been paid for.

In the event that a barcode, jacket, case, etc. is lost or damaged the maximum fine is $1 per item.

Other Fees:

Lost Material Processing Fee – $10.00

Collection Agency Fee – collection cost

Replacement Library Card – $2.00

Non-Resident Library Card Fee – set annually by the Board of Trustees

Public Library Access Card (PLAC) – set annual by Indiana State Library

Copies Black/white – $0.20 per page

Copies Color – $0.50 per page

Poster Prints – (24×36 $5) $1.50 per each additional foot

Lamination- $1.25 Letter Size; $1.75 Legal Size

Notary Public – Free

REVISED: 9/19/22

The New Castle-Henry County Public Library provides access to computer equipment, programs, databases and the Internet for use by the public.  All users of the Library’s computer resources are expected to use these resources in accordance with the Computer Use Policy and only for legal purposes.  Failure to abide by these standards may result in the loss of Internet, computer and Library privileges. Computer/Internet users must abide by all state and federal laws including, but not limited to, copyright laws, privacy laws, laws related to the unauthorized access or tampering of computers or computer systems or networks, and the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

Internet Access

The New Castle-Henry County Public Library offers access to the Internet at all public workstations.  In addition to the useful and educational information available on the Internet, some sites may contain material that is inaccurate, defamatory, illegal or potentially offensive to some people.  Adult users are responsible for determining that information they access is suitable to their needs and that it conforms to established Library policy.  Parents, guardians, or caregivers are solely responsible for their children’s use of and/or exposure to the Internet through the Library connection. The library assumes no liability for the performance or quality of any products purchased over the Internet, and cannot guarantee the confidentiality of personal or financial information transmitted over the Internet.

In accordance with the requirements of CIPA, all Library computers are equipped with technology protection that blocks or filters visual materials that are obscene, contain child pornography, or are harmful to minors.  In an effort to protect Library equipment from malicious attacks, sites that are known to contain spyware and malware are also blocked.

No filter product guarantees to block all objectionable internet sites, and, as a result, the Board of Trustees does not guarantee total effectiveness of its filtering product. Likewise, filtering products may unintentionally block sites that have a legitimate research value and also fail to block all objectionable content. In order to allow use of the Internet for bona fide research or other lawful purposes, persons 17 years of age or older may request to have unfiled access for any lawful purpose that is not prohibited by the Library’s criteria for acceptable use. The library may also unblock a particular website upon request after the library determines that the website does not contain obscene content, child pornography, or content deemed harmful to minors.

Training and Instruction

Library staff can provide very limited assistance for users accessing the Internet or utilizing the various applications on the workstations.  Users are expected to have basic computer skills, including the ability to use a mouse.  Whenever possible, staff will attempt to answer brief, basic questions.

Library staff will provide only basic assistance to wireless users.  Staff will not troubleshoot or alter settings on individual laptops or other devices.

Revised January 27, 2020

Use of Workstations

Computers are available to all patrons on a first-come, first-served basis. The library reserves the right to limit access to public computers if other patrons are waiting for access to public computers. Only one person at a time may use a computer with the exception of parents or guardians who are with their children.

Users must log-in to the computer using their library card or guest pass. Patrons with long overdue/lost items or with fines/fees in excess of $10 are not considered in good standing, however, they may convert their card to a Computer Use only card.

Henry County residents are encouraged to have their own NCHCPL card. Users who reside outside of the Library’s service district may request the use of a guest pass.

Parents/Guardians of children age 17 years or under must sign a Computer Use Policy granting their child access to the library computers and Internet.  The policy must be signed in the presence of the NCHCPL staff.   Computer facilities in the Children’s Department are reserved for children 6th grade and below.

Only program applications and hardware provided by the library may be used with the library equipment.   Users are not permitted to delete or modify the installed hardware or software.  Personal program applications may not be loaded onto library equipment.  This includes programs and applications available for download from the Internet.  Patrons needing to save files should provide their own portable storage device such as a USB flash drive or have access to cloud storage.

Unacceptable Use

It is not acceptable to use the Library’s computers or network for:

  • Any purpose which violates U.S., state or local laws.
  • Cyber bullying or harassment of other users/patrons.
  • Transmitting threatening, obscene or harassing materials, including the use of profanity or offensive language.
  • Intentional or unintentional disruption of network users, services or equipment, harm to other computer systems, including excessive bandwidth utilization.
  • Tampering with computer and/or network security.
  • Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access (hacking) to any computing, information or communications devises or resources.
  • Destruction of or damage to equipment, software or data belonging to the Library or other users.
  • Accessing Child Pornography.
  • Unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information.
  • Copying, file sharing, downloading or distributing commercial software or other material (e.g. music) in violation of federal or international copyright laws.
  • Accessing and exposing others in the computer lab to materials which by community standards and/or law could be interpreted to be obscene or harmful to minors.
  • Any uses deemed inappropriate at the discretion of Library Administration.

Find information about Meeting Room Policies here.

Library information in any form about library patrons and their use of the Library is private in nature, and is protected to preserve the patron’s intellectual freedom.

Confidentiality also extends to information sought or received as well as materials consulted, borrowed or acquired. Confidential material includes search records, reference interviews, circulation records, computer use records, interlibrary loan records and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities and services.

Collected Patron Information

To obtain a library card, we ask for and record the following information on paper and in an electronic database: full name, mailing address, phone number, township and county of residence, date of birth and e-mail address (if applicable.)

A PIN (Personal Identification Number), in conjunction with the library card number indicated on your card, is required to access your account information from one of the library’s online public access catalogs or from any computer with Internet access. We do not write your PIN on your card; patrons are responsible for protecting their PIN. Your PIN is confidential.

Library Use

The Library may provide patron information to a third party to be used in claims against library patrons for collection of fines, materials, and other expenses. The Library may also disclose patron information in litigation where these records are material.

USA Patriot Act

The 2001 USA Patriot Act expands federal law enforcement’s surveillance, seizure and investigative powers. If library records are requested under the USA Patriot Act, the law states that, in certain circumstances, library staff cannot inform the person about whom the information is requested, cannot speak to co-workers, the media or other government officials about the inquiry. Such requests may only be reported to the appropriate higher authority within the library.

Adopted May 20, 2013

Confidentiality of Library Records

By Indiana law (IC 5-14-3-4(b)), all records relating to library patrons and their use of library materials and services are strictly confidential. Library staff members are not authorized to disclose such records to any third party. Minors are accorded the same confidentiality rights as adults under Indiana law.

The Library does not make any information about patrons or patron use of library services or materials available to anyone or any group except in these situations:

Subpoena, Search Warrant, Court Order

The Library will provide information to law enforcement personnel if presented with a subpoena, search warrant, or court order. If such a document is issued, the Library Director may consult with legal counsel to assure the document is in proper form before complying.

Parent/Guardian Access to Information

Indiana law requires a library to provide information about a minor child under 18 to his parent, guardian or custodian. This information cannot be disclosed via telephone or electronically. The parent, guardian or custodian must come to the library with proper identification in order for the library to disclose the child’s library records.

The library will not allow a noncustodial parent access to a child’s library record if a court has terminated the parent’s legal rights and the library has received a copy of the court order.

New Castle-Henry County Public Library provides public bulletin boards for the posting of notices about community activities such as concerts, cultural events, lectures and workshops, as well as public service notices of educational, cultural or community interest.

The following applies to all Library public bulletin boards:

  • All notices must be submitted to the Information Desk to be approved, dated, and posted by designated Library staff.
  • All notices intended for posting on the public bulletin board must contain the name, address and telephone number of the sponsoring agency and/or authorized representative.
  • Handwritten notices will not be posted.
  • Private sale or business advertisement notices will not be posted.
  • The Library will post approved notices within two (2) working days of receipt.
  • Only designated Library staff may post or remove notices. Unauthorized notices will be removed and discarded.
  • The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection of any notices delivered for posting, and notices will not be returned.
  • Oversized posters or other large notices may be declined due to space limitations.
  • Notices that are not date-sensitive may be posted for up to two (2) months, space permitting.
  • Notices will be removed when they are no longer timely or when space is required for more current items.
  • The library reserves the right to remove any posted notice at any time.
  • Once notices are removed, they are discarded.
  • The Library may limit the frequency with which notices may be posted by the same organization.
  • If the public bulletin board is crowded, the Library reserves the right to select which notices will be posted.
  • Acceptance of notices for display does not imply Library endorsement of any kind for any event, service, group or organization, nor does it imply that the Library endorses the policies or beliefs of any group or organization that supplies approved notices.

Library bulletin boards are not intended or permitted to be a forum for the expression of the views or opinions of individuals or groups. The following will not be accepted for posting:

  • Notices endorsing or opposing the election of any candidate for public office.
  • Notices endorsing or opposing the adoption of federal, state or local legislation.
  • Notices asking Library visitors to sign a petition or letter.
  • Notices promoting commercial products or services.

Approved: Febraruary 15, 2016

The New Castle-Henry County Public Library strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for its employees and patrons. In pursuit of this objective, selected areas of Library premises are equipped with video cameras. The security camera system will be used only for the protection and safety of employees, patrons, property and library assets and operations. No monitoring shall be done on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability that can be reasonably accommodated, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

Signage will be posted at library entrances disclosing security camera activity. Security cameras are positioned to record only those areas specified by the Director, and will complement other measures to maintain a safe and secure environment, and one that is in compliance with Library policies. Security camera locations will not be changed, nor will security cameras be added, without the permission of the Director.

  • Security camera recordings may be used to identify the person or persons responsible for Library policy violations, criminal activity, behavior that may be threatening or unsafe to themselves or others, or other actions considered disruptive to Library operations.
  • Security camera recordings may be used to assist law enforcement agencies in accordance with applicable state and federal laws upon receipt of a subpoena, warrant or court order; such requirements may, however, be waived by the Director. All requests for security camera footage or still images by law enforcement will be referred to the Library Director.
  • Security camera recordings of incidents may be retained and reviewed as long as considered necessary by the Library Director.
  • Security camera recordings or still images may be shared with Library staff to identify person(s) in violation of Library policy and to maintain a safe and secure environment.
  • Security camera recordings will be secure and will only be viewed by those authorized by the Director to do so. Library administrative and authorized staff will operate and monitor the security camera system. Authorized staff may have access to real-time monitors, and images will be viewed on desktop monitors in secure areas to ensure privacy.
  • Security cameras may be installed in areas that could capture traffic accidents or other incidents unrelated to the Library that take place on public streets and surrounding properties within camera scope. Footage that might be useful in such incidents may be released to law enforcement upon formal request.
  • Images from the security camera system are stored digitally on hardware in the Library. Security camera footage will be kept confidential and security recording equipment is housed in a locked area.
  • Recordings shall not be used or disclosed other than as specifically authorized by this policy. A breach by Library staff of this policy may result in disciplinary action. Any Library employee who becomes aware of any unauthorized disclosure or breach of a security camera recording has a responsibility to immediately inform the Director.
  • The general public is prohibited from viewing security camera footage that may contain patron information. If the Library receives a request from the general public to inspect security camera footage, the general public will be advised to file a complaint with law enforcement.
  • This policy does not imply or guarantee that any or all cameras will record or monitor in real time 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Regardless of the presence of security cameras, staff and public should take appropriate precautions for their safety and the security of their personal property. The New Castle-Henry County Public Library is not responsible for personal injury or loss of property.

Approved: Febrary 15, 2016

In accordance with Henry County policy, all New Castle-Henry County Public Library buildings, grounds, and vehicles are smoke and tobacco free. Tobacco use and smoking in all forms including e-cigarettes and vaping, is not permitted in any facility, vehicle or property owned by the library.

All buildings, doorways and walkways will be smoke and tobacco free. Smoking is not permitted in Library owned, leased, or operated licensed vehicles.

Advertising, sale, or promotion of tobacco products and the sponsoring of Library events by tobacco companies or tobacco-promoting organizations for the purpose of promoting tobacco related products is not permitted.

This policy applies to all persons, including employees, patrons and visitors to property owned by the library. Library customers who do not comply with this policy after being informed of the policy may have their privilege to use the Library revoked.

Smoking is permitted within personal vehicles as long as the vehicle is parked 25 feet from any facility entrance and/or 25 feet from any ventilation intake.

Revised October 21, 2019

The following policy has been implemented by the New Castle-Henry County Public Library Board of Directors in order to protect the children of Henry County.

The library cannot be responsible for unattended children:

  • Children under age eight must be directly supervised in the Children’s library by a person who is age 16 or older. Children from age eight through twelve must be accompanied by a person age 16 or older who remains IN the library while the child is in the library.
  • Unattended children age eight through twelve must NOT be left in the Children’s Library more than one hour.
  • If a parent or guardian of an unattended child under the age of thirteen cannot be contacted or located within one-half hour of the discovery that the child is unattended, the library will ask the local Police department to contact Child Protective Services.
  • If the library is closing and a parent or guardian of a child under age 16 cannot be contacted or located, the library will ask the local Police department to contact Child Protective Services.

Revised: August 20, 2001

In an effort to provide a comfortable and safe environment for all Library patrons, the Board of Trustees of the New Castle-Henry County Public Library has established a Library Unacceptable Behavior Policy. This policy is designed to provide clear and reasonable guidelines governing patron behavior within the Library and on the Library premises.

Unacceptable behavior includes behavior within the Library or on Library premises that interferes with the use of the Library by other patrons, creates a risk of injury to other patrons or Library personnel, interferes with the work of Library personnel, or creates a risk of damage to Library property. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

  • Use or display of profanity, abusive or threatening language or gestures
  • Smoking, vaping, or use of any tobacco products in the Library or on Library premises
  • Unreasonable noise levels including shouting, loud talking or disruptive conversation, allowing ringing cell phones or engaging in loud cell phone conversations
  • Damaging, defacing or theft of any Library property or materials or patrons’ personal property
  • Failure to evacuate in an emergency or during a drill
  • Non-emergency activation of alarms
  • Fighting, throwing objects and other boisterous behavior including running and horseplay
  • Solicitation, gambling or panhandling
  • Loitering
  • Use of or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs
  • Skating, skateboarding or bicycling on library property
  • Bringing animals into the Library except those who are part of a Library sponsored program or are service animals
  • Failure to wear appropriate attire including shirt and shoes
  • Violence, sexual or any other type of harassment
  • Excessive displays of affection including any sexual conduct or physical contact deemed inappropriate for a public place and/or public lewdness
  • Being in an unauthorized, staff-only area
  • Leaving children unsupervised
  • Lack of personal hygiene that interferes with the use and enjoyment of the Library by other patrons or interferes with the work of Library personnel
  • Possession of weapons of any kind, except by law enforcement officers or as allowed by IC 35-47-11.1

The Library reserves the right to require anyone who engages in inappropriate behavior to leave the premises, the right to restrict privileges for a specified period of time, and the right to ban the individual from the library for a specified period of time or permanently. Staff members will notify an individual that he or she is in violation of the standards of conduct and will provide one verbal warning. Unlawful activities will be reported immediately to the police.

Revised: August 17, 2021