Code of Conduct Policy

Last Reviewed and Approved: June 21, 2023

Valley Park Community Library strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all library users.  Patrons are expected to show respect for all persons in the library, including library employees, and should comply with all library instructions given by library employees.

By using the library’s facility and resources, patrons agree to the following:

• Patrons may not engage in any activity or behavior that violates federal or state statutes or local ordinances.
• The use of profane or threatening language, or disruptive or assaultive behavior toward library users or employees will not be permitted.
• Weapons are prohibited on library property except as permitted under Missouri State Law.  Patron may be asked to leave the property if they knowingly carry a weapon on property.
• Selling, soliciting, panhandling, or loitering on Library property is not permitted.
• Only library activities are permitted on library property outside of business hours.
• Entering library property while in possession of or under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited. The consumption of alcoholic beverages on premises is prohibited except as authorized by library director and Board of Trustees for specific events.
• Children under 10 years of age, or persons of any age with special needs who require supervision, must be accompanied and adequately supervised at all times by a responsible guardian or caregiver aged 16 or older.
• Entering the library without shoes or a shirt is not permitted.
• Neglecting personal hygiene so that it is offensive and constitutes a nuisance to other patrons will not be allowed on library property.
• Bathing, shaving, or washing clothes in public restrooms is not permitted.
• Engaging in inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature, including indecent exposure, is not permitted.

Failure to observe this code may result in the revocation of library privilege, including suspension for a specified period of time.  The suspension of privileges may be appealed in writing to the library director within 10 days of receiving notice of the suspension.  The patron will then be given an opportunity to participate in a telephone conference with the library director in order to present the person’s case.

Suspensions of more than 6 months may be further appealed in writing to the Board of Trustees within 10 days of receiving notice from the Library Director’s decision.  The patron has the right to submit written relevant information to the President or their designee for consideration.  The President of the Board of Trustees, or their designee, will consider the appeal and make a determination within 30 days after receiving written notice of the appeal.

The patron may not enter or use the library during any appeal period.  Once notification of a suspension has been communicated to a patron, further visits to the library property by the patron will result in the suspension to be extended by a minimum of 30 days.