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Rules of Behavior Governing the
Use
of Tacoma Public Library Facilities
Tacoma Public Library :
Administrative Policy #10.49.1
Revised 05 /24/2000 |
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1. Purpose:
The purpose of these rules is to ensure that patrons of Tacoma Public
Library facilities have access to and use of library facilities in a
quiet, orderly, peaceful and safe atmosphere, unhindered and
undisturbed by the disruptive actions and behavior of others. These
rules are further intended to protect the rights and safety of Library
staff members, to preserve and protect Library’s materials and
facilities, to ensure the orderly management of the Public Library, to
ensure that library facilities and materials are available for the use
for which the facilities and materials are intended, and to preserve
the property under the control of the Library for the use to which it
was lawfully dedicated.
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2. Scope:
These rules shall be applied in a neutral and
nondiscriminatory manner. Nothing in these rules shall be interpreted
to interfere with lawful collective bargaining rights created by state
or federal law or pursuant to applicable collective bargaining
agreements. These rules shall apply to all buildings, interior and
exterior, and to all grounds and curtilage of the Tacoma Public
Library (referred to in this Policy as the “Premises”) and
to all persons entering into or on the Premises. On the Premises,
violation of any Federal, State, or local ordinance will be regarded
as a violation of Library rules. Persons who violate these rules may
be excluded from the Premises.
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3. Appeal:
A person whose Library privileges have been denied for a period of
time longer than 30 consecutive days may appeal that denial in writing
to the Library Director by making a written request to the Library
Director to appeal the decision to deny library privileges. The
written request may be filed at any branch of the Tacoma Public
Library or sent by certified or registered mail to the Library
Director, within fourteen (14) days of the denial of Library
privileges. The written request shall identify the appellant’s
name and current mailing address, the time and date of the denial of
the privilege, and the basis for the appeal. The hearing shall be set
for a time within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the
notice and shall be before the Library Director or the Director’s
designee as the Hearing Officer. The appellant shall have the
opportunity to offer evidence and testimony that may establish that
the denial of privileges was in violation of policies, rules, or
regulations of the Tacoma Public Library. The Hearing Officer may
consider any competent and reliable evidence including any written
reports prepared by employees or agents of the Library. The Hearing
Officer shall render a decision in writing within five (5) business
days.
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4. Definitions:
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A. |
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“Assault” has
the meaning provided for it in RCW 9A-36. |
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B. |
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“Theft” has the
meaning provided for it in RCW 9A.56 |
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C. |
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“Disorderly conduct”
has the meaning provided for it in RCW 9A.84.030 and Chapter
8.12 of the Tacoma Municipal Code. |
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D. |
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“Controlled substance”
has the meaning provided for it in RCW 69.50 |
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E. |
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“Harassment” has
the meaning for it provided in RCW 9A.36.080, 9A.46, and
9A.76. 180 |
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5. Grounds for immediate
expulsion from Library facilities: Whenever there
is reasonable cause to believe that an individual has committed any of
the following acts on the Library Premises (A through F below), the
appropriate law enforcement authorities will be summoned. The violator
shall be asked to leave the Premises and may have Library privileges
revoked for a period of up to one year,
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A. |
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Committing
or attempting to commit a serious felony |
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B. |
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Committing
or attempting to commit an assault |
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C. |
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Committing or attempting to commit a theft. |
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D. |
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Destroying,
damaging, or defacing Library property. |
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E. |
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Engaging
in explicit sexual activity including solicitation of prostitution,
sexual harassment, and indecent exposure. |
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F. |
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Using,
giving away or selling, any controlled substance or intoxicating
liquors. |
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6. Other grounds
which may merit loss of Library privilege: Whenever there
is reasonable cause to believe that an individual has committed any of
the following acts (G through W below); he or she will be warned to
cease the behavior and may be told to leave the Library for the
remainder of the day. Any subsequent violations may result in the loss
of Library privileges for a period of time up to one year:
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G. |
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Engaging in disorderly conduct,
harassment, or behavior that causes or creates an actual or
imminent material interference with the quiet, peaceful, or
orderly use and management of the Library by patrons and
employees. |
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H. |
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The audible use of audio
equipment. |
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I. |
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The making of noise, such as loud
talking or shouting, or engaging in boisterous behavior, such as
running, throwing things, pushing or shoving, all in a manner that
causes or creates an actual or imminent material interference with
the quiet, peaceful, or orderly use and management of the Library
by patrons and employees. Cellular telephone users are asked to be
considerate of others and confine their calls to the vestibule. |
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J. |
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Bringing any dangerous weapon into
the Library, unless otherwise permitted by law. |
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K. |
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. Engaging in behavior which
creates an unsafe environment for patrons or employees of Library
facilities. |
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L. |
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Bringing food or beverages into
the Library, except by authorized vendors or authorized groups
using Library meeting rooms. Consumption of food or beverages is
prohibited within the Library premises except in areas specified
and posted for that purpose. Food or beverages required due to
medical conditions must be consumed only in the vestibule. |
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M. |
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Smoking, consumption, or any
other use of tobacco on the Premises. |
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N. |
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Making use of the restrooms for
purpose for which the restrooms were not intended, including but
not limited to, bathing, shaving, washing hair, or washing
clothing. The restrooms are for use by library patrons only. |
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O. |
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Sleeping in the Library is
prohibited. This use is not an intended use of Library Facilities
and deprives other patrons of the use of the space occupied by the
person violating this rule. |
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P. |
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Using furniture, materials, or
equipment in a manner inconsistent with its proper and intended
use. |
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Q. |
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Interfering with, obstructing, or
blocking free passage on Library Premises. This includes
restricting passage with bicycles, skateboards, carts, backpacks,
or anything that creates obstacles or takes up seating or table
space. |
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R. |
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Failing to keep personal
belongings to oneself. The Library is not responsible for lost or
stolen property and Library Premises shall not be used for storage
of personal belongings. |
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S. |
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Soliciting, petitioning, or
distributing written materials, or canvassing for business,
political, charitable, or religious purposes. |
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T. |
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Entering or remaining n the
Library barefoot or shirtless. Skates must be carried in the
Library. |
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U. |
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Materially interfering with others’
use of Library facilities because of poor personal hygiene. |
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V. |
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Bringing in animals, other than
certified assistive animals. |
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W. |
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Leaving children under the age of
seven unattended in the Library. For purposes of this policy “unattended”
means that the person responsible for the child is not within
sight of the child. Library staff will not assume responsibility
for the safety and security of unattended children. If a problem
involving an unattended child of any age arises, the police or
child protective services will be called. School district
authorities may also be called. |
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