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Code of Conduct

Commerce Public Library Patron Code of Conduct

The Commerce Public Library welcomes every member of the community to use and enjoy the Library's facilities, collections, programs, and services. In keeping with the Library's commitment to service and the provision of a safe and inviting atmosphere, the following guidelines set forth expected behavior from all patrons. 

Parents, guardians, or designated caregivers are responsible for their children’s compliance with these guidelines all times. Unaccompanied minors may be asked to leave the premises if they become disruptive to library operations.

Library staff will enforce these guidelines in a consistent, respectful, and impartial manner. As a community, we do not tolerate discrimination, abuse, or harassment of any kind. 

Library patrons are expected to:

  • Respect patrons and staff

  • Respect the library property, equipment, and materials

  • Obey the law

  • Comply with requests from staff

Individuals demonstrating behavior deemed by the staff to be disruptive and/or inappropriate will be issued a verbal warning. A patron who fails to remedy the behavior may be required to leave the library building or program site. Any instances of behavior that threaten the safety or wellbeing of either patrons or staff  be reported to the City of Commerce Police Department. 

Offensive conduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • Harassment or intimidation of any kind including behaviors based on race, religion, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, appearance, or other group status

  • Sexual harassment, including unwelcomed sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact

  • Offensive jokes, slurs, epithets, pictures, or objects

  • Aggressive advocating of one's own services, products, or causes

  • Disorderly or disruptive behavior- virtually and or face-to-face

  • Loitering in and around the library facility in a manner inconsistent with the appropriate use of library facilities and services

  • Actions that prevent other patron’s legitimate use of the library and its resources

  • Noisy, boisterous talking, or actions (including cell phone calls) that disrupt or are inappropriate either in volume or content. Patrons may be asked to take calls outside but no disruptive or inappropriate calls will be permitted on library property, either inside or outside

  • Eating and/or drinking around computer stations or with uncovered containers

  • Consuming alcohol or being visibly under the influence

  • Wearing inappropriate clothing including bare feet and no shirt

  • Body odor or scent so strong as to constitute a nuisance to others 

  • Misuse of library property

  • Leaving belongings unattended

  • Smoking and or use of illegal drugs is prohibited

  • Failure to follow the “Acceptable Use of the Internet and Library Public Computers” policy