Cochrane Public Library is a public space which strives to be a welcoming, safe, and accessible space for people of diverse ages and backgrounds. The Library reserves the right to provide a space free from harassment or hostility. In keeping with this mandate, this Code of Conduct has been established to ensure a positive Library experience for everyone.
We expect every patron to:
- Be respectful of others in the library: patrons, visitors, staff and volunteers
- Be careful and considerate in their use of Library property
- Be lawful and responsible
- Dress appropriately: shoes and shirts must be worn
- Attend to and supervise children in their care who are under the age of 12
- Attend to personal belongings
- Use library furniture, equipment, washrooms and property properly and for their intended purposes only
- Leave the Library promptly at closing time and when requested to do so in emergency situations
Examples of behaviours which are NOT permitted include:
- Threatening, abusive, harassing language, behaviour or actions
- Behaviour that disturbs others’ use of the Library or damages Library property
- Intoxication or using intoxicating substances
- Leaving children who require supervision unattended on Library premises (under 12)
- Selling, using, or possessing alcohol or illegal substances
- Smoking anywhere other than in designated areas, including vaping
- Carrying weapons or implements which can be used as weapons
- Damage or theft of Library materials
- Sleeping
- Offensive body odour or offensive clothing odour
- Use of cell phones, pagers, head phones, and other communication devices which disturbs others’ use of the Library
- Taking Library materials into washrooms
- Bringing large bags into the Library (maximum of two small bags)
- Entering non-public areas
- Photographing or filming on library property without prior written consent
Consequences of Violating the Code of Conduct
Library staff are authorized to enforce the Code of Conduct. If a patron contravenes any provision of this bylaw, the Library Director or their designee may:
- Suspend, revoke or deny patron borrowing privileges
- Prohibit the patron from entering the library for a specified period of time
- Call the police for assistance, who may commence criminal proceedings
Patrons whose borrowing privileges have been suspended or patrons who have been prohibited from entering the Library may appeal the decision by filing a written statement of appeal with the Library Director.
Updated: March 2019
Approved by Library Board: March 26, 2019
