Rules of Conduct

Service Policy: Rules of Conduct

The Board of Directors believes that patrons of the Fargo Public Library have the right to use library materials and services without being disturbed or impeded by other library users; that patrons and staff have the right to a secure and comfortable environment; and that patrons and staff have the right to materials and facilities that are in good condition.

Rules

- Any behavior which is disruptive or which hinders use of the library is prohibited on library property. This includes, but is not limited to, loud or boisterous behavior, verbal or physical harassment, drunkenness, running, fighting, and congregating in large groups.

- Use of all tobacco products is strictly prohibited in the library. Use of electronic cigarettes is also prohibited.

- The consumption of food within reasonable limits at the discretion of library staff is allowed. Carry in meals are prohibited. Authorized groups, with permission from library administration, may serve refreshments in the meeting room.

- Engaging in any behavior which may unreasonably interfere with the rights of other patrons to use the library is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, sleeping and/or exhibiting offensive personal hygiene. Appropriate attire must be worn (i.e. shoes and shirts).

- Users of portable electronic devices may be asked to disable sounds so as not to create a disturbance for other customers. Use of camera phones and other hidden electronic recording devices on library property is prohibited.

- Telephones located at the public service desks are for business use only. Customers asking to use these phones are to be referred to the nearest courtesy phone. Exceptions to this policy will be made for children needing a ride home and for emergency situations.

- Animals, except those used to aid persons with disabilities or used in conjunction with library programs, are not permitted in the library.

- Individuals who return items that are infested and/or damaged by pests will be ineligible to check out items and won’t be allowed to visit any library location until the active infestation has been eliminated. The individual will also be responsible for the replacement costs of the infested and/or damaged items.

- Selling products or services and soliciting donations are not permitted on library property.

- Taking surveys, asking people to sign petitions and distributing leaflets, is not permitted on library property except in areas outside of library buildings.

- Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while they are on library property. Children under the age of 10 must be attended by a parent or other responsible caregiver age 14 or older in the same service area at all times while on library property.

- The violation of federal or state laws or local ordinances will not be permitted on library property. Theft, vandalism, and mutilation of library property are criminal offenses which will be prosecuted. The library reserves the right to inspect all bags, purses, briefcases, backpacks, and other such items when staff members have reason to believe that this rule has been violated. The library is not responsible for personal belongings which are left unattended.

- Photography and video recording within the library without the prior approval of library administration is prohibited. Individuals or businesses may contact the Library Director or Deputy Director to gain permission to photograph and or video within the library.

- With the exception of law enforcement, the possession of firearms and/or dangerous weapons is prohibited on library property.

- Leaving packages, backpacks, luggage, or any other personal items unattended is not permitted. These unattended items are subject to immediate confiscation.

- Bicycles are not allowed within library buildings.

For purposes of these rules of conduct, as to the Main Library, the term “library property” shall mean the public patron areas inside the building (as opposed to library-worker areas, administrative office areas and the conference room areas) and outside the building shall mean the area between the building and the property boundary on the east, south and west side of the building and the southerly edge of the Sodbuster walkway on the north side of the building. As to the Carlson Library in south Fargo, the term “library property” shall mean the public patron areas inside the building (as opposed to library-worker areas, administrative office areas and the conference room areas) and outside the building shall mean the area between the building and the property boundary on all sides surrounding the building. As to the Northport Library in north Fargo, the term “library property” shall mean the public patron areas inside the library building space (as opposed to library-worker areas and administrative office areas).

People whose actions violate these rules will be asked to stop such actions. The library has the legal right and authority to require anyone violating these Rules of Conduct to leave the library. Violation of these rules may result in temporary or indefinite trespass from the library pursuant to the Board of Directors’ authority under Section 40-38-07 of the North Dakota Century Code. Individuals who have been trespassed may contact the Library Director to appeal their trespassed status.

#007-2001
Approved 11-27-2001
Revised 02-22-2005
Revised 05-20-2008
Revised 02-16-2010
Revised 08-21-2012
Revised 09-18-2012
Revised 09-17-2013
Revised 08-19-2014
Reviewed 07-17-2018
Revised 11-19-2019
Revised 06-16-2020
Revised 06-15-2021
Revised 02-15-2022
Revised 06-21-2022
Revised 09-19-2023