Purpose:
The Peoria Public Library is a tax-supported public institution whose purpose depends upon an environment where the public can avail itself of library resources in a calm, quiet, and controlled setting assuring patrons of their legally protected right to receive information.  Library patrons therefore properly expect each of our facilities to be clean, comfortable, and safe places for selecting materials, reading, researching, studying, writing, and attending programs and meetings.  To this end, the Library is responsible for establishing rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of Library patrons, volunteers, and staff, and for preserving and protecting the Library’s materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds consistent with its strong commitment to intellectual freedom and to freedom of access to information.  For further information, please refer to the American Library Association Code of Ethics http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/proethics/codeofethics/codeethics.cfm and the Library Bill of Rights http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/index.cfm.

In General:
As used in this policy, (1) “Library facility” or “facility” may be used interchangeably and shall mean a building, a room, an interior or exterior area (e.g., a garden or patio), equipment, fixture, or other part of the buildings, equipment, or grounds of the Peoria Public Library and (2) “Library material,” “Library resource,” “material,” or “resource” may be used interchangeably and shall mean any book, plate, picture, photograph, engraving, painting, sculpture, statue, artifact, drawing, map, newspaper, pamphlet, magazine, manuscript, document, letter, microfilm, sound recording, audiovisual material, magnetic or other type, electronic data processing record or other documentary, written or printed material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, or any part thereof, belonging to, or on loan to or otherwise in the custody of a Library facility.

Standards:
The Peoria Public Library reserves the right to search any or all backpacks, bags, briefcases, packages, or containers being brought into Library facilities.

Behavior becomes unacceptable when it interferes with the rights of others, results in injury to oneself or others, or reasonably threatens to damage or actually damages any Library facility, material, or resource other than through customary or commonly accepted use resulting in ordinary wear and tear.  Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to:

• Loitering, including loitering in restrooms
• Using Library facilities for such activities as sleeping, bathing, or washing clothes or any purpose other than those normally associated with a library
• Panhandling, soliciting, or conducting surveys not authorized by the Library
• Speaking in a loud or disruptive manner, running, congregating in unruly groups, or creating a public disturbance
• Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children
• Using cellular phones or audio equipment audible to others
• Being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or substances
• Bringing animals (except service animals) into the Library, except as authorized by the Library Director
• Bringing scooters, bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, or similar wheeled devices into the Library or using such devices on the premises of a Library facility
• Verbally or physically threatening or harassing other patrons, volunteers, or staff
• Failing or refusing to comply with a reasonable staff directive or request
• Smoking, chewing, or using any other form of tobacco within the Library and/or within 15 feet of the Library entrance(s) (Smoke Free Illinois Act, 410 ILCS 82/1 et seq.)
• Lying down or putting feet up on any couch, table, or seat in any Library facility, or any use of facilities which is likely to cause personal injury or injury to others
• Entering the Library without shirt or shoes, with personal hygiene that is offensive to others, or violating federal, state or local law relating to public indecency or protection of public health
• Spitting or throwing anything over the skylight or stairwell railings
• Consuming food in public areas of the Library other than meeting rooms or the lounge area(s)
• Bringing in belongings larger in size than may be comfortably fitted  underneath a chair at the Library facility into which the belongings are brought
• Sitting at a public computer in a group larger than two people
• Carrying firearms and dangerous weapons of any type, including knife blades longer than three inches, explosive devices, chemicals, and volatile substances or fluids, onto the premises of a Library facility, except for authorized law enforcement officials (Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act, 430 ILCS 66/65(18))
• Using another person’s name or library card or giving false information in order to use Library resources, such as gaining access to computers, checking out materials, or participating in programs
• Theft, mutilation, or vandalism of any Library material or resource (Protection of Library Materials, 720 ILCS 5/16B)

Progressive discipline will be used relative to violations of this policy. 

Consequences of misconduct may include one or more of the following:  a verbal warning, eviction from the Library, loss of Library privileges, and arrest.

Federal and state laws and Peoria ordinances pertaining to the use and protection of public facilities, specifically public libraries, and to persons working in, occupying, or using such public facilities will be fully enforced.

The Standards of Behavior Policy will be reviewed and revised as necessary by the Board of Trustees of Peoria Public Library.

Adopted by the Peoria Public Library Board of Trustees on February 15, 2011.

Revised by the Peoria Public Library Board of Trustees on February 17, 2015.

Peoria Public Library

Smoke and Tobacco Free Property Policy

(Adopted by Peoria Public Library Board of Trustees, December 18, 2018)

Purpose:

Peoria Public Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming, healthy and safe environment for patrons and staff. Due to acknowledged health hazards arising from exposure to secondhand smoke, it is the policy of Peoria Public Library to provide a smoke and tobacco free environment for employees, patrons, and vendors.

In General:

The use of any smoke or tobacco product is prohibited by employees, patrons, and vendors on property that is owned, operated, leased, occupied, or controlled by Peoria Public Library, including company vehicles in these areas.

Smoke or tobacco products may be used within private vehicles that are parked 25 feet from an entrance to the building or an air intake vent.

General Policy:

All Peoria Public Library buildings, grounds, and vehicles are smoke and tobacco free. Tobacco use and smoking in all forms, including the use of electronic cigarettes and smoke-free oral tobacco products, is not permitted in any facility, vehicle, or on property owned by Peoria Public Library.

Those who violate the policy will be asked to stop using the smoke/tobacco product. If you refuse to comply, you will be asked to leave the property.

The policy applies to every person who visits Peoria Public Library property, including employees, patrons, and vendors.

This policy will go into effect on January 1, 2019.

Definitions:

Smoking: Inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, or pipe.

Tobacco Products: All forms of tobacco, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes (hookahs), electronic cigarettes (vaporizers), and smokeless tobacco products. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) are not considered a tobacco product.

Property: Buildings and structures, grounds, parking lots, sidewalks, and vehicles.

Employee: Any person who is employed by Peoria Public Library

Patron: Any person who is not an employee of Peoria Public Library who visits a Peoria Public Library location to visit with staff, seek information, receive materials, provide trainings, attend meetings or programs, or is on Peoria Public Library property for any other reason.

Vendors: Any person who delivers goods, supplies, or seeks to set up services, whether a contract is in place or not.

The Smoke and Tobacco Free Property Policy will be reviewed and revised as necessary by the Board of Trustees of Peoria Public Library.

Adopted by the Peoria Public Library Board of Trustees on December 18, 2018.