Oakland Public Library Guidelines for Behavior
The Oakland Public Library strives to provide a welcoming space where community members can comfortably access a wide array of services. Library users are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that supports and maintains this environment for the benefit of everyone.
All people in the library must adhere to the following guidelines, designed to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and courtesy. Library staff are authorized to enforce these regulations. Failure to comply with staff requests or correct inappropriate behavior will result in actions ranging from verbal warnings to contacting law enforcement.
Behavior that disrupts normal operation of Library services or infringes upon the rights and safety of others is prohibited. Any attempts to harm, threaten, or intimidate staff or patrons and any activities that are unsafe, disruptive, or illegal, are prohibited. This includes but is not limited to:
- Abusive, threatening, harassing, or discriminatory language or behavior. This includes profanities, slurs, pursuing unwanted conversation, staring, lurking, following or impeding another person’s movement.
- Any sexual misconduct or harassment. This may include exposure, fondling, touching, verbal, or other unwanted sexual advances or behavior.
- Assault, fighting, or challenging others to fight using provocative language or behavior.
- Displaying, using, or threatening use of weapons or items used as weapons. Weapons and explosives are not allowed on library property.
- Theft of any kind.
- Damaging, defacing, misusing, vandalizing, or making unusable any property or facilities, including books, restrooms, computer equipment, and furniture.
- Possession, use, or display of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Use or display of tobacco, cannabis, or other drugs, including smoking, vaping, or the use of e-cigarettes inside or within 25 feet of a door, window, or vent.
- Being under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicating substances.
- Monopolizing, blocking or altering library space, seating, outlets, equipment, paths, or access.
- Sleeping or lying down that is disruptive, unsafe, monopolizes space, or otherwise impedes others from using library spaces or resources.
- Bringing in excessive, over-sized or bulky personal items such as 4-wheeled carts, large suitcases or luggage, large garbage bags, duffel bags, or bicycles (except for library-sponsored bicycle programming).
- Leaving personal belongings unattended. Library staff cannot monitor personal items. The library is not responsible for the loss or theft of unattended items.
- Failure to wear shoes and clothing that adequately covers upper and lower torso.
- Presenting strong and pervasive odors or scents.
- Engaging in any behavior (including bringing personal items) that is unsanitary or poses a health or safety risk.
- Loitering in or using restrooms in any way that interferes with maintaining a clean and safe facility, including bathing, shaving, or laundering clothes, sexual activity, drug use, or any other unintended use.
- Riding a bicycle, skateboard, scooter, skates, or similar devices inside the library.
- Creating disruptive or excessive noise, including loud talking or singing, use of cell phones or any other electronic device (with or without headphones), which disturbs other patrons or staff.
- Eating, drinking, and displaying open food or beverage containers outside of designated areas (if available). Children three (3) and under are exempt.
- Sales or solicitation of any kind, except for library-sponsored programming.
- Distributing or posting any printed material without library approval.
- Leaving children age seven (7) or younger unattended at any time by a responsible caregiver. Parents or guardians are solely responsibility for the safety and behavior of their children in the library. Library staff cannot supervise children.
- Bringing any animals (except for service dogs that are trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act) into the building, except for library-sponsored programming.
- Monopolizing staff time in such a way that prevents staff from performance of their duties or to the exclusion of other patrons.
- Trespassing, including refusing to leave at closing or while suspended, and entering non-public areas without staff authorization.
- Any conduct that violates federal, state, or local statutes or ordinances.
- Engaging in any act which disrupts or prevents the normal and intended use of the public library by any other patrons or staff.
- Failing to comply with requests or direction of Library staff.
Failure to comply with any of the above regulations and/or refusal to stop such act or behavior upon staff request will result in a verbal warning, immediate expulsion from the facility, suspension of library privileges, and/or arrest and prosecution to the full extent of the law.
Updated by Library Administration October 5, 2024
