The Charlevoix Public Library supports the entire community by providing resources, which will aid the pursuit of information and provide recreation and cultural enrichment through print, media, electronic resources, and planned programs. In accordance with our mission, we ask that all patrons comply with the following Code of Conduct while in the library and on library property.

Code of Conduct

Library requests that all patrons:

• Speak in soft voices.
• Throw trash in proper receptacles.
• When using headphones, set the volume so others cannot hear it.
• Wear a shirt, shoes (no wheels), and other proper attire.
• Turn cell phone ringers off, & hold phone conversations in a foyer or outside.
• Understand that the library staff is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.
• Be respectful of all patrons, library staff, and library property.
• Use one chair per person and no more than two heads per computer (unless there is adult supervision at the computer).
• Contain beverages in a bottle or cup with a lid or closure.
• Only eat foods purchased through the library vending machine in the vending area.
• Comply with the library’s Internet and computer use policies.

We ask that all patrons refrain from:

• Eating or drinking in the computer lab.
• Drinking Slurpees or other frozen beverages.
• Loitering or smoking on library property.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages or using illegal substances.
• Being impaired by intoxication from alcohol or other drugs.
• Sleeping for longer than five minutes.
• Rough housing on library property, including, but not limited to: pushing, running, throwing snowballs, fighting, physically intimidating behavior & threats of violence.
• Using profanity or other abusive language on library property.
• Having offensive odor that causes a nuisance or interferes with patrons use & enjoyment of library.
• Riding skateboards, scooters, blades, or other devices on library property.
• Solicitation.

The library reserves the right to:

• Limit group size based on available space and noise level of the group.
• Supervise people in any area of the library.
• Inspect any bags or backpacks.

Unattended Children:

The Charlevoix Public Library wishes to provide an environment that is inviting, pleasant, and safe for all patrons. Children are encouraged to use and enjoy library facilities and services. Responsibility for children using the library rests with the parent or assigned caregiver. Children aged three and under must be within visual contact of the accompanying responsible adult when in the library. Children seven and under must be under the supervision of a responsible adult when in the library. Older children may use the library unattended for an amount of time appropriate to their age and maturity. Parents or guardians are responsible for making arrangements for their children to be picked up before the library closes.

These rules have been formulated with the cooperation of the Charlevoix Police Department and the Charlevoix City Attorney. We thank everyone for compliance.

Non-Compliance

The Charlevoix Public Library Board of Trustees and staff have a zero tolerance for threats and acts of violence and expect all patrons to behave respectfully towards themselves, other patrons, staff and library property. If violent behavior, physically intimidating behavior or making threats thereof to patrons or property is viewed, the patron will be automatically banned from the library and must follow rules for the third offense to be reinstated.

1. First offense: Code of Conduct is given to patron and patron asked to sign and return the non-compliance form to staff. If a minor is not complying with the stated Code of Conduct, the minor will take the Code of Conduct home and must bring it back with a parent or guardian so the parent or guardian can sign in the presence of library staff.
2. Second offense: Patron is banned from the library and library property for one month. Staff will make note in the behavior log and on the patron’s signed non-compliance form. If patron is a minor, a letter will be sent to the parent or guardian.
3. Third offense: Patron banned from the library and library property. In order to return to the library and library property, the patron must appeal to the Library Board of Trustees. Patron would need to request an agenda spot by sending a letter or email to the director, or speaking with the director personally. If patron is a minor, the parent or guardian must accompany said patron to the Board meeting. The Board of Trustees meets the second Thursday of every month at 4:00 pm.

Trespassing will be handled by calling the police for assistance. Trespassing is defined as failure to leave the library or library property as instructed, or entering the library or library property while banned.

If a child is asked to leave for a violation of this policy, but has no transportation at the time, a parent or caregiver will be notified and the child will be supervised until parent or guardian has arrived.

Brief Description of Non-compliance: 

Name_________________________	Date ___________________________
Signature __________________________________
For under 18:
Parent Name____________________	Parent Contact Phone ________________
Mailing Address: _________________	___________________________________
Parent Signature _________________	Staff Signature _____________________