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Code of Conduct

Pursuant to sections 3375.40 (H) and 2935.041 of the Ohio Revised Code, the following Code of Conduct was adopted by the Coshocton County District Library Board of Trustees on August 20, 2013.

The public library is a place where citizens come to select materials, conduct research, study, and read. The following rules have been adopted for the comfort and protection of everyone using the library. The library staff will enforce these rules in a courteous yet firm manner. We ask that everyone using the library cooperate by maintaining a pleasant atmosphere conducive to study. If any patrons are confronted with violations of these rules, a staff member should be informed immediately.

1. Disruptive behavior is not permitted in the library or on library property.
   The following types of behavior are strictly prohibited:
   1. Excessive noise
   2. Using foul or abusive language
   3. Threatening words or actions
   4. Interfering with other patron’s work and the efficient operation of the library
   5. Running
   6. Solicitation
   7. All illegal activities
   8. Eating and drinking in all parts of the library open to the public with the following exceptions: Refreshments are permitted in the public meeting rooms, and beverages with lids are permitted in the magazine area
   9. Sleeping
   10. The use of cannabis or tobacco products or their electronic substitutes
   11. The use of, or being under the influence of, alcohol or an illegal substance
   12. Bringing animals into the library except designated service animals
   13. Taking photographs and/or recording videos of patrons without their permission
   14. Offensive hygiene that disrupts the use of the library for other staff and/or patrons (non-medical)
2. Library policies and procedures should be followed by those visiting a library facility. Refusal to follow a policy or procedure at the request of a staff member may result in a suspension of services.
3. Personal belongings should be kept with the individual visiting library property.
4. Theft and/or defacement of library materials is a crime punishable by law.
5. Upon leaving the library, patrons may be asked to show proof that their library materials have been properly checked out. Patrons who do not cooperate will be detained for law enforcement.
6. Carrying a weapon on library property which includes concealed carry permit holders is not permitted unless authorized law enforcement.
7. Children under the age of six must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
8. Patrons must be fully clothed including, but not necessarily limited to, shoes, shirts, blouses, sweaters, etc.
9. Certain areas of the library are intended for use by a specific targeted demographic: Children’s Room, Teen Corner, etc. While all individuals are welcome to browse and borrow resources located in these areas, spending large amounts of time in the space when not accompanied by a member of the targeted demographic is discouraged. When asking someone outside of the targeted demographic to move to a better suited area of the library, staff will take into consideration all deciding factors present at the time. Examples include, but are not limited to: programming scheduled to attract increased numbers of the intended audience, noise level of the space the individual is being asked to move to, available outlets the patron may need access to, the resources the individual is attempting to use, etc.

Any person violating the above rules may be asked to leave the library premises. Failure to comply will result in notification of legal authority.

As a result of violating the above rules, the Library Director may elect to suspend a patron’s access to library facilities for a period of time or deny access to specific services and/or programs. The suspension period shall be reasonably related to the severity of the offense and its danger to public health, safety, and welfare. In addition, a patron who repeatedly violates the above rules is also subject to suspension of library privileges as determined by the Library Director. This will take place in the following manner:

1. The Library Director will notify the patrons in writing the length and terms of the suspension, the reasons for the suspension, and the appeal policy.
2. A patron may appeal the issuance of a suspension. Said appeal must be made in writing to the Library Director no later than 15 days upon receipt of the letter of suspension. The Library Director will respond to the written appeal no later than 15 days after receiving the written appeal.
3. In the event the Library Director upholds the suspension, a patron may appeal to the Coshocton Public Library Board of Trustees. This must be done in writing to the Library Director no later than 30 days upon receipt of the letter upholding the suspension. The patron will receive notification of the hearing date, time, and location. At the hearing, the patron will have an opportunity to provide information as to why he/she believes the suspension should be removed or the duration amended. Failure to appear at the scheduled hearing waives any right to a hearing.
4. If a patron’s library privileges are suspended indefinitely, the patron may petition the Board of Trustees to review his/her suspension on an annual basis in the following manner: The suspended patron will file a written petition stating the patron’s name, address, and current telephone number, the date the patron’s indefinite suspension began, the change in circumstances which demonstrate that the patron’s library privileges should be reinstated, and other information which the patron believes is pertinent to the matter.
5. A patron may pursue other methods of appeal as provided by law.

Board of Trustees
Coshocton County District Library
August 2013
Updated August 2025