Rules of Conduct

In order to ensure that library facilities are safe, are welcoming, and provide equitable access to materials and services for all patrons, the CALS Board of Directors has adopted the following rules and regulations. Failure to observe the Rules of Conduct may result in suspension of library privileges. In the event of repeated offenses, the Library reserves the right to impose additional suspensions based on circumstances. Suspensions may be appealed to Library Administration.

Level 1: Actions that require immediate removal from the library premises

  1. Persons who break any local, state, or federal law while using library resources or facilities shall be immediately removed from the library and may be charged under appropriate ordinances, statutes, etc.
  2. Persons who deface or mutilate any library property shall be immediately suspended from the library. It is the policy of the Board that such Persons be prosecuted under appropriate statutes. This especially applies to anyone guilty of defacing or mutilating books, periodicals, or other collections.
  3. Persons carrying any weapon may not enter the library and shall be immediately removed and it is the policy of the Board that such Persons be prosecuted. The only exception is for Persons in possession of an enhanced concealed handgun license recognized by the State of Arkansas.
  4. Persons who urinate or defecate anywhere on the premises other than authorized restrooms shall be immediately suspended from the library and may be charged under appropriate ordinances, statutes, etc.
  5. Persons engaged in sexual conduct or lewd behavior shall be immediately suspended from the library and may be charged under appropriate
    ordinances, statutes, etc.
  6. Persons engaged in fighting, abusive language, or other aggressive behavior shall be suspended from the library and may be charged under appropriate ordinances, statutes, etc.
  7. Persons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to others shall be required to leave the building. They may reenter the library when they have eliminated the nuisance caused by their hygiene.

Level 2: Actions that require a written copy of the rules and/or verbal warning, but if repeated are subject to further action

  1. Persons in the library shall be engaged in using library materials, services, or facilities for their intended purpose.
  2. Persons shall not engage in harassing or threatening activities in the library.
  3. All Persons must wear shoes and, as appropriate, trousers, outer shorts, pants, skirts, dresses, blouses, shirts, and/or T-shirts.
  4. Persons may eat or drink only in designated areas of the library.
  5. Smoking, use of tobacco products, and electronic nicotine delivery devices are prohibited on CALS property.
  6. Sleeping that impedes others from using the library or library resources is not permitted in the library.
  7. No animals, except service animals accompanying persons with disabilities, are allowed in the library.
  8. Nonlibrary-approved solicitation in any form is forbidden.
  9. Public rest rooms shall not be used for bathing, shaving, or washing clothing.
  10. Conversations, including cell phone conversations, that disturb other Persons or interfere with the ability of the staff to perform its duties are forbidden. Volume from earphones and other portable devices should not be so loud as to disturb others. Speakerphone and speaker functions shall not be used inside the library.
  11. Littering of the building and library grounds is forbidden.
  12. Persons’ personal belongings must not block access to walkways, computers, or other library resources, and must not be left unattended. Any carrying device that is allowed in the library is subject to search when the person leaves the building, in accordance with Arkansas Statute 13-2-805.
  13. Children ages 11 and older are welcome to be at the library without a caregiver if their behavior complies with the Rules of Conduct. Caregivers should be at least sixteen years of age and attentive to the needs of persons in their care. Further information regarding caregivers and child safety can be found in the library’s Safe Child Procedure.
  14. The police department will be called if children under 12 years of age are left unattended in front of the building prior to regular opening time or have not been picked up by 15 minutes after closing time.
  15. Library computer users must sign in and agree to the Rules and Responsibilities for Public Computer and Internet Use.
  16. Persons shall not enter spaces marked “Staff Only” unless they have permission from a member of the library staff.

Failure to observe the Rules of Conduct may result in suspension of library privileges. In the event of repeated offenses, the Library reserves the right to impose additional suspensions based on circumstances. Suspensions may be appealed to Library Administration.

Policy Information

Board Policy #400
Board Approval: 02/22/89
Revision: 03/29/94, 11/20/97, 01/22/98, 08/29/00, 09/28/12, 09/22/16, 07/26/18, 07/25/19, 12/17/20, 6/24/21
Director’s Recommendation: 02/22/89
Legal Advice: 03/9/93