Patrons have the right to use Library materials and services without being disturbed or impeded by other users. Library patrons and employees have the right to a secure and comfortable environment, and Library patrons have a right to materials that are in good condition. Illinois Library Law (75 ILCS 16/30-55) gives the Board of Trustees the right “to make and adopt bylaws, rules, and regulations, for their own guidance and for the government of the Library that are expedient,” as well as “to exclude from the use of the Library any person who willfully violates the rules prescribed by the Board."
The Library Director and other Persons in Charge of the Library will have the support of the Board of Trustees for any official act in accordance with Board-approved policies and Library procedures.
Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a public Library while in the Library.
Prohibited Behavior
Behavior prohibited in the Library includes, but is not limited to:
- Engaging in conduct that creates or may reasonably be expected to create a disturbance in the Library or otherwise interferes with the quiet and safe use and enjoyment of the Library by others and/or interferes with staff performance of their duties including but not limited to:
- Shouting or otherwise engaging in loud or rowdy conversations;
- Playing music, movies, or other sounds (music may be played on personal headphones and devices, provided the music cannot be heard by others);
- Running and fighting;
- Engaging in threatening or harassing behavior;
- Obstructing others' access to Library resources;
- Wearing inappropriate attire such as swimsuits, revealing clothing or clothing with obscene words, messages, or images while in the Library (tops, bottoms and shoes are required at all times);
- Entering the Library with bodily hygiene and/or body odor so offensive as to constitute a nuisance (offending individuals may return to the Library once the offensive condition has been remedied);
- Engaging in public indecency, lewd, or sexually provocative behavior, etc.
- Engaging in conduct that may reasonably be expected to endanger the health and safety of Library users or employees or cause or threaten to cause damage to Library materials or facilities, including but not limited to:
- Moving furniture;
- Improperly using Library furniture, such as sleeping, lounging, and/or sitting on tables;
- Defacing or vandalizing Library property or materials.
- Possessing weapons or lookalike weapons.
- Possessing, selling, distributing, consuming or entering and remaining on Library property under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, cannabis, cannabis or THC-infused products, illegal drugs, or other controlled substance without a prescription.
- Using tobacco products in the Library and/or on Library property. This includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, vapes, smokeless tobacco, herbal products, and e-cigarettes.
- Sleeping in the Library or anywhere on Library property.
- Bathing, washing clothing or personal items, or using the restrooms for anything other than their intended purpose.
- Bringing any animal other than a Service Animal into the Library or mobile library without prior permission of the Library Director. Emotional support animals are not allowed inside the Library without prior permission of the Library Director.
- Entering “staff only” and/or unauthorized areas.
- Selling products or services or solicit donations, unless authorized by the Library Director.
- Drinking from beverage containers without lids and consuming food that creates a nuisance (for example, disruptive noise or strong odor) in undesignated areas and accepting food deliveries on Library property.
- Using hoverboards, skateboards, roller skates and roller blades, and/or similar types of equipment in the Library.
- Use of cell phones and other electronic devices at a disruptive or loud volume except in designated areas (the lobby, study rooms, outside).
- Distributing leaflets and/or petitioning inside the Library. Individuals distributing leaflets and/or petitioning on Library property may not impede entry or exit from Library buildings nor disrupt Library operations.
- Leaving children under age 10 unattended.
Enforcement of the Patron and Behavior Conduct Policy
Library staff responding to possible violations of the Patron Conduct and Behavior Policy may at any time request that patrons identify themselves by showing library cards or other documents such as a driver’s license or school ID.
The Library reserves the right to enforce this policy in a fair, equitable, and reasonable manner. Library staff and/or the Wood Dale Police Department will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Patrons who do not follow this policy may be asked to leave the property, have Library use privileges suspended, be subject to arrest, and/or subject to other legal action. When a patron is under 18 years of age, Library staff will notify the parents or guardians when and if possible.
Those wishing to appeal Library use privilege suspensions may do so by writing to the Library Director at the Library's address 10 days after receiving a notice of suspension. Patrons (and the parent or legal guardian of patrons under the age of 18) who wish to have their Library privileges reinstated after a suspension of 3 or more months must schedule a meeting with the Library Director to review behavior expectations and Library policy.
Related Library Policies & Ordinances
Unattended Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy
Ordinance #1 2014 – Ordinance Prohibiting Firearms on Library Property