To enable the library to fulfill its mission, library patrons are asked to respect and follow the policies listed below. Patrons who violate the Behavior Policy will receive notice they are in violation and may be asked to leave the library.

Disruptive behavior is generally defined as any patron behavior that interferes with the normal operation of the library or which unreasonably interferes with another patron's ability to use the library. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

The following list of disruptive behaviors is used for illustrative purposes and is not comprehensive:

• Illegal acts
• Sexual harassment or misconduct
• Stealing or vandalizing library property
• Running, shouting, loud talking, pushing, threatening or harassing behavior
• Playing audio equipment loud enough to disturb others
• Loud Cell telephone ringing and/or conversations
• Possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol
• Use of any tobacco product inside the library
• Use of skateboards, roller blades/skates/scooters on library property
• Soliciting of any kind and/or asking for signatures on petitions
• Blocking of aisles or entrances
• Possession of weapons
• Monopolizing library resources or staff time
• Eating or drinking within the library unless at authorized library events
• Discourtesy to other library Patrons or the Library Staff
  
  While visiting the library, Patrons are required to:
  
• Respect other library users and their privacy at all times
• Wear appropriate attire, including shoes and shirts (no wet clothes or bathing suits)
• Not present an odor nuisance
• Not bring animals into the library, other than service animals-nor leave animals outside unattended
• Ask permission to use library telephones, calls are limited to emergencies and requests for transportation
• Use library furniture, materials, equipment and facilities for their intended purposes
• Take care of their own possessions, the library will not be responsible for patron's items
  
  Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers* responsibilities:
  
• Persons 17 years old or younger are defined as `children' for the purposes of this Policy.
• Parents or legal guardians, whether present in the library or not, are responsible for their children's behavior at all time.
• Parents or legal guardians are responsible for any damages to library property caused, in whole or in part, by their children, regardless of the children's age.
• Children under the age of eight years must be accompanied by a parent, a guardian, or a Caregiver*, at all times
• Parents, guardians or Caregivers* are responsible for maintaining control over their children's behavior in the library, at all times
• Parents, guardians or Caregivers accompanying children eight years or younger must stay within a reasonable distance (within eyesight) of their children, at all times
• *(If a parent designates a `Caregiver' to accompany a child eight years or younger to the library in the parent's absence, the Caregiver must be at least 14 years of age and must demonstrate maturity and competence to care for and control the children left in their care, while in the library.)
  ***The library retains the right to search all personal bags or backpacks.
  ***Patron library privileges may be limited at the discretion of the Library Director.

Library Board Approved 12/01/03
Bastrop City Council Approved 12/9/03