Astoria Public Library Guidelines for Library Use
Astoria
Public Library is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive library
system where our entire community can gather, connect, and explore. We are
committed to fostering and maintaining an environment in which all individuals
are treated with respect, courtesy, and dignity.
This policy
provides guidelines for library usage for the public and how the rules are
enforced. Our enforcement is designed to preserve access to library services to
the maximum extent possible and to maintain a safe and welcoming environment
for the public and for library staff and volunteers.
We strive to
provide safe, easy, and unobstructed access to our buildings, collections,
furnishings, and other library resources. For everyone’s enjoyment, it is
expected that patrons follow these Library Rules for Use.
Guidelines for Library
Use
·
Ask
for help or resources when needed.
·
Follow
reasonable direction from library staff and adhere to all library policies.
·
Be
considerate of others and respect library users, staff, and volunteers.
·
Respect
the facility, equipment, and materials.
·
Be
responsible for children and adults in your care.
·
Stay
with your personal belongings at all times.
·
Enjoy
non-alcoholic beverages in closed containers.
·
Wear
clothing that consists of a shirt, bottom garment, and shoes.
No person shall:
1.
Violate any federal, state, or City of Astoria law.
2.
Threaten, harm, or harass library users, employees, and/or volunteers.
This
includes verbal and physical harassment or threats and/or the use of abusive,
or threatening language, or gestures. Examples of behavior include but are not
limited to: unwelcome contact between people; stalking, staring, or invading
personal space; directing abusive language at a person.
3. Engage
in disruptive, disorderly, or unsafe conduct.
Behavior
that interferes with others’ use of the library or with the ability of staff to
perform their duties is prohibited. Examples of behavior or activities that may
be deemed by library employees to be disruptive include but are not limited to:
using library materials, furniture, or facilities in a way that is different
from the intended purpose; overly loud noise, throwing things, pushing and
shoving; leaving garbage or spills in the library.
4. Have
personal hygiene that unduly interferes with the ability of others to use the
public land or public facility, including body odor or strong perfume.
Patrons are
welcome to return to the library after they have addressed the source of an
odor. We can offer resources if requested.
5. Bring
weapons into the library.
No person
may possess a firearm, deadly weapon, or dangerous weapon
in a City Building or City Park Facility and will be
required to either leave the location
or surrender the firearm or weapon to a law enforcement
officer or an employee of the City of Astoria authorized to enforce this policy.
6. Use
tobacco products.
Smoking,
vaping, or chewing tobacco is prohibited inside the library building and 10
feet from all entrances.
7.
Consume, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or
controlled or illegal substances.
8. Bring
animals, except service animals, inside the Library buildings.
Only service
animals specifically trained to perform a task for a person with a disability,
or animals that are part of a library program, are allowed.
9. Leave
children under 10 years of age unattended.
See also:
Library Policy on Unattended Children.
10.
Create obstacles with personal belongings or leave items unattended.
Bicycles,
shopping carts, or similar wheeled objects may not be brought into a public
facility when doing so would be inconsistent with the intended use of the
public facility. A bicycle lock is available for check out.
11.
Improperly use library restrooms.
This
includes, but is not limited to, bathing, washing hair, and preparing meals.
12.
Conduct surveys, distribute materials, sell or advertise merchandise, or
solicit money or signatures in a public facility.
This applies
to doorways or vestibules of a public facility and to pathways and pavement
outside of the libraries; book and materials return areas must be kept clear.
13. Ride
or operate a skateboard, scooter or electric trike, bicycle, roller blades, or
roller skates in a public facility.
This
includes any area that provides for ingress and egress to the library,
including sidewalks, plazas, and other hard surfaces, unless otherwise
authorized to engage in such activities. Reasonable exceptions include wheeled
medical devices.
Enforcement
of the Library Rules for Use Policy
Library employees will enforce these
rules.
Progressive Discipline
Approach
Astoria Public Library strives to
preserve access to library services to the maximum extent possible while still
maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Our intention is to
be fair and to build relationships that lead to improved behavior and continued
access to our services and facilities while protecting patrons, employees,
volunteers, and the library facilities. Depending on the severity and frequency
of the prohibited behavior, patrons may be asked to leave for progressively
longer periods of time, which will be determined after careful review of the
incidents and in accordance with the Patron Progressive Discipline Rubric.
·
Generally,
for violations unlikely to cause immediate harm to others and not perceived to
be threatening, the person violating the rules will be given at least one
warning.
o
If
behavior continues, the person will be asked to leave the premises for the day.
o
If
the person returns and the behavior continues, they may be excluded for
progressively longer periods of time.
o
Continued
failure to comply with the Library Rules for Use Policy can result in an
exclusion order up to 360 days, issued by the Astoria Police Department.
·
Any
behavior that arises to the felony criminal level can result in an immediate 360-day
exclusion from library premises.
Exclusions
Individuals who fail to observe the
Library Rules for Use Policy may be asked to leave the library building,
property, or virtual space, be suspended from the library for a period of time,
be subject to arrest, or be subject to other lawful action.
·
Exclusions– Someone whose behavior violates
the Astoria City Code may be excluded from the library for a period of up to 360
days, issued by the Astoria Police Department.
·
Trespass– Individuals who fail to comply
with any exclusion may be issued a citation or arrested for trespass.
·
Minors– In the case of a minor being
excluded, every attempt will be made to contact the child’s parent or guardian
to give notice of the exclusion.
Appeals
A person receiving an exclusion
notice may appeal to the Library Director and seek to have the exclusion
reversed or the exclusion period shortened.
Library
Board Endorsement: August 5, 2025
Biannual
Review due 2027
