The Wilson County Public Library offers library services to all residents of, and visitors to, Wilson County regardless of age, economic status, race, ethnicity, gender, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation. Library staff are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all library patrons. The user guidelines outlined below set expectations for all library users to ensure the safety, cleanliness, comfort, and accessibility of all Wilson County Public Library spaces for all community members.

Illegal Activities

Illegal activities, actions, or behaviors that are violations of federal, state, or local laws, or community ordinances and regulations are prohibited on library property and at any library events. Weapons of any kind are forbidden on library property

Personal Behavior and Conduct

All library patrons and staff, while on library premises, have the right to enjoy a library experience that is free from threat, harassment, and lewd or disruptive behavior. To ensure this, patrons must follow the below rules:

• Do not possess or consume alcohol
• Do not smoke, including e-cigarettes or vapes
• Do not sleep, bathe, or groom
• Do not Solicit for funds or signatures
• Do not panhandle, sell goods, or gamble
• Do not make unreasonable and disruptive noise, including speaker usage on electronic devices such as cell phones, computers, laptops, tablets, headphones, etc.
• Do not leave bags and other personal belongings unattended, and do not block access to aisles, doorways, stairways, walkways, elevators, ramps, or computers. (any items left unattended are not the responsibility of the library or library staff.)
• Wear attire appropriate for public places
• Shoes must be worn.
• Roller skates and skateboards must not be used inside the library or on library property. Scooters, bicycles, shopping carts, or other similar items must not be brought into the library

Service Animals

Only service animals and animals used in library sponsored programs are allowed in the library.

Food/Beverages

Beverages may be consumed in the library in covered containers. Food must be eaten outdoors or in designated areas, except as part of a library sponsored program or pre-approved event in a meeting room.

Furniture

Furniture may not be moved without permission from library staff. It is not allowed to have feet and legs on tables and chairs.

Policy Violations

Violators of this policy may be subject to exclusion from library buildings and grounds. Violators may lose library privileges. Violations of the law will be referred to local law enforcement when necessary and criminal behavior may be prosecuted under the law.

Applicability

This policy applies to all library patrons on library property. Any disruptive behavior as determined by library staff or security personnel will be addressed in the most equitable and appropriate manner according to library policy.

Responsibility

It is the responsibility of all library staff to understand this policy fully to ensure fair and equitable application.