To ensure that all people who use and work at the Hoyt Lakes Public Library (HLPL) can do so in a comfortable and safe environment HLPL reserves the right to determine what it considers to be disruptive or inappropriate behavior by the patrons of HLPL, whether in person, over the telephone, or on social media. All Library users and employees should be free of any threat of harm, invasion of property, or gross indignity.

To ensure these rights for all persons, the following Code of Conduct applies to behavior of both patrons and staff on the premises of Library property.

No person shall engage in any conduct which disturbs or interferes with patrons or employees of the Library, including, but not restricted to the following:

1.     Smoking.

2.     Eating or drinking near the computers.

3.     Defacing, damaging, stealing, vandalizing, or destroying Library property.

4.     Bringing weapons in the Library or on Library property.

5.     Viewing of material on the computer that under federal or state law is reasonably believed to be obscene or pornographic.

6.     Interfering with free passage, including intimidating or harassing behavior and using harassing, obscene, abusive, threatening, insulting language or gestures.

7.     Behaving in a disorderly, loud, or boisterous manner.

8.     Possessing, consuming, exchanging, selling or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs on Library grounds.

9.     Soliciting funds or panhandling.

10. Remaining in the building after its regular closing hours.

11. Bringing animals into the Library except as required by people with service animals (see the Service Animal Policy).

12. Bringing vehicles into the library except as required by people with disabilities.

13. Following, staring, or any other behavior used with the intent to annoy another person; playing audio or video equipment/mobile devices so that others can hear it; singing or talking in a manner which disturbs other people.

All Library patrons entering and using the Library must wear a shirt and shoes at all times.

Anyone violating the Code of Conduct policy is first warned by a Library staff member at the time of the offense. If the conduct continues, the offender is ordered to leave the building (see Code of Conduct Procedure). Staff will contact the East Range Police Department if deemed advisable. Staff may expel the offender(s) without a warning at the discretion of staff in situations of serious, threatening, or willfully malicious behavior. The Library Director will be notified of the situation.

Behavior that violates city, state, or federal law will be reported to the police immediately.

The Hoyt Lakes Public Library is not responsible for children left unattended on Library premises. Unattended children are defined as minors apparently unaccompanied by a parent, guardian, or assigned chaperone. Parents, guardians, or assigned chaperones are solely responsible for the safety, welfare, and behavior of their children. Parents of young children are encouraged to remain in visual contact with their child at all times. Children, like all Library patrons, must comply with the Library’s policies and failure to do so may result in the child/children being asked to leave the Library. It is the responsibility of parents, guardians, or assigned chaperones to inform their children what they should do if they must leave the Library.

Failure to observe the Code of Conduct policy may lead to revocation of Library privileges, including the right to enter the building. Repeat offenders or persons ordered from the premises who do not comply may be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespassing.

Patrons who are suspended from using HLPL services for a period exceeding one day may petition to have their suspension reviewed by the HLPL Library Director and the HLPL Board of Trustees.

Revised and approved by:

Hoyt Lakes Public Library Board of Trustees

September 27, 2001

Revised and approved by:

Hoyt Lakes Public Library Board of Trustees

February 19, 2013

Revised and approved by:

Hoyt Lakes Public Library Board of Trustees

July 15, 2025

Revised and approved by:

Hoyt Lakes Public Library Board of Trustees

February 23, 2026