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 shirts and shoes at all times.

Anyone violating these rules 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 Hoyt Lakes 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.

Failure to observe these rules 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.

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