The Graves County Public Library has adopted this policy stating the right to maintain its facility in a clean, pleasant, and safe manner. Every individual has the right to use the library undisturbed and every library employee has the right to work without undue interference. All library users and employees should be free of any threat of harm, invasions of property, or gross indignity. To guarantee these rights for all persons, the following rules of conduct apply to behavior 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:
- Annoy, harass, threaten or cajole another person (physical, sexual, or verbal abuse of other library users or of library staff)
- Behave in a disorderly, loud, or boisterous manner. Talking shall be limited to quiet tones and low voices.
- Allow children to run wild or unsupervised, disturbing others in the library
- Behave in lewd (coarse or vulgar) public affection, including petting, kissing or necking
- Interfere with free passage--not blocking access in or out of the building.
- Drink alcoholic beverages or use drugs on library grounds or be in a state of intoxication in any manner that causes public disturbance.
- Eat, drink, and smoke (except in designated areas), or use any tobacco-related products, sell or use drugs in the library or on its grounds.
- Hack into computers, tamper with electronic equipment, systems, or websites, or set off any alarms
- Display or view nude pictures, pornographic, or violently graphic, or hate-based materials, or any materials harmful to minors
- Deface or destroy library property, including restrooms, foyer, or parking lots
- Loiter or sleep in the library or on its grounds
- Remain in the library after its regular closing hours
- Solicit funds, beg, or panhandle in the library or on its grounds
- Interfere with patrons’ use of the library through poor personal hygiene or offensive body odor
- Bring animals into the library, except as required by persons with disabilities
- Shirts and shoes are required at all times while using the library.
- The Library maintains the right to inspect all packages, briefcases, backpacks, or bags of people entering or leaving the Library.
- The Library has the right to restrict people from entering the Library with large bundles, carts, bicycles, or similar items. Anyone who refuses to leave the Library at the request of a staff member is guilty of criminal trespass and is subject to arrest and prosecution.
- Dangerous Weapons Discouraged
KRS 65.870 allows the open or concealed carrying of firearms in many public facilities. While the Library will tolerate the possession of such weapons in accordance with the law and will not abridge the Protections and rights set forth in this statute, the Library requests that patrons and from carrying a dangerous weapon onto library property unless doing so for professional purposes, such as the carrying of deadly weapons by law enforcement personnel.
The Library recognizes that the display of dangerous weapons may create an uncomfortable Environment for patrons or staff members. Library staff members are instructed to contact the police immediately in any situation where the behavior of a person causes a substantial disturbance or threat, with the presence of a dangerous weapon being of special significance. The unnecessary brandishing of a dangerous weapon, under any circumstances, will be considered just cause for contacting the police.
Juveniles and Firearms
KRS 527.100 specifically prohibits the carrying of a firearm by a person under the age of eighteen. The police will be contacted in any instance where it is reasonably believed a juvenile possesses a dangerous weapon on library property.
- Play audio, video, TV, computer or any other digital devices without headphones or disturbing others
- Campaign, petition, interview or survey library patrons or staff in a manner which is disruptive to library activities.
- Violate any City or County Ordinance or State Statue on library property or grounds
* The Library may take appropriate legal measures to enforce these behaviors or to prevent access to individuals who refuse to comply.
The Library Director or his/her designee may first warn anyone violating these rules at the time of the offense, if possible. If conduct continues the offender is ordered to leave the premises. Staff may expel the offender(s) without a warning at the discretion of staff in situations of serious, threatening, or willfully malicious behavior.
Failure to observe these rules may lead to revocation of library privileges, including the right to visit the building and grounds. Repeat offenders or persons ordered from the premises who do not comply may be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespassing. A time to appeal your case before the Board of Trustees will be scheduled by the Director. The Board of Trustees will be the final authority on appeals.