Madison Public Library has established this Behavior Policy to ensure that library facilities are safe, welcoming and provide equitable access to materials and services for all library users. Appropriate library conduct includes activities such as reading, studying, participating in a library sponsored activity, properly using library materials or  computers and other similar conduct normally associated with a public library.
Overview and Definitions:
No individual may engage in inappropriate conduct on the premises of Madison Public Library, or when using library facilities, or when participating in library programs. Patrons shall be engaged in normal activities associated with the use of a public library while in the building. Patrons not engaged in reading, studying, participating in a library sponsored activity, or using library materials or computers may be asked to leave the building. Inappropriate conduct includes any individual or group activity which is unreasonably disturbing to other individuals lawfully using library facilities, materials and/or premises or is otherwise inconsistent with activities such as reading, studying, properly using library materials and other similar conduct normally associated with a public library.

Inappropriate Behavior, shall include, without limitation by enumeration, the following conduct or behaviors:
• Committing or attempting to commit any activity that would constitute a crime or a violation of State or County ordinances.
• Possessing, selling, distributing, displaying or using any dangerous weapon as that term is defined in ORC 2923.11 upon library premises or using or threatening the use of any other object in such a manner that it may be considered a weapon.
• Engaging in any physically intimidating or assaultive behavior. Making any threats of violence or unlawful activities. The Library has a policy of zero tolerance for threats and acts of violence. Any person engaging in such behaviors will be immediately ejected from the Library.
• Possessing, selling, distributing, consuming or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or controlled substance.
• Trespassing by entering or remaining on library premises after having been notified by an authorized individual not to do so, and entering or remaining on the library premises during the period in which an individual has been banned from the premises.
• Refusing to follow the reasonable directions of library staff to include, failing to take shelter in an emergency as directed by staff.
• Engaging in any behavior that a reasonable person would find to be disruptive, harassing, or threatening in nature to library users or staff including stalking, prolonged staring at or following another with the intent to annoy or intentionally behaving in a manner that could reasonably be expected to annoy or disturb other patrons.
• Leaving children under the age of 6 unattended on Library premises.
• Engaging in any sexual contact, activities or conduct.
• Selling, soliciting, surveying, distributing written materials, panhandling or canvassing for any political, charitable or religious purposes inside a library building, doorway or vestibule without prior authorization of the Library Director or designee.
• Engaging in excessive or disruptive conversations, talking loudly, using personal electronic equipment at such a volume or making ongoing noise that is unreasonably disturbing to other library users.
• Not wearing shoes or shirt within the library.
• Entering or remaining upon library premises with a bodily hygiene so offensive that it constitutes a nuisance to others.
• Moving furniture without the express consent of the library staff or use of furniture in any manner that may damage the furniture, to include placing feet on the furniture.
• Using library materials, furniture, equipment or facilities in any manner inconsistent with the customary use thereof or the theft or intentional damaging of library materials, furniture, equipment or facilities.
• Blocking of aisles with personal items or leaving such items unattended on library premises at any time. Items may be removed from the library premises if they reasonably appear to be abandoned or have been left unattended for 30 minutes or more.
• Interfering with the safe and free passage of library staff or patrons on the premises, including but not limited to the placement of objects in hallways, aisles, flooring or elsewhere in a manner that impedes the free passage of such persons about the library.
• Entering non-public areas of the library without permission.
• Improperly using library restrooms or facilities for purposes such as bathing, shaving or changing clothes.
• Taking library materials into rest rooms.
• Engaging in any other activities that are inconsistent with those activities normally associated with the use of public library facilities that include reading, studying, participating in library-sponsored or sanctioned activities and using library materials.
• Violating the library’s rules for acceptable use of the internet and library public computers. A user accepts these rules before accessing the Internet through a library computer. Copies of these rules will be made available by staff upon request.

Behavior and Supervision of Minors and Children’s Areas of the Library
Madison Public Library welcomes children. Parents/caregivers are responsible for their child’s safety and behavior while in the Library whether the parent/caregiver is present or not. Library employees cannot function as caregivers or babysitters. The Library is not equipped—and it is not the Library’s role—to provide long-or short-term childcare. The Library assumes neither responsibility nor liability for the actions, care, supervision or safety of minors. For the safety and comfort of children, a responsible adult or an older responsible individual must accompany children under age six when they are using the Library. This responsible individual must supervise, guide and control the behavior of their charge or charges at all times.
When a child is unattended or under-attended/ignored and
• the behavior of the child is disruptive or inappropriate (or)
• the child appears to be a danger to herself or himself or others (or)
• the child appears to be threatened by others (or)
• the child appears to be ill or upset (or)
• the child has not been met by a parent or caregiver at closing,
Library staff will attempt to contact the parent or guardian of the child. In the event that the parent or guardian cannot be located, staff will contact the Madison Township Police Department. In the event of an emergency, staff will call 911.