Code of Conduct

Exposition-Preamble
Because the Library functions under U.S. law as a limited public forum, and as a public place is
open to all who would visit and make use of it, it is necessary that
it establish rules that govern proper and reasonable use and behavior, and to balance the rights
of all users against those of the individual user.

The Library is a learning place, dedicated to the lifelong pursuits of the citizens. Accordingly, it is
not a shelter, it is not a game parlor, it is not a daycare center. It is a Library. Patrons who use
the Library will be engaged in activities that fulfill the educational, recreational, and
informational purposes of the Library.

In making the rules below, the Library’s Board of Trustees requires the Library administration
and staff to apply them consistently and fairly to all citizens. Any citizen who takes exception to
decisions rendered by the Library under any of these rule provisions is entitled to appeal to the
Library Director, who will arrange for meeting with the Library’s Legal Counsel.

These rules are posted in all CPPL facilities for the comfort and protection of all library users
who enter them. They will be firmly but courteously enforced by the Library’s Administration
and Staff. We ask for your cooperation in maintaining an environment that supports study and
enjoyable use of the Library.

Disorderly conduct is prohibited on library property whether inside or outside the building.
Disorderly conduct is conduct which disrupts the operation of the library or which disrupts the
use of the library by other patrons.

Parents/Custodians remain responsible for the children they bring to the library and/or leave at
the library. The library is not responsible for unattended children. Children left after closing will
be turned over to law enforcement in accordance with the Unattended Child Policy, approved
by the Library Board of Trustees on March 18, 2004.

Food and drink are prohibited except in designated areas. Soliciting is prohibited. Smoking and
use of all tobacco products is prohibited on all library properties. This prohibition is for library
buildings and also for the grounds outside library buildings. Cell phones and pagers should be
turned off or placed on silent mode.

Physical abuse, assault on another person, or the use of abusive, insulting, or threatening
language to a person in this building shall be cause for removal of the offending party or
parties.

Sexual harassment or abuse, or the use of sexually offensive language, innuendo, or inquiry to a
person in this building shall be cause for removal of the offending party or parties; likewise,
unwelcomed requests for personal information, unwelcomed attempted conversation, and
unwelcomed following or approaching of other patrons on library premises.

Persons intoxicated from alcohol or other drugs will be advised to leave the premises. Improper
acts, which are subject to prosecution under criminal or civic codes of law, are prohibited.

Library users will comply with the Electronic Resources Use Policy.

Guide dogs for the visually impaired, or service dogs for persons certified by a medical doctor,
are admitted; otherwise, pets are to remain outside.

Persons carrying guns and/or knives, whether concealed or not, will not be allowed into the
library. Such entry will constitute criminal trespass.

Anyone known to have violated any of the above rules or anyone known to have habitually
violated the law may be excluded from the use of the Library as a matter of administrative
policy. Duration of exclusion will be determined by the Library Director in consultation with
legal counsel based on the facts and circumstances of each individual case.

In order to protect the Library’s facilities, personnel, users, and resources, the Library reserves
the right to call for a search of a citizen’s person, handbags, briefcases, etc. when reasonable
cause for such search is found to exist.

These rules have been formulated with the assistance of the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s
Office, Civil Section. Persons violating the above rules may be instructed to leave the building by
a person in authority. Failure to leave as instructed constitutes unlawful trespass and may
result in criminal prosecution of the offender and/or a civil lawsuit against the offender.

Approved March 18, 2004; revised August 18, 2005; September 20, 2007;
by the Calcasieu Parish Public Library Board of Control.