Standards of Behavior

The Pasadena Public Library welcomes you.

The Library has adopted this policy to ensure a positive library experience for everyone who visits any Pasadena Public Library location.

Everyone has a right to quality library services in an atmosphere that is safe and free of disturbances from others. While you are here, please be considerate of others.

Failure to comply with these standards may result in loss of library privileges.

Help Us Keep the Library a Safe Place.

1. Follow staff instructions including, but not limited to the following:
   • Stay in public areas of the Library unless accompanied by a staff person.
   • Vacate the Library at closing time and during emergency situations.
2. Follow all laws, including, but not limited to, the prohibition of:
   • Theft, defacement, or destruction of library property.
   • Possession or display of weapons, illegal or controlled substances, or alcohol.
   • Sexual activity in public places.
   • Harassment, or behaving in a threatening or abusive manner (including but not limited to battery, verbal threats, stalking, offensive staring, or offensive touching).
   • The display or dissemination of child pornography, or material that is harmful to minors.
3. Follow all library policies. 
4. Child Safety
   • Ensure that a caregiver 12 years or older closely supervises all children under the age of 6.
   • Make certain that children do not engage in unsafe activities, including, but not limited to, swinging, climbing, or standing on furniture and equipment.
5. Tobacco Use
   • No smoking inside the Library or within 20 feet of main entrances, exits, and operable windows.
6. Wheeled Devices
   • Wheeled devices should not be used in the Library. EXCEPTIONS: Disabled patrons may use assistive devices, and caregivers may use strollers for children in the Library.
   • Wheeled devices (such as scooters, skateboards, business cases, etc.) may be brought into the Library if they do not block aisles.
   • Secure all bicycles outside, away from doors and book drops.
7. Attire
   • For personal safety, library visitors and patrons must be fully clothed, including shirt and shoes, at all times.

Use Your Library Appropriately and With Respect.

1. Property
   • Use the Library’s facilities, materials, and furnishings as intended.
   • Do not distribute or post printed material in the Library.
2. Animals
   • Animals are not allowed in the Library or on library grounds, with the exception of service animals on duty or in training, and animals that are part of library-approved events.
3. Restrooms
   • Use the Library’s restrooms as intended; do not use them for bathing, shaving, washing hair or laundry.
   • Adults may only use the Children’s restroom while accompanying or assisting a child, or with the express permission of library staff.
4. Food and Drink
   • Food and drink is not permitted near library equipment. Use designated areas only to eat or drink:
     • Central:  approved areas include Main Hall, courtyard patios, and at special events when approved by Library Administration.  All drinks must be secured with a lid.
     • Branches:  approved areas include meeting rooms, or other areas as part of a library sponsored program.  All drinks must be secured with a lid.

Help Us Create an Environment that Allows Everyone to Enjoy Visiting the Library.

1. Keep noise levels down to avoid disturbing others by:
   • Lowering voices.
   • Using headphones on low volume.
   • Silencing ringing or other sounds created by cell phones and other electronic devices.
   • Quietly talking on cell phones.
2. Behave in a manner that does not interfere with another person’s ability to use and enjoy the Library or prohibit staff from providing services.
   • Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:
     • Monopolizing library equipment, resources, or staff time.
     • Selling, panhandling, or soliciting in the building, on the grounds, or in the parking lot. Petition-signing is limited to outside areas as designated by the Library Director or designee.
       • Central: brick paved area closest to the stairs leading to but not obstructing the north entrance.
       • Branches: away from entrance or exit, closer to but not obstructing the public sidewalk.
• Parents or caregivers are responsible for their children's behavior.
3. Personal Items:
   • Keep personal items with you at all times. Library staff may remove unattended items.
   • Do not block aisles, walkways, entrances, or access to library equipment or collections. 

Please report inappropriate or questionable behavior to library staff or a library security officer immediately. 

These Standards of Behavior are also available as a brochure. The Library Director and his/her designated staff are responsible for interpreting these rules in accordance with applicable law and for ensuring appropriate behavior in all library facilities.

Violation of the foregoing may result in the patron's library privileges being limited or revoked, removal of the patron from the building, or criminal prosecution if the conduct constitutes a violation of Federal law, State law or the Pasadena Municipal Code. Library privileges may be revoked for a period of up to one year. This action may be taken by the Director of Libraries & Information Services or designee. 

A library patron whose library privilege has been revoked may appeal this action by submitting a completed Library Revocation Appeal form to the Library Director or designee within ten (10) days from the date of the determination letter. This form is available through the Library’s Administrative Office.

A patron whose library privilege has been revoked must schedule a meeting with the Library Director or designee prior to resumption of any library privilege. The purpose of the meeting will be to review the Standards of Behavior policy.