Patron Behavior Policy
Purpose and Values
It is the role of the Tinley Park Public Library to empower and enrich the entire community by welcoming and connecting people to diverse resources, services, experiences, and reliable information.
The Library is committed to providing a safe, equitable, and welcoming environment for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, economic status, or any other characteristic that is protected by applicable law.
The purpose of this Patron Behavior Policy is to ensure that the Library provides a pleasant and productive environment for its users. All patrons shall have fair and equitable opportunity to the quiet use and enjoyment of the Library’s services, materials, and facilities without being subjected to unreasonable interference or disturbance by others.
Patrons using the Library are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is appropriate to the Library’s purpose.
Patrons who violate the Library’s rules of behavior will be asked to stop the unacceptable behavior or activity.
Patrons who continue to violate the rules of behavior may be asked for identification and will be required to leave the building for the day.
In the case of repeated or extreme misconduct, the patron will be asked to leave the building immediately, or the police will be called. In addition, under certain circumstances individuals may be banned from the Library as described more fully below.
Unacceptable Behavior on Library Property Includes:
- Disruptive behavior such as rowdiness, running, noise, vandalism, obscene or vulgar language, or such behavior not in accordance with the normal use of the library. Cell phone or other mobile device use that impinges on the rights of others or disturbs other Library patrons will be considered disruptive behavior.
- Harassment of any kind or for any reason of a Library patron, vendor, or employee—whether verbal, physical, or visual— is strictly prohibited. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, conduct or comments based on a person’s race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, military status, or other protected characteristic that create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Examples of such behavior may include, but are not limited to:
- Physical or mental abuse
- Stalking
- Racial, ethnic, or religious slurs or insults
- Derogatory jokes or comments based on protected characteristics
- Sexually suggestive or inappropriate remarks, advances, or gestures
- Taunting or intimidating behavior directed toward any individual or group
- Entering unauthorized areas or remaining in the Library building after closing or when requested to leave during emergency situations.
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Remaining in the Library or on Library grounds in a manner that impedes access to services or facilities.
- Engaging in illegal activity while on Library property.
- Mutilation of Library materials by marking, underlining, removal of pages, removing electronic detection devices, or in any way defacing or damaging Library property.
- Removal of Library materials without authorization.
- Tampering with or intentionally damaging Library computer hardware, software, printer, operating systems, or other associated equipment.
- Smoking, vaping, or the use of tobacco or nicotine products, including electronic cigarettes or other electronic smoking devices, is prohibited inside the Library and within 15 feet of any Library entrance, in accordance with the Smoke-Free Illinois Act. The use of illegal drugs is also prohibited on Library property.
- Concealing Library materials for the exclusive use of an individual or group.
- Refusal to abide by Library regulations regarding the return of materials and payment of fines.
- Weapons such as explosives, firearms (except by on-duty law enforcement officers), knives, look-alike weapons, or any other objects that can reasonably be considered as weapons, are not permitted on Library property or at any related events.
- Users are not permitted to leave personal belongings when they leave the building. The Library is not responsible for any loss of a user’s personal belongings, through theft or otherwise. Bulky items that take up excessive space are not permitted in the Library facilities or on library grounds.
- Extended sleeping, lying on the floor or furniture, or occupying multiple seats in a way that prevents others from using Library space is not permitted.
- Patrons who appear to be in distress or under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be approached by staff to ensure their safety and may be asked to leave if their behavior poses a disruption or health concern.
- Solicitation, fundraising, campaigning, lobbying, proselytizing, selling, and loitering on Library property is prohibited.
- Using roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, jump ropes, or other recreational equipment on Library property including the Library building, walkways, entryways, parking, or landscaped areas.
- Shaving, bathing, or laundering clothes on Library property is prohibited.
- Any other activity or behavior, not specifically listed above, that is determined by Library Administration to unduly interfere with the use and enjoyment of the Library by others, or presents a threat to the health, safety, and/or welfare of patrons or staff.
Food and Beverages in the Library:
The Library permits the consumption of light, non-messy snack foods in the designated snack area on the second floor. Snacks should be pre-packaged or individually portioned and free of strong odors. Meals, hot foods, or foods that are likely to spill, stain, or create excessive odors are not permitted.
- Covered beverages are permitted throughout the Library. Examples of covered beverages are coffee cups with a lid, water or soft drink bottles with a screw on top, or cups with a lid and straw.
- Patrons are responsible for properly disposing of wrappers, containers, and other waste, and for cleaning up any accidental spills. Staff may ask patrons to remove food or drink that is disruptive, unsanitary, or unsafe for Library materials, furniture, or equipment.
Health, Hygiene, and Attire:
- Patrons must wear clothing and footwear that provide appropriate coverage of the upper body and lower torso, and are suitable for a public, family-oriented environment.
- Personal hygiene, including body odor or other conditions, should not interfere with others’ ability to use Library services or create a health or safety concern. When such conditions pose a significant disruption or hazard, staff may discreetly ask the patron to address the issue or leave the Library until it can be corrected.
- Library staff will enforce this Policy in a fair, respectful, and consistent manner.
In addition:
- Only service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are permitted in the Library. A service animal is one that is individually trained to perform tasks or provide assistance for a person with a disability. Emotional support, comfort, or therapy animals that are not individually trained to perform such tasks do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are not permitted.
- Children nine (9) years old and younger should not be left unattended in the Library.
- Furniture may not be rearranged.
- All users must comply with state, federal, and local laws.
- The Library reserves the right to impose time limits upon continuous use of Library equipment.
- The Library reserves the right to inspect the contents of all bags, purses, briefcases and backpacks, etc. for Library materials.
- In addition, all patrons must expeditiously leave the Library premises at closing time.
- Transportation of minors is the sole responsibility of the patron or parent, guardian, or other authorized person.
- Adults or minors who remain at the Library after closing may be referred to the police in order to ensure their safety.
Enforcement
Library staff are responsible for enforcing this Policy in a fair, consistent, and respectful manner. Staff may point out violations and request that patrons modify their behavior to comply with Library rules.
If a patron’s behavior continues to disrupt the Library’s safe and welcoming environment after a warning, the Librarian-in-Charge may ask the patron to leave the Library for the remainder of the day. Repeated or serious violations may result in a temporary or permanent suspension of Library privileges by the Library Director, depending on the severity of the violation.
In cases involving public safety, threats, harassment, violence, theft, or other unlawful behavior, the Library may contact law enforcement and pursue legal action when necessary.
Video recordings from security cameras may be used to document violations and support decisions regarding suspensions or other disciplinary measures.
Patrons who are suspended or excluded from the Library will receive written notice stating the reason and duration of the exclusion. Patrons may appeal a suspension or exclusion in writing to the Library Board of Trustees within thirty (30) days of the notice. The Board will review the appeal and determine the outcome at the next regularly scheduled meeting or as soon as reasonably possible.
The Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend this Policy at any time.
Board Approved 5/25/2005
Revised 6/27/2007, 2/24/2010, 5/29/2013, 4/22/2015, 1/22/2020, 12/3/2025