TPL-SER-12_Library’s User’s Code of Conduct
LIBRARY USERS’ CODE of CONDUCT
Timmins Public Library fosters learning and literacy, offering a wealth of resources, information and enjoyment. We provide engaging, inclusive and accessible community hubs where all are welcomed; safe spaces where everyone is encouraged to explore, share and satisfy their curiosity.
As a public library, we respect your individual rights, while recognizing that they must be balanced with the rights of others. Everyone deserves a safe and respectful environment and has the right to equal treatment with respect to the access and use of the Library’s services and facilities without discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, race, colour, ethnic origin, creed and all other grounds set out in the Ontario Human Rights Code. Our goal is to deliver excellent service in a shared space that is welcoming and safe for our patrons and our employees.
We ask your cooperation in maintaining this positive environment, and that you respect the Library Users’ Code of Conduct and follow all Library policies. Please also abide by the City of Timmins’ Respect and Responsibility Policy which aims to foster an environment where there is Respect for yourself; Respect for others; and Responsibility for your actions.
Be respectful and considerate of others.
- Treat Library staff, security and other patrons with respect.
- Respect rights of other Library patrons in order to preserve an atmosphere that is enjoyable for all.
- Be considerate of the tone and volume of your conversations
- Set your mobile device to vibrate or mute.
- Refrain from foul, abusive, threatening or discriminatory language or actions. They will not be tolerated.
- Respect the sensibilities of others when viewing materials in the Library as referenced in the Internet Use Policy.
- Bring in only certified service, therapy or assistance animals as laid out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Under the AODA, an animal is a service animal if the animal can be readily identified as one that is being used by a person for reasons relating to that person’s disability, including where the animal is confirmed as such by a letter from a qualified “regulated health professional.” Exceptions include animals featured in Library-sponsored programs
- Refrain from sleeping in the Library.
- Dress appropriately for a public space, including wearing tops, bottoms, and footwear (exception: winter boots may be removed in the children’s section)
- Refrain from consuming or being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances on Library premises.
- Obtain permission from the Library to distribute literature or post materials on Library property. Solicitation is not permitted in the Library.
- Obtain permission from CEO or their designate prior to photographing or video recording in the Library.
- Obtain consent from people in photos or videos you are taking prior to photographing or video recording in the Library.
- Photos or videos cannot be taken in children’s areas unless permitted by the parent/guardian. Parents or guardians must provide permission for children under the age of 18. No photography or videography is permitted in washrooms
Be respectful of Library property
- Use the Library’s materials, computers, equipment, and furniture with care.
- Consume food or drink in designated areas only.
- Use washrooms only for their intended purposes.
- Tidy up after yourself. Recycle and throw out your garbage in the bins provided.
- Keep aisles, hallways, and spaces around you clear so that others can easily access them.
- Park bicycles, scooters, and other small recreational motorized vehicles outside the Library.
- Staff areas are designated for Library Staff use only.
- Refrain from placing feet/shoes/boots on furniture and chairs.
Be safe
- Supervise those in your care at all times. (see Unattended Children policy)
- Keep your belongings with you. The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- Report concerning behaviour to a Library employee or security.
- Follow the instructions of Library employees or security staff at all times (especially during fire drills and emergencies)
- Follow all municipal, provincial and federal laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
Examples of behaviour that is NOT permitted include:
€ Threatening, abusive, obscene, aggressive, discriminatory, harassing language, gestures or conduct;
€ Engaging in disorderly conduct (verbal or physical) or unreasonably disturbing behaviour that offends Library patrons or staff;
€ Engaging in any type of illegal activity;
€ Trespassing while under a Notice of Trespass;
€ Theft and vandalism;
€ Carrying weapons or implements which can be used as weapons;
€ Using, possession and/or handling of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, illicit drugs, drug or alcohol paraphernalia and containers
€ Using the Library while under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances;
€ Smoking or vaping;
€ Interfering with the designated use of computers and networks. Patrons using public access computers or their own devices in the Library are to comply with the Library’s Internet Use Policy;
€ Sleeping on Library premises;
€ Soliciting, petitioning or engaging in commercial activity unless authorized by the CEO or his/her designate;
€ Photographing or video recording without approval;
€ Using sports equipment such as rollerblades/skate boards/etc.
Authority: Public Libraries Act, Trespass to Property Act, Criminal Code of Canada
Library employees and security make every effort to apply these policies in a fair, respectful, and positive manner for the benefit of everyone. Anyone choosing to disrespect the policies of the Library and refusing to modify their behaviour will be asked to leave. Based on an internal investigation, this could result in suspension of Library privileges, eviction/exclusion from the Library in accordance with the Trespass to Property Act, cost recovery charges, and/or prosecution.
REFERENCES
TPL-CH/-11 Unattended Children policy
TPL–SER–07 Internet Use Policy
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005, S.O. 2005, c. 11
Trespass to Property Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. T.21
Ontario Human Rights Code
City of Timmins Respect and Responsibility Policy (RZone) (COT-HS-047)
