Code of Conduct Policy

ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) welcomes every member of the community to use and enjoy Library facilities, collections, programs, and services. The Code of Conduct Policy defines expectations for behavior for all patrons regardless of age. 

Library patrons are expected to: 

  • Respect other patrons and Library staff.
  • Respect Library property.
  • Obey the law.
  • Comply with requests from Library staff. 

DISTRICT PROCEDURES

  1. PPLD’s Code of Conduct applies to all patrons. It applies everywhere that the Library provides service, whether on Library property, in the community, through our website or social media, and by phone or email. Parents, guardians, or designated caregivers are responsible for the personal safety and behavior of the individuals in their care at all times.
  2. Library staff will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in suspension of Library privileges and removal from all PPLD properties or in arrest and possible prosecution.
  3. Security video and audio are in use for safety and security.
  4. The following are examples of behavior and activities that are not allowed: 
     
UNSAFE OR DISRUPTIVE TO OTHERS 
Any activity that unreasonably interferes with others’ use and enjoyment of the Library or with the functions of Library staff 
  • Interfering with Library staff in the performance of their duties, inappropriate personal comments, leering, sexual advances, or physical and/or verbal harassment
  • Interfering with the free passage of Library staff or others
  • Use of profane, obscene, or aggressive language and/or gestures and excessive displays of affection
  • Activities or behaviors that may result in injury or harm to self or others
  • Violation of PPLD’s Service Animal Procedures
  • Wearing clothing that violates other components of PPLD’s Code of Conduct expectations (profane language, sexual references, etc.)
  • Not wearing appropriate clothing (pants, shirts, shoes, etc.)
  • Noise considered loud enough to impact other Library users’ experience negatively
  • Bodily hygiene or scent so strong as to constitute a nuisance to others
  • Violation of PPLD’s Child Safety Policy
  • Smoking, vaping, or ingesting marijuana products and/or tobacco products
  • Violation of PPLD’s Food and Drink Policy

INAPPROPRIATE USE OF LIBRARY PRIVILEGES OR PROPERTY 

Using Library privileges, materials, equipment, fixtures, furniture, buildings, or grounds in any manner other than intended 

Examples (including but not limited to): 

  • Entering non-public areas in the Library without authorization and/or escort
  • Posting signs on Library property without prior approval
  • Activities or behavior that may result in damage to Library property or the property of others
  • Violation of PPLD’s Personal Belongings Policy
  • Habitual sleeping on Library property
  • Use of restrooms for bathing, shaving, or washing hair or clothes
  • Any solicitation inside or outside of Library property that does not comply with PPLD’s Solicitation Policy
  • Violation of PPLD’s Computer and Internet Use Policy
  • Misuse of Library equipment or materials  
  • Behavior or activities that present a health or sanitation concern

ILLEGAL

Any observable behavior that is prohibited by law

Examples (including but not limited to): 

  • Intimidating, threatening, or harassing behavior towards other patrons or Library staff
  • Theft
  • Viewing or printing child pornography
  • Open display and/or open carry of firearms or other weapons including knives
  • Use, display, or distribution of alcohol or drugs
  • Public intoxication 
     

NONCOMPLIANCE WITH STAFF

Ignoring requests or disobeying the direction of a Library staff member 

  

Suspension Procedure

  1. If a patron violates a PPLD policy, the patron will be verbally notified of the violation by Library staff and asked to depart the Library property for the remainder of the day. The patron will be welcome to return on the next open day of business.
  2. If continual or more serious violation of a PPLD policy occurs, the person in charge at any PPLD facility or a Security Officer may suspend the patron’s Library privileges. This includes access to all Library activities, services, and property.
  3. A patron whose Library privileges are suspended will be verbally notified of the reason for the suspension and handed a suspension letter with PPLD’s Suspension Appeal Form.
  4. If a patron has been suspended and then returns to any PPLD facility for any reason other than to schedule an appeal meeting or to inquire about the suspension process with Library staff, that patron is trespassing.
  5. PPLD will call the police and request that any trespassing individuals are removed from the Library property and charged.
  6. An incident report will be written by either the Security Officer or the person in charge of handing out the suspension. This report may include photographs or recordings of the suspended patrons for inclusion in the security report database.

Right of Suspension Appeal

  1. It is the responsibility of the suspended patron to initiate the appeals process.
  2. To initiate the process, one of the following options must be completed:
    1. Fill out the Suspension Appeal Form, which is attached to the suspension letter and available online. This can be mailed to PPLD or dropped off at any PPLD facility. A Security staff member will contact the suspended patron once the appeal is received to schedule the meeting.
    2. Call the Library directly to schedule an appeal meeting.
    3. Come into any PPLD facility to schedule an appeal meeting through Library staff.
  3. Suspension appeal meetings are held twice a month on a bi-weekly basis. Meetings are attended by PPLD’s Security Leadership, Community Resources, and the suspended patron (if the suspended patron is a minor, the parent or guardian must also be in attendance).
  4. Suspended patrons whose appeal has been denied are welcome to resubmit an appeal through the process at a later date if they feel personal actions or other circumstances have been remedied or they have addressed the cause of the original suspension.
  5. The decision of the suspension appeal meeting may be appealed to PPLD’s Chief Librarian and Chief Executive Officer in writing. The Chief Librarian’s decision is final. 

Last Revised: February 24, 2025 

 

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