Policies of the Seminole Community Library

Code of Conduct

The Seminole Community Library welcomes everyone to use the materials and facilities of the library. Patrons are encouraged to enjoy the atmosphere, surroundings, collection, and computerized resources. In addition, the library staff will be glad to assist you in finding the appropriate materials and in answering your questions. To assure that all may enjoy the library in a safe and hospitable environment, patrons are asked always to be mindful of others and to observe the following rules:

1. The Library's computers may not be used to threaten or harass others, nor may they be used in anyway that disrupts normal library operations, nor may they be used to create, view, store, transmit, or publicly display pornographic (as defined by the U.S. Supreme Court), obscene, defaming, slanderous, harassing, or offensive data (including sound, video, text, and graphics data). Library patrons must abide by the procedure established by the Library governing access to these computers.
2. Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.
3. Children age 10 and under must be in the immediate vicinity of and in visual contact with a parent, guardian, or caregiver* at all times while in the library. Responsibility for children using the library rests with parents, guardians, or caregivers*, not with library staff. The City of Seminole and St. Petersburg College are not responsible for children left unattended in the library.
   *Caregivers must be at least 16 years of age.
4. Animals are not allowed in the library, with the exception of assistance animals.
5. No food of any kind may be brought into the library proper area of the building – that is, the area inside the security gate at the entrance to the library from the lobby. Food may be consumed in the Café and other designated areas. Only beverages in spill-proof and closed lid containers may be consumed in the library proper. Smoking and the use of tobacco products are limited to designated areas outside the building. All alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the building and on campus property.
6. Rollerblades, rollerskates, or skateboards may not be worn or used anywhere on library premises.
7. No audio equipment may be played without using headphones or other devices to insure that other patrons are not disturbed.
8. Running, disruptive game-playing, loud conversation, loud cell phone use, rough-housing, fighting, intoxication, substance abuse, exhibitionism, sexual acts, or any other conduct which disrupts library operations is prohibited.
9. No weapon of any kind may be brought into the library except those authorized by law.
10. No one may threaten, harm, endanger, or harass staff, volunteers, or patrons in any manner. In the past, inappropriate touching, repeated derogatory comments and questions that are personal in nature and directed to staff and other patrons have been found to amount to harassment.
11. No library item may be removed from the library without proper checkout.
12. Patrons may not enter any area of the library marked “Staff Only” without permission. Violators may be subject to arrest for trespassing.
13. The library restrooms may not be used for bathing, brushing of teeth, shaving, or washing clothes.
14. Posting of commercial advertising for the sale of products or services is prohibited. Selling, soliciting, or distributing materials is prohibited. Flyers, brochures, and similar materials of an educational, cultural, and recreational nature may be placed in the lobby brochure rack or on the bulletin board in accordance with posted rules.
15. Gathering of signatures for petitions or conducting surveys will be accommodated under the provisions in Policy on Persons Speaking, Canvassing, or Distributing Information Seminole Community Library at St. Petersburg College, Seminole Campus.
16. Library equipment must be used properly in accordance with posted instructions. Patrons must comply with directions from staff members for the proper use of equipment.
17. Damage or destruction of library property or the personal property of staff, volunteers, or patrons is prohibited. In addition to loss of library privileges, violators may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability.
18. Any person violating these rules may be required to leave the library premises. Severe or persistent violations may result in revocation of library privileges and permanent exclusion from the library. Persons violating any local, state, or federal law may be subject to immediate arrest and prosecution by law enforcement agencies.