The Springfield-Greene County Library District Board of Trustees has adopted the following policy so that the Library may provide an atmosphere conducive to appropriate use of the facilities and to comply with the Library's mission statement.

The following behaviors and actions are prohibited on Library property:

• Any behavior that is disruptive to Library use
• Obscene language
• Distributing or posting printed materials that have not been approved by the Library
• Selling or soliciting for money or items or services (Springfield City Code: Article 1, Section 78-2)
• Obtaining signatures on a petition, conducting surveys or similar investigations, or distributing printed materials, which cause a disturbance (Springfield City Code: Article 1, Section 78-2).  
• Theft or damage to Library property
• Eating or drinking (to be designated by each branch)
• Smoking or other uses of tobacco
• Possessing or consuming alcohol or illegal drugs or being in a state of intoxication
• Not wearing shoes or shirt
• Bringing large objects that block access
• Carrying weapons of any kind results in immediate expulsion (See Library Policy on Weapons below.)
• Loitering and/or sleeping
• Skateboarding or roller-skating
• Bringing animals inside Library facilities, except assistance animals
• Leaving children eight years old and under unattended (See Library Policy on Unattended Children)

• The Library reserves the right to request that patrons open purses, briefcases, packages and parcels
• Violation of any of these rules can result in temporary expulsion, permanent expulsion or arrest

Revised Policy Approved 1/7/2008

No person shall be allowed to carry a concealed weapon or to openly carry a weapon in any building or portion of a building owned, leased, or controlled by the Library District.

Any person violating this section shall be denied entrance to the building or ordered to leave the building.  Any Library District employee violating this section shall be disciplined.

No employee shall be allowed to carry a weapon in any vehicle owned by the Library District without the specific authorization of the Director.

Approved by Library Board 5/18/2004

The Library staff cannot assume responsibility for children left unattended on Library property.

Children who are eight years old and under may not be left unattended on Library property for any length of time.  If a child is attending a Library-sponsored program a responsible adult (defined as a parent, guardian, teacher, or assigned care-giver who is at least seventeen years old) must remain in the building during the program. Children who are five years old and under and attending a Library-sponsored program must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 

All children on Library premises must follow the Library’s Rules and Regulations for Conduct. If a child’s behavior warrants it, a Library staff member will contact the child’s parent or guardian whose name is listed on the child’s Library card.

It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to be aware of the Library’s hours of operation and to see that children have transportation promptly at closing time.  If a child is left unattended at a Library facility at closing time, Library staff may call the police or sheriff’s department fifteen minutes after closing the building to ask them to take responsibility for the child.

Children who are fifteen years old and younger may not be left outside the Library facility after closing.

The Library staff respects the privacy of all Library customers.  However, the staff will intervene when, in their opinion, the safety and well-being of a child is being threatened.

Approved by Library Board 10/30/2007