CONDUCT IN THE LIBRARY – PATRONS

To ensure that all people who use and work at the Kings County Library can do so in a comfortable and safe environment, the Kings County Library reserves the right to determine what it considers to be disruptive or inappropriate behavior by the patrons in the Library.  To ensure that every patron has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the Library, patrons visiting or using the Library’s facilities or services must comply with the Kings County Library Policy, Conduct in the Library – Patrons while on the Library’s premises. 

Dangerous, destructive or illegal conduct, including but not limited to the following, will not be tolerated: 

  • Physical abuse or assault, including fighting or challenging others to fight; (CPC 422; CPC 602.1; CPC 415)

  • Engaging in intimidating or harassing behaviors, including following or stalking other patrons or Library staff, staring fixedly or leering at others, or attempting to peer under another patron’s or staff member’s clothing; (CPC 370; CPC 415)

  • Possessing, consuming, exchanging, selling, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs inside or outside the library building. (CPC 647 F)

  • Carrying weapons of any type. (CPC 417)

  • Making violent or threatening statements to others; and (CPC 422; CPC 602.1; CPC 415)

  • Damaging, destroying, stealing, or otherwise vandalizing Library property. (CPC 484; CPC 490.5; CPC 594)

Any patron engaging in one or more of the above behaviors will be instructed to leave the Library immediately and may have his or her Library privileges suspended for a period of up to one (1) year, depending on the severity of the violation. In addition, law enforcement will be called, and appropriate legal action may follow.

The following behaviors are also prohibited: 

  • Using harassing, obscene, abusive, or insulting language or gestures. (CPC 422; CPC 602.1; CPC 415)

  • Leaving children under the age of ten (10) unattended by a parent, guardian, or caregiver. (Unattended Children Policy)

  • Annoying other patrons by talking, gesturing, or otherwise interfering with their ability to read, study, contemplate, or otherwise use the Library. (CPC 370)

  • Verbal Communication or non-verbal attention that is willful, malicious or repeated harassment. (CPC 415.2)

  • Interfering with Library staff’s performance of their duties.

  • Entering the Library with animals other than service animals authorized by the US Department of Justice. (CA Civil Code 54.1). Leaving any animals unattended or tied up on library property. 

  • Entering the Library with bicycles, shopping carts, suitcases, sleeping bags or other bulky items over the size of a standard backpack; excluding items necessary to assist individuals with disabilities. 

  • Leaving personal belongings in carts, suitcases, shopping carts, or any other bulky items outside or inside the library unattended. Library patrons must always keep their belongings with them. 

  • Usingroller skates, scooters, skateboards, or other similar devices on Library property. 

  • Eating or drinking in the Library other than bottled water with a secure top.  

  • Smoking inside the Library or within 20 feet of any Library entrance or window, as prohibited under Government Code sections 7596 and 7597.

  • Lying or sitting on the floor or sleeping. Sleeping in chairs for more than 15 minutes. This also includes sleeping and camping outside on library grounds. (CPC 647 E) Hanford City Ordinance12.24.050.

  • Using the public restrooms in any manner that is not usual or customary, including laundering or bathing. 

  • Emitting strong pervasive odors, including odors caused by perfume or cologne that unreasonably interfere with library user or staff comfort, safety, use or peaceful enjoyment of the library (CPC 370) 

  • Failing to wear a shirt, top, pants, skirt, or shoes. 

  • Making loud or unreasonable noise, including but not limited to the use of electronic equipment or mobile telephones at a level that disturbs others. 

  • Petitioning, soliciting, or selling merchandise or services is prohibited on county property. This includes distributing fliers and soliciting staff or patrons for money.

  • Loitering outside the library, as prohibited by the Hanford Police Department under Municipal Code 9.04.20. (CPC 555.2)

  • Adults loitering in the children’s room/area without a child. Adults are also prohibited from loitering in the Teen Area.

  • Refusal to follow reasonable direction from Library staff, including but not limited to leaving the Library during normal closing procedures or following a suspension of Library privileges or refusing to evacuate during an emergency. (CPC 602.1)

  • Engaging in _________________ inappropriate behavior.

Patrons engaging in any of the behaviors listed may be issued a Suspension of Library Privileges – banned from the Library Notice outlining the prohibited the behavior and the length of the ban from all Kings County libraries. Patrons will be banned from entering all Kings County libraries at the discretion of the security guard, Library Manager, Library Supervisors or Library Director. 

Patrons who are banned from the Library for a period exceeding one week may petition to have their suspension reviewed by the Library Director. Patrons may fill out for Appeal of Suspension of Library Privileges form within one week of their suspension of privileges. 

This list of prohibited behaviors is not intended to be definitive. 

The library reserves the right to add to this list as needed. 

 

Adopted by the Kings County Board of Supervisors on: April 8. 2025.