Library Rules & Etiquette

Welcome to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library. We hope you enjoy your visit and please let us know if we can be of assistance. For the comfort and safety of patrons, volunteers, staff, and the protection of Library property, the following library Rules & Etiquette have been established.

Library Activities:
The purpose of the library is to provide an environment that is supportive of using the materials and services we offer. Everyone is welcome to use these materials and enjoy the services provided at the library. However, the library is not a place to engage in primarily social activities. Anyone who is not using library materials, attending a program, using a computer or engaging in quiet study should not remain on library property. Gathering alongside the library walkways to eat, drink, smoke or socialize is not permitted.

Personal Conduct:
Patrons may not interfere with the staff as they perform their duties. Intimidation, staring or following of staff or other patrons is not permitted. Patrons may not sleep in the library or outside on library property. Patrons are prohibited from physically abusing or assaulting other patrons or staff. This includes challenging another person to fight or engaging in any fight, running, pushing, shoving or throwing things. Patrons may not personally monopolize library space (including entrance walkways) or lie on the walls along the entrance walkway.

Personal Hygiene:
The library expects that all patrons will maintain a level of personal hygiene that will not interfere with the ability of others to use the library. Patrons with offensive odors or hygiene may be asked to leave. Patrons must wear shirt and shoes at all times. Any attire that is disruptive to the library environment is prohibited.

Restrooms:
To ensure that all patrons have access to clean, safe facilities please help us keep the restrooms clean and in good working order. Activities such as: bathing, shaving, shampooing, doing laundry or changing clothes are not allowed in the restrooms. If you notice a problem with the restrooms, please report this to a staff member.

Book Bags & Other Baggage:
Large bags are a security risk and can interfere with access to aisles and walkways. Bags should be able to fit into the box at the security desk. Patrons should keep possessions with them at all times. Patrons cannot obstruct walkways or monopolize other library space with large packages or personal effects. Bags are not to be left at the guard’s desk or outside the library. The library reserves the right to discard any bags or other items that appear to have been left unclaimed. Littering is prohibited.

Food & Drink:
Closed beverage containers with sturdy lids are permitted, provided that beverages are not consumed near the computers or where spills may damage library material. Eating is not allowed in the public areas of the library (Exceptions for meetings in the auditorium may be made by the Library Director).

Animals:
Service animals are allowed in the building. All other animals are prohibited.

Tobacco, Alcohol & Drugs:
Alcohol and/or illegal drugs are not allowed in the library. Persons in possession of these items or under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be asked to leave the premises. Use of tobacco products is not allowed in the building or near the entrance. If you smoke, please be respectful of others and do so away from the entrance. Dispose of your cigarettes properly.

Library Materials & Building
Library materials must be properly checked out before leaving the building. Defacing or destruction of any library materials or property is prohibited. Moving Library furniture from where it is placed by library staff is not permitted. Trespassing in nonpublic areas, being in the Library without permission of an authorized Library employee before or after Library operating hours, or camping on Library grounds is prohibited.

Noise:
Please respect the rights of others to use the library. Avoid loud talking or other actions that would disturb others. Cell phones should be used outside the building and audible cell phone and pager ringers must be turned off when entering the library. The use of audible devices without headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others is not allowed. Profane or abusive language is disturbing to others and is not allowed. Screaming, running, boisterous activity, banging on computer keyboards and other disruptive noises are prohibited.

Children:
Children under the age of ten must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times while in the library. Parents or caregivers are responsible for the behavior of their children in the Library and will be required to provide proper supervision. The library is a public building and the staff cannot supervise children who are present. We have no way of knowing whether a child is leaving with a relative or a stranger.

Skateboards, bicycles, etc:
Recreational use of bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, roller blades or any personal vehicle is not allowed on library property. These items may not be brought into the library. The main library does provide a location for bicycle parking.

Soliciting, Selling, Surveys
Soliciting, petitioning, interviewing, campaigning, survey-taking, canvassing or selling in the public areas of the Library is not allowed. (Exceptions may be made by the Library Director when the activity will benefit the Library). Patrons may not distribute or post any printed materials except through authorized Library procedures. Begging for money or other physical items is prohibited.

Major Offenses
Patrons may not engage in any activity in violation of Library policy, Federal, State, local or other applicable law. Patrons will not be permitted to engage in any act that clearly disrupts or prevents the normal and intended use of the public library by any other patrons or staff. Those violating library rules may be asked to leave if their speech or actions disturb others or jeopardize the health and safety of patrons or staff. Anyone who refuses to leave after being asked to do so may be prosecuted for criminal trespassing and will be subject to legal action (up to and including arrest).

Our goal is that all patrons enjoy the library responsibly and safely.

Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library
Chattanooga, Tennessee
2005