Patron Code of Conduct Policy

The North Palm Beach Library’s Code of Patron Conduct was designed within:
  • The framework of existing local, state and federal laws
  • The American Library Association (ALA) Code of Professional Ethics
  • ALA’s Guidelines for the Development of Policies and Procedures Regarding User Behavior and Library Usage (January 24, 1993)
  • The Library Bill of Rights
North Palm Beach Library must provide facilities in which both Library users and staff can be free from harassment, intimidation, and threats to their safety.

Acceptable Behavior


Library users are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not violate the rights of others, and does not result in damage to Library property. The North Palm Beach Library encourages the following behaviors within the Library:
  • Appropriate public attire, including shoes and shirts
  • Appropriate use of Library materials, equipment, and property
  • Parental responsibility for the behavior of any children using the Library
  • Patron responsibility for personal property
  • Respect of other users’ rights of access - both physically and intellectually - to the Library

Unacceptable Behavior

The North Palm Beach Library considers the following behaviors to be unacceptable:
  • Carrying a concealed weapon in violation of Florida Statutes 790.01 and 790.06
  • Consuming alcohol or illicit substances
  • Eating or drinking in non-designated area
  • Engaging in disorderly conduct, unreasonably disturbing or offending Library users or staff
  • Entering the Library with any animal, other than a service animal that assists a patron with disabilities
  • Exhibiting threatening or aggressive behavior including voyeurism, exhibitionism, and stalking
  • Leaving children under thirteen years of age unaccompanied by a caregiver at any time
  • Physically assaulting or molesting any Library user or staff
  • Smoking, chewing or dipping tobacco products
  • Soliciting, selling, campaigning, posting of notices or petitions, and distributing of leaflets not authorized by the Reference Librarian
  • Stealing of Library property or personal property of Library users or staff
  • Using abusive, lewd, or obscene language toward any Library user or staff
  • Willful destroying of Library property or personal property of Library users or staff
Bringing suitcases, duffel bags, large bags, or other containers will be permitted in the Library only if the patron voluntarily agrees that these items may be subjected to a search upon departure.