Safety+ Personal Behavior

The Bridgeport Public Library (the "Library") is open for specific and designated civic, educational and cultural uses, including reading, studying, writing, participating in scheduled Library programs and using Library materials. In order to provide resources and services to all people who visit the Library facilities in an atmosphere of courtesy, respect, and excellent service, the Library Board has adopted this Patron Behavior Policy.

The following rules of conduct shall apply to all buildings and all branches-interior and exterior-and all grounds controlled and operated by the Library ("Library facilities") and to all persons entering in or on the premises, unless otherwise specified.

Violations of Law

Committing or attempting to commit an activity in violation of federal, state, or local law, ordinance or regulation (including but not limited to assault, larceny, and removing library material from the property without authorization through the approved lending procedures or vandalism) is prohibited.

Weapons

Carrying guns, pistols or other weapons, except as specifically permitted and exempt from local regulation by law, is prohibited.

Drugs, Alcohol+ Smoking

Possessing, selling, distributing, or consuming any alcoholic or intoxicating beverage, illegal drug, or drug paraphernalia is prohibited; Alcohol may be permitted at certain Library-sponsored events if specifically approved by the Library, and within compliance of state and local laws.

Persons noticeably under the influence of any controlled substance or alcoholic or intoxicating liquor are not allowed on Library property.

Smoking, using e-cigarettes, vaping, or chewing tobacco is prohibited on Library property.

Animals

Animals are not permitted in the Library other than therapy animals and service animals (as defined by law) for those individuals with disabilities, those used in law enforcement, or for Library programming.

Patrons are legally responsible for the behavior of their service and therapy animals. Per state law, animals will be asked to leave if the animal is out of control and causes a significant disturbance, or if the animal is not housebroken, has an accident, or otherwise damages or soils library property.

Personal Property

Personal property brought into the Library is subject to the following:

The Library personnel may limit the number of parcels carried into the Library. The Library may also limit the size of items. For example, the Library prohibits large items such as suitcases, duffle bags or large plastic garbage bags.

Personal possessions must not be left unattended or take up seating or space if needed by others.

The Library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended.

The Library does not guarantee storage for personal property.

The Executive Director or designee may make exceptions and accommodations for patrons.

Blocking of Aisles, Doors+ Entrances

All doors, aisles, and entrances must remain obstacle-free to keep in compliance with fire code and to prevent tripping hazards for other patrons. This includes a prohibition of running power cords across aisles or other areas that are used for walking.

Staff-Only Areas

Patrons shall not be permitted in any areas designated as "staff only" unless otherwise permitted by the Executive Director, designee or accompanied by a staff member.

Interference With Staff

Patrons may not interfere with the staff's performance of duties in the Library or on Library property. This includes engaging in conversation or behavior that monopolizes or forces the attention of staff for an extended period of time on non-library related topics, inappropriate personal comments, sexual advances, or physical and/or verbal harassment.

Unauthorized Use

Patrons must leave the Library at closing time and may not use the library after closing time unless authorized by the Executive Director or his or her designee. Furthermore, any patron whose privileges to use the Library have been denied may not enter the Library. Any patron whose privileges have been limited may not use the Library in any manner that conflicts with those limits placed on the patron by the Executive Director, his or her designee, or the Library Board.

Considerate Use

Behaviors that disrupt the library use of other individuals or in any way endanger staff or other patrons are prohibited. Such behaviors include but are not limited to:

Spitting;

Running, pushing, shoving or other unsafe physical behavior;

Climbing furniture;

Using obscene or threatening language or gestures.

Noise

Producing or allowing any loud, unreasonable, or disturbing noises in designated "quiet areas" of the library that interfere with other patrons' use of the Library or which can be reasonably expected to disturb other persons or have the intent of annoying other persons, including yelling, cheering, talking (with others or in monologues) or noises from electronic, entertainment, and communication devices, such as cell phones, tablets, headphones, and radio, is prohibited.

Youth areas are not designated as a quiet area and may have more noise.

Odor

Offensive odor, including but not limited to odor due to poor hygiene or overpowering perfume or cologne that causes a nuisance is prohibited.

Bodily Fluids+ Waste

Patrons may not be in the library with bodily fluids and/or waste on themselves, their clothes or their belongings. Patrons must also not allow bodily fluids or waste to spill onto others or otherwise come in contact with furniture or other surfaces in the Library where patrons or staff could be exposed.

Food+ Drink

Eating or drinking may occur in designated areas of any Bridgeport Public Library branch. Eating or drinking in Library meeting rooms is subject to rules of the local governmental unit.

Restrooms

Misuse of restrooms, including laundering, changing clothes, shaving, hair cutting or trimming, bathing, sexual activity and cooking is prohibited. Library materials may not be taken into restrooms.

Dress Code

Shirts and shoes are required for health reasons and must be worn at all times inside the Library and on Library property.

Harassment

Staring, photographing, video recording, audio recording, following, stalking, harassing, arguing with,

threatening, or behaving in a manner (1) which can reasonably be expected to disturb Library users or staff while such staff or patrons are in the Library or on Library property; and (2) that interferes with the Library patrons' use of the Library or the ability of the staff person to do his or her job is prohibited.

Identification

Patrons must provide identification to Library staff when requested. Reasons for identification include but are not limited to safety, the filing of an incident report, and library card registration.

Recreational Equipment+ Personal Transport Devices

Use of skateboards, rollerblades, roller skates, or other wheeled form of recreational equipment is not allowed in the Library or on Library property. Library patrons must park bicycles or other recreational vehicles only in authorized areas.

Wheelchairs and other personal transport devices are permitted by those individuals with disabilities or injuries.

Panhandling, Solicitation + Selling

Panhandling or soliciting Library staff or patrons for money, products, or services inside the Library or on Library property is prohibited. Sales of products or services that are incidental to Library programming may be permitted if approved in advance by the Executive Director.

Selling merchandise on Library property without prior permission from the Executive Director is prohibited.

Campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, etc.

Campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, survey-taking, pamphleteering, canvassing and soliciting are prohibited inside the Library building.

Campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, survey-taking, pamphleteering, canvassing and soliciting outside the Library building but on Library property are subject to the following requirements:

Persons or groups are required to sign in at the Checkout Desk in advance.

Use of the Library property does not indicate the Library's opposition or endorsement of the candidate or issue that is the subject of the petition, interview, campaign or discussion.

Permitted areas for campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, survey-taking, pamphleteering, canvassing and soliciting outside of the Library building is determined by the municipality that owns the library facility.

No person shall block ingress or egress from the Library building.

Permitted times will be limited to the operating hours of the Library.

Campaign material, literature or petitions may not be brought into the Library, posted at the Library or left on Library property.

Children in The Library

Use by Children

Children are welcome and encouraged to use the Library at all times. The Library desires to make each visit an important one for the child. A "Child" means a minor under the age of 18.

Rules and Regulations Regarding Children

All patrons, including children, are expected to comply with the Library's policies. Parents, guardians or responsible caregivers shall review and be fully aware of all Library policies governing children, particularly the Internet Use Policy.

Parents, guardians and caregivers are responsible for the behavior, safety, and supervision of their children regardless of age while in the Library or on Library property.

Library staff will not be expected to supervise or monitor children's behavior. Children under the age of 8 must be attended by a parent, guardian or responsible caregiver. The parent, guardian or responsible caregiver (who must be at least 14 years old) shall remain in the Library at all

times, within reach. If a child under the age of 8 is attending a Library- sponsored program on the premises, the parent, a guardian, or responsible caregiver is to remain on the premises for the duration of the program. If a child under the age of 5 is attending a Library-sponsored program on the premises, the parent, a guardian, or responsible caregiver is to accompany the

child for the entire duration of the program.

Children of any age who, because of developmental disability, mental illness, or physical disability, require supervision or personal care shall be attended by a parent, guardian or responsible caregiver at all times.

Staff will not be responsible if unattended children of any age leave the Library premises alone or with other persons. Further, staff will not be responsible for children 8 years or older who may be asked to leave the Library if the child is in violation of Library policy.

We request that all unattended children be picked up at least ten minutes before closing time. Parents, guardians and responsible caregivers need to be aware of when the Library closes.

Children 8 years or older must know their telephone number and other contact information if they are unattended at the Library. It is a violation of Library policy to not pick up your unattended child immediately if the Library calls.

Contact of Parent or Guardian

Library staff may attempt to contact a parent, legal guardian, custodian or caregiver when:

The health or safety of an unattended child is in doubt.

A child is frightened while alone at the Library.

A child has been left unattended for an extended period of time, or multiple times.

The unattended child has not been met by a parent, legal guardian, custodian or responsible caregiver at closing time. A child is considered unattended at closing time if the child is under the age of 8 or the child needs assistance procuring transportation.

Unattended Children at Closing

If a parent, legal guardian, custodian or caregiver cannot be reached by closing time or fails to arrive within a reasonable time after being contacted, Library staff may contact law enforcement officials to take charge of the situation involving the unattended child. Library employees are not permitted to transport an unattended child or vulnerable adult under any circumstances.

If the parent, legal guardian, custodian or caregiver can be reached by closing time, the staff member shall explain the Library's policy and provide a copy of this policy.

Face Mask Requirement During Pandemic

It is the policy of the Bridgeport Public Library (BPL) to follow all federal, state and local orders, including the Executive Orders of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). When there is a federal, state or local order requiring people to wear face coverings while in indoor public spaces, BPL shall also require all patrons to wear face coverings while visiting all BPL locations.

In support of the health and safety of all those who enter the library as defined by the MDHSS, all patrons and staff (except those exempted as defined by federal, state and local orders) must wear a face

mask* covering their nose and mouth while inside any BPL location (unless the patron is unable medically

to tolerate a face covering). Disposable face masks will be provided for those who do not have their own.

Refusing to follow the mask requirement will be considered a violation of the Library Patron Responsibilities. Patrons who violate these rules and responsibilities will be asked to leave the

library. Patrons may appeal this decision by contacting the Executive Director, or the Director's designee, in accordance with BPL Policy: Right of Appeal:

Curbside service will be offered as a reasonable accommodation to those without medical conditions who do not wish to wear a mask.

* MDHHS defines a face mask as a tightly woven cloth or other multi-layer absorbent material that closely covers an individual's mouth and nose. Medical or surgical grade masks are included within this definition. The CDC does not recommend the use of face shields as a substitute for cloth face masks.

However, a face shield that covers the eyes, nose and mouth can be worn in addition to a cloth mask if desired. Moreover, a face shield may be worn by younger children who are not required to wear a cloth mask, in other settings when a face mask is not required, or by athletes under certain conditions.

Sleeping in The Library

Sleeping in the library is prohibited when the behavior is disruptive to others using the library. Staff may intervene when the sleeping is disruptive, if the patron may need medical help, or if the patron is unresponsive. Behaviors that may be considered disruptive include but not limited to:

fully laying out on a couch with feet on the furniture;

snoring loudly;

occupying multiple workspaces;

sleeping at a public PC that is needed by others;

leaving a child unattended while sleeping.

Library Patron Responsibilities

Bridgeport Public Library and its branches support the right of all individuals to use the library safely and without discrimination. In order to properly maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for our patrons and employees, the Bridgeport Public Library Board has adopted the following rules and responsibilities:

Obey all laws, library policies, and local ordinances. Stealing, defacing, or damaging library equipment, materials, or facilities is not allowed.

Respect other patrons and employees. Do not annoy or harass other persons, engage in loud or disruptive conduct, or cause a public disturbance.

Solicitation and loitering are not allowed.

For your children's safety, do not leave them unattended.

To protect your personal belongings, do not leave them unattended.

Shirt and shoes are required.

The library is a smoke-free building.

No pets allowed in the library.

*Service and therapy animals are permitted

Offensive odor, including, but not limited to odor due to poor personal hygiene or overpowering perfume or cologne, that causes a nuisance is not allowed.

Sleeping, when disruptive to others, is prohibited in the library.

In support of the health and safety of all those who enter the library as defined by MDHSS, all patrons and staff (except those exempted as defined by federal, state and local orders) must wear mask* covering their nose and mouth while inside any BPL location (unless the patron is unable medically to tolerate a face covering). Disposable face masks will be provided for those who do not have their own.

Patrons who violate these rules and responsibilities will be asked to leave the library. They can appeal this decision by contacting the Executive Director or the Executive Director's designee, in accordance with BPL Policy: Right of Appeal.

Use+ Preservation of Library Materials+ Property

Patrons must not deface, vandalize, or damage library property, or improperly remove Library materials, equipment, or furniture. Patrons shall be responsible to reimburse the Library for costs incurred by the Library for violating this provision. Patrons shall not cause damage by returning books containing bedbugs, cockroaches, moths, other bugs or bringing bedbugs into the Library.

Copyright Policy

U.S. Copyright law (Title 17 U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted material, except as permitted by the principles of fair use. Additionally, individuals may not copy or distribute electronic materials including email, text, images, programs, or data without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for the consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user. Bridgeport Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from use of its equipment or technology, including use of information obtained through its electronic information systems.

Acceptable Technology Use

The Library allows access to a variety of electronic resources. This includes the BPL catalog, the catalogs of other libraries, a variety of databases, and the Internet. The Internet stations also provide access to a variety of office software. No station provides support for all file types, browser plug-ins, or Internet technologies. The Library recognizes this is a dynamic environment with programs and content that constantly changes.

Bridgeport Public Library neither has control over resources offered through the Internet nor has complete knowledge of what is on the Internet. Information on the Internet may be reliable and current or may be inaccurate, out-of-date, and unavailable at times. Some content may be offensive. Library users access the Internet at their own discretion. The Internet is not governed by any entity, so there are no limits or checks on the kind of information contained there. Only a user can decide on the accuracy, completeness, and currency of the content.

Consistent with the Library Privacy Act, MCL 397.601 et seq. ("Privacy Act"), and this Acceptable Use Policy, Bridgeport Public Library respects the privacy of patrons when they use a Library computer. The Library reserves the right, however, to monitor a patron's use of a Library computer for compliance with this Acceptable Use Policy. Although the Library generally shall not retain a record of a patron's use of a Library computer beyond 24 hours, the Library may retain such a record for any investigation and determination of a potential or actual violation of this Policy (including appeals).

In particular, and without limiting the foregoing, Library staff may produce a screen shot of a Library computer for evidentiary purposes if a Library staff member has a reasonable suspicion that a patron is using the computer in violation of this Acceptable Use Policy. Any record of a patron's use, including a screen shot, shall be retained by the Library only so long as appropriate for any investigation and determination regarding a potential or actual violation. By accepting this Policy prior to using a Library computer, a patron is consenting to monitoring of the patron's use of the Library computer (including screen shots).

Filtering

In accordance with Federal and State law (the Children's Internet Protection Act, 47 USC §254 and 20 USC

§101, and Section 6 of the Privacy Act), all Library computers with Internet access are filtered. Note, however, that no filter is 100% effective. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for their minor child's reading, listening, and viewing of Library material, including the Internet.

Compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires filters that block access to visual depictions that are obscene or child pornography, as defined by 47 USC §254. CIPA also requires protection against access by patrons under age 17 to visual depictions that are harmful to minors, as defined by 47 USC §254. A patron who is at least 17 years of age may request the disabling of software used to filter visual depictions on a computer used by that patron, provided that he/she will use the unfiltered computer for bonafide research or other lawful purposes. Library staff will not inquire into the reasons for disabling the filter.

Patrons are responsible for complying with this Policy when accessing the Internet. In addition to other provisions of this Policy, patrons (including minors) shall not access visual depictions that are obscene or child pornography as defined by Federal law (47 USC§254(h)(7)(E), (F)) and shall not access or view obscene matter as defined in §2 of 1984 PA 343, MCL 752.362 (PA 343). In addition, patrons who are minors for purposes of Federal law shall not access visual depictions that are harmful to minors as defined by Federal law (47 USC§254(h)(7)(G)) and patrons who are minors under State law shall not access or view sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors as defined in PA 343. Subject to other demands on staff time for library services, the Library staff will make a good faith effort to periodically monitor the use of Library computers by minors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Library holds the parents or legal guardians responsible for their minor children's use of the Internet in light of the fallibilities of filters and other demands on Library staff time.

In order to further comply with CIPA the Library has taken certain measures to assist in the safe and effective use of the Internet by individuals under the age of 17, as follows:

To address the issue of access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet, including material that is harmful to minors, the Library:

Maintains the filtering program described above to block Internet access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography and, in the case of use by minors, harmful to minors.

Allows adults to request that content filters be turned off.

To address the issue of the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications, as well as unauthorized disclosure of, use, and dissemination of personal identification regarding minors, the Library urges minors to follow the safety guidelines below:

Never give out identifying information such as home address, school name, or telephone number.

Let parents or guardians decide whether personal information such as age or financial information should be provided online.

Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone through a computer without parent or guardian approval.

Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, or threatening.

Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.

To address the issue of unauthorized access, including so-called "hacking" and other unlawful activities by minors online, minors and all other Library Internet users are required to agree to an online Internet User Agreement that states that "Library computers are not to be used for any illegal activity."

In addition, if a patron requests a specific site to be unblocked from the filtering program, the branch manager shall refer the request for review by administrative staff to determine whether it contains obscene matter or sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors. If it does not, the administrative staff may authorize the system wide unblocking of the site. The patron will be informed of the decision in writing. The decision may be appealed in writing within ten (10) business days to the Executive Director, or the Executive Director's designee, whose decision shall be final.

Violations

The Library's computers, network, and Internet connection may not be used for any illegal activity or in an unauthorized manner in violation of this Acceptable Use Policy. Illegal acts will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Users violating this Policy will first be asked to comply. For individuals who repeatedly violate this Policy after previous warnings, the Library reserves the right to prohibit use of the Library's computers, network, Internet connection, and/or the Library for a period up to 72 hours by action of the branch manager or the staff member in charge. An individual may appeal this decision to the Executive Director, or the Executive Director's designee.

The Library also reserves the right to prohibit use of the Library's computers, network, Internet connection, and/or the Library for a period of time exceeding 72 hours by action of the Executive Director. In such instances, an individual will be informed of the decision in writing by certified mail, and may appeal this decision in writing within ten (10) business days to the Executive Director, or the Executive Director's designee, whose decision shall be final.

Time and Other Limits

Each individual is allowed to use the Library's public computers two (2) hours per day. More time may be allowed if computer stations are free. Extensions for additional time are done electronically at those branches with reservation software. At branches without this software, patrons may ask staff to extend the time limit.

All computers will be electronically shut down ten (10) minutes before the Library closes.

Precautions

Software and other files downloaded from the Internet may contain viruses or spyware that may infect other computers. Bridgeport Public Library is not responsible for damage or loss that may occur from use of the Library's computers.

Since the Internet is not secure, patrons are responsible to ensure that their personal data is not compromised. Sending any information, including credit card numbers, via the Internet is at the sole risk of the user. Bridgeport Public Library has no control over the security of this data.

Photography+ Recording Policy

The Bridgeport Public Library permits photography and other forms of recording (videography, filming, audio, etc.) under the conditions listed below to the extent that it does not interfere with the operations, programs and activities of the Library.

Casual amateur photography and other forms of recording are permitted for patrons and visitors provided it does not interfere with the operations of the Library or individuals using the Library

and not capture any identifiable likenesses of individuals without their permission. Photographers are responsible for securing the necessary releases. Anyone photographing or recording at the library must respect other patrons and employees. Do not annoy or harass other persons, engage in loud or disruptive conduct or cause a public disturbance (See Library Patron Responsibilities).

No commercial, media photography or recording may occur in Library facilities without prior written permission.

Permission may be revoked at any time if the photographer or person recording fails to comply with the terms of this policy or other rules and regulations of the Library.

Disciplinary Process for Library Facilities

The Executive Director or the Executive Director's designee may restrict access to Library facilities with immediate dismissal of the patron from the premises, by suspending the patron's access to Library facilities for a set period of time, or by denying access to specific services and/or programs pursuant to this policy. If necessary, the local police may be called to intervene.

Incident Reports

Library staff shall record in writing in the form of an Incident Report any violation of this policy that resulted in multiple verbal warnings or a suspension of Library privileges. By the end of the day on which the incident occurred, an Incident Report shall be written and forwarded to the Executive Director for logging and review. The report should include physical descriptions in addition to the name of the patron. A copy of the suspension of privileges letter should be attached, if applicable.

Violation of the Policy- Suspension of Privileges

Unless otherwise provided in this policy, (see Section C below), the Library shall handle violations as follows:

Initial Violation: Library patrons observed violating this policy will be asked to cease the violation with a verbal request. If the patron does not comply with the request, he or she will be asked to leave the building for for the length of 1-7 days, dependent on violation. If he or she refuses, the police may be called.

Subsequent Violations: The Executive Director or the Executive Director's authorized designee may further limit or suspend the patron's Library privileges if infractions continue. Such limitation or revocation shall be documented, including the reason for the limited or suspension. Subsequent violations of the same rule shall result in additional suspensions of increasing length.

Violations that Affect Safety and Security

Violations involving verbal abuse, violence, threatening behaviors, sexual harassment, vandalism, drug sale or use or attempted drug sale or use, intoxication, theft or attempted theft, physical harassment, sexual misconduct or any behavior that threatens the safety and security of staff and/or patrons shall be handled as follows:

Initial Violation: The police will be called immediately if patron is asked to leave and does not comply. If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue. Violations of this nature will result in an immediate minimum two-week suspension of Library privileges in order to give the Library sufficient time to investigate the incident.

Threats of violence against a staff member will result in an immediate 1-year suspension.

After the investigation is completed, the Executive Director or his/her designee may add additional time to the initial limitation or suspension period.

Subsequent Violations: The police will be called immediately. If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue. The Executive Director or the Executive Director's authorized designee, may further limit or suspend the patron's Library privileges in escalating responses, which will be documented in writing. Subsequent violations of the same rule will result in additional suspensions of increasing length.

Right of Appeal

Patrons may appeal a decision to limit or suspend privileges by sending a written appeal to the Library Board within ten (10) business days of the date the privileges were suspended or limited. The appeal should be sent to the President of the Library Board. The decision of the Library Board is final.