At the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County, we want your visit to be a safe and welcoming experience. Any behavior that disrupts the orderly use of the Library is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, any behavior that interferes with:
- The use of Library property, materials and services by other patrons;
- The ability of Library employees to conduct Library business;
- The safety of Library patrons and employees; and/or
- The Library‛s materials, facilities or property.
Examples of prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to:
- Leaving unsupervised or unattended children who are unable to care for themselves
- Making unreasonable noise including, but not limited to, loud talking, singing, other loud or disruptive noise, or noise from cell phone or audio/visual equipment usage
- Using profane, obscene or abusive language
- Making racial, ethnic, religious, gender or sexual orientation epithets
- Harassing patrons or staff, including without limitation deliberate or repeated language or behavior that is intimidating, hostile and/or offensive, or that adversely impacts staff work performance or patron use of the library
- Intentionally damaging, destroying or stealing property belonging to the Library, another patron or staff
- Running or engaging in horseplay
- Lying down or sleeping, including giving the appearance of sleeping
- Littering
- Abusing or improperly using furniture, equipment or materials
- Soliciting and/or panhandling Library patrons or staff, including but not limited to soliciting money and/or donations, and/or selling or attempting to sell merchandise to Library patrons or staff
- Posting or distributing literature without permission
- Gambling
- Blocking entrance to and exit from any library building; monopolizing/obstructing space, seating tables or equipment to the exclusion of others
- Trespassing, violating an eviction, entering Library property when banned or remaining on Library property after having been restricted or directed to leave
- Fighting, challenging someone to fight, physical abuse or assault
- Engaging in or soliciting a sexual act or indecent exposure
- Improper dress, including bare feet, no shirt and uncovered swimsuits
- Vandalizing Library facilities or equipment
- Being under the influence, possessing alcohol or drugs, selling drugs or alcoholic beverages
- Bathing, shaving or washing clothes on the premises
- Bringing animals other than service animals to the Library
- Smoking, using tobacco or using electronic nicotine delivery systems or similar products, such as e-cigarettes, in the Library or within 50 feet of the public entrance
- Using roller blades, roller skates, skateboards, spiked shoes, cleats or other sports equipment in the library or on library property
- Entering unauthorized work spaces or work areas or other non-public areas
- Taking photographs and/or recording videos of Library staff or patrons without their permission
- Possessing weapons of any kind, either concealed or in plain view, in the Library, unless the person in possession of the weapon is a law enforcement officer
- Violating the Library‛s Internet and Electronic Resources policy or otherwise misusing computers
- Violating other Library policies and/or guidelines
- Violating federal, state and/or local laws
- Engaging in other acts disruptive to patrons and staff
Please visit the library‛s checkout desk for a complete copy of PLSJ‛s Code of Conduct.