RPL Code of Conduct       Download printable PDF

1. Any misconduct that disturbs Library customers or staff or hinders others from using the Library is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, loud or boisterous behavior, playing personal audio or video devices at levels audible to others, running, verbal or physical harassment, fighting, extremely offensive odors, and congregating in large groups in the lounge or other public areas.
2. No smoking is permitted in the Library or within 15 feet of any entrance.
3. No eating is permitted in the Library except in designated areas. Non‑alcoholic covered drinks are allowed.
4. No alcoholic beverages, drugs or weapons are allowed on Library premises.
5. Sleeping, bathing, shaving, cutting hair, preparing food or other such activities not customarily associated with libraries and library use are not permitted on Library property.
6. No gambling is allowed in the Library.
7. Panhandling, selling for profit, personal solicitation for charity or distribution of leaflets, petitioning, canvassing, or similar appeals by individuals or organizations other than Rockford Public Library are not permitted in the Library. Non‑profit organizations desiring to have notices posted or distributed at the Library must give them to the Library’s Community Relations Department for approval.
8. Only service animals are allowed in the Library and they must remain with their owner at all times.
9. Shoes and shirts must be worn in the Library.
10. Children under age ten may not be left unattended in the Library. They must be under the direct supervision of a parent or other adult aged 16 or over when in the Library.
11. Abusive treatment or harassment of staff is not tolerated and will result in immediate suspension.
12. Misuse or abuse of computers, equipment, or furniture is not tolerated.
13. Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics, which may reasonably be construed as obscene by community standards, is not allowed.
14. Using the Internet for illegal activity or to post or transmit any unlawful, threatening, harassing, abusive information, including, without limitation, any transmission constituting or encouraging conduct that would constitute a criminal offense or give rise to civil liability is not permitted.
15. Using anyone else’s ID or Library card is not allowed.
    
16. The use of cell phones in the Library is allowed only if all sounds are turned off and conversations do not disturb others.
17. Violence, theft, sexual misconduct or abusive treatment or harassment of staff in the Library may lead to criminal prosecution and an immediate suspension from all Rockford Public Library properties. The duration of the suspension will be at the discretion of the Executive Director.

All violations other than violence, theft, sexual misconduct or abusive treatment of staff in the Library:

Suspension includes loss of access to all Library properties and loss of all Library privileges.

A patron is entitled to a hearing concerning the finding of a violation. Within seven (7) days after a violation is found, the patron may submit to the Library in writing any information that the patron desires to be considered. The Executive Director has discretion in evaluating the information submitted.