Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct Policy (PDF)

Welcome to the Seminole County Public Library System.  Our library is supported by the taxes of the citizens of Seminole County who have a right to expect each of our facilities to be clean, pleasant, and safe places for selecting materials, reading, researching, studying, writing, and attending Seminole County Public Library or community-sponsored programs and meetings.

This Code of Conduct is intended to encourage behavior that supports the library's mission of providing the best possible resources in a warm, welcoming environment.  Behavior becomes unacceptable when it interferes with this mission, compromises the rights of others, causes damage to buildings or equipment, or causes injury to oneself or others.  Those willing to modify unacceptable behavior are always welcome to stay.  However, those unable to comply will be asked to leave.  If necessary, the authorities will be called.  Parents or guardians are responsible for the conduct and safety of persons under their care.

Examples of unacceptable library behavior include:

• Library customers may not engage in any action or activity that violates any Federal, State, or local laws
• Disruptive or unsafe behavior such as loud talking, disruptive cell phone use, loud audio equipment, use of profanity, running, throwing things, hitting, pushing or shoving
• Eating, drinks in closed containers such as covered cups or water bottles are allowed
• Leaving vulnerable children or adults unsupervised in the Library
• Using another’s Library card or number without permission is prohibited
• Bare feet or lack of upper-body covering
• No animals, except for service animals as defined by Florida Statutes 413.08 (1(d) the term “service animal” is limited to a dog or miniature horse
• Bringing or using bicycles, scooter, skates, skateboards, or shopping carts inside the library
• Obstructing passageways/blocking access to the library or any part of the library
• Threats or harassment of another person, including following a person, staring, threatening, taunting or inflicting physical or verbal abuse
• Stealing, damaging, altering or attempting to alter, any property of the library
• Viewing, in plain sight, materials which are inappropriate for the surrounding, including potential passersby
• Abandoning or leaving attended backpacks, and other types of packages
• Excessive displays of public affection
• Poor personal hygiene that is offensive or constitutes a nuisance to others
• Lying down or sleeping in the library; placing heads, feet and legs on tables
• Moving furniture
• Smoking, (including e-cigarettes) or use of tobacco in any form
• Consuming alcoholic beverages or possessing or consuming illegal drugs on library property
• Indecent exposure/public indecency
• Soliciting or panhandling
• Washing clothes or bathing on library property