So that using the library can be a positive experience for all who come in, the Union County and El Dorado Library Boards have adopted the following rules and regulations.

1. Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a public library while in the building. Patrons not engaged in reading, studying, using library materials or equipment, or attending library sponsored programs shall be required to leave library property.

2. Using tobacco or tobacco products in the library is not allowed, nor is eating or drinking near computers or other equipment. Food and beverage consumption as part of a library function is allowed, i.e. Homework Club under staff supervision and public receptions.

3. Patrons deemed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall be asked to leave library property.

4. Patrons shall be considerate of others in the library by turning off cell phones or other listening devices while they are in the building or taking the call or communication outside the building.

5. Patrons deemed to be engaging in any illegal activity while on library property will be asked to leave the property and authorities called if necessary.

6. Patrons are expected to respect the rights of other patrons and not harass or annoy others through noisy or boisterous activities, stare at another person with the intent to annoy that person, follow another person around the building with the intent to annoy that person, play audio equipment so that others can hear it, sing or talk loudly to others or in monologues, or behave in a manner which reasonably can be expected to disturb other persons.

7. Patrons interfering with the use of the library by other patrons, or interfering with library employees' performance of their duties will be asked to leave the property and may be barred from it for a specific amount of time.

8. Any materials removed from the library must be checked out with a valid library card or through other standard library procedures such as interlibrary loan.

9. Patrons shall not deface or mar books, magazines, newspapers, recordings, computers, or other items of the library collection nor shall they deface, mar, or in any way destroy or damage library furnishings, walls, machines, or other library property.

10. For their own and others safety and hygiene, patrons must cover their bodies, upper and lower, and wear shoes or other footwear If not, they will be asked to remedy the situation or be asked to leave the library until they do so. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other patrons shall be required to leave the building.

11. Each patron shall be responsible for any fines, fees or other charges due in accordance with the library's standard schedules. Failure to pay these fines will result in the suspension of borrowing privileges.

12. Only service animals for the impaired are permitted in the library.

13. Other behaviors not usually conducted in a public library setting or disturbing to other patrons will be evaluated on a case by case basis, i.e. breast feeding an infant, public displays of affection, etc.

14. Firearms and other weapons are not permitted on library property.

Any person not abiding by these or other library rules and regulations shall be required to leave the library premises. Library employees shall contact the El Dorado Police, and/or the Union County Sheriff's Department if deemed advisable.

Any patron who violates library rules and regulations shall be denied the privilege of access to the library by the Library Board of trustees on recommendation of the library director. Any patron whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Board of Trustees.

Board approval: July 1992, February 2004, April 2007