RULES GOVERNING CONDUCT OF

PATRONS OF THE CLOVIS-CARVER PUBLIC LIBRARY

PURPOSE:  The Library is open to the public for the purposes of reading, studying, and using library materials and to allow all library patrons to use the Library’s facilities to the maximum extent possible during its regularly scheduled hours.  These rules are for the comfort, quiet enjoyment, and protection of all who use the library.  They will be firmly and courteously enforced by the library staff and, if necessary, the Clovis Police Department.  We ask your cooperation in maintaining an environment conducive to enjoyable use of the library for all.

LIBRARY PREMISES;  The Library premises include the buildings, the land surrounding them, the front, rear, and side grounds, the sidewalks, drive-through, and the parking areas.

RULE 1:  Smoking, eating, and drinking are not permitted inside the library.

RULE 2:  Sleeping on library premises is not permitted.

RULE 3:  Footwear, shorts, pants or skirts, and a shirt are required apparel.  Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building.

RULE 4:  Bicycles may not be brought into the building.  They must be secured to the bike rack and must not block library entrances, exits, or pedestrian walkways.

RULE 5:  Roller skates, skateboards, or similar devices may not be used on the library premises.                     

RULE 6:  With the exception of guide dogs, no animals are permitted in the building.  Dogs should be leashed outside in such a manner that they do not obstruct or otherwise interfere with patrons entering or exiting the library.

RULE 7:  Patrons shall respect the rights of other patrons and shall not harass or annoy others by noisy or boisterous activities, by staring at another person with the intent to annoy that person, by following another person about the building with the intent to annoy that person, by playing audio equipment, singing or talking so that others can hear it, or by behaving in a manner which reasonably can be expected to interfere with other persons’ use of the library.

RULE 8:  Patrons shall not interfere with the use of the library by other patrons or interfere with library employees’ performance of their duties.

RULE 9:  Children seven (12) years of age and younger may not be left unattended in the library.

RULE 10:  Misuse and abuse of library property are not permitted.

RULE 11:  Disruptive behavior, whether or not directed toward other patrons or library employees, is not permitted in the library or on library premises.  “Disruptive behavior” includes, but is not limited to, use of abusive, threatening, insulting, or obscene language; fighting or challenging to fight or otherwise engaging in physical abuse or assault.

RULE 12:  No person shall bring alcohol or controlled substances onto the library premises or enter the library premises while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

RULE 13:  No person shall bring weapons such as knives or guns onto the library premises.

RULE 14:  No person shall engage in conduct which is or may be subject to prosecution under federal, state, or local laws as a criminal offense.

These rules have been formulated with the cooperation of the Clovis City Attorney’s Office.

REPORTING VIOLATIONS:  Patrons confronted with violation(s) of any of the above rules should immediately inform the nearest library staff member.

RULE VIOLATIONS:  Any patron not abiding by these or other rules and regulations of the library shall be asked to leave the library premises.  Library employees shall contact the Clovis Police Department if deemed advisable.

Any patron who repeatedly violates the library rules and regulations, or who is disruptive, or who engages in criminal behavior on the library premises shall be denied the privilege of access to the library for a period of at least thirty (30) days by the Library Director.  Any patron whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Clovis City Commission.

OTHER LAWS:  The posting of these rules does not prohibit the enforcement of any applicable federal law, New Mexico statutes, or Clovis City Ordinances as necessary.

ADOPTION;  Approved and adopted by the Library Director and the Library Board pursuant to NMSA 1978, §3-18-14 (as amended) and Clovis City Code CCC §§9.80.0l0-9.82.0l0 on January 27, 1997.

APPROVED:  Approved by the Clovis City Commission on February 20, 1997.

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