Code of Conduct
Examples of unacceptable code of conduct inside the library1 include, but are not limited to:
A. Leaving any child under twelve years of age unsupervised in any section of the library. Staff are not responsible for the supervision of any child at the library unless specified.
B. Bringing more than: (a) one bag, package, or container per person (the bag, package, or container must reasonably fit underneath a library chair); and (b) one personal item (a personal item is a small bag or case designed to carry personal possessions such as a backpack, purse, briefcase, or diaper bag).
C. Leaving items unattended or placed where they will impede traffic.
D. Smoking or other uses of tobacco or tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes.
E. Selling, soliciting, posting, or distributing any goods or services for money or other consideration.
F. Having an animal except for a service animal. A service animal is a dog or miniature horse trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.
G. Having a beverage without a lid anywhere inside the library. Eating food in the computer areas or in other areas where food is prohibited.
H. Possessing or using alcohol or illegal drugs and being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
I. Possessing weapons except for firearms by law enforcement officers. Weapons include: (1) deadly weapons (anything designed for lethal use, including a firearm); (2) impact weapons (examples: batons, clubs, and baseball bats); and (3) knives with blades longer than three inches. Storage is provided for deadly weapons pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-3102.01.
J. Behaving or engaging in activities that disturb patrons or staff. Examples of prohibited behavior and activities include, but are not limited to:
- Disorderly conduct
- Verbal or physical fighting
- Loud or abusive language or noise
- Tablets, cell phones, computers, and other electronic equipment used in a manner that disturbs other patrons
- Sleeping in the library
- Wearing clothing that does not appropriately cover the upper and lower body. Not wearing shoes or adequate footwear
- Abusing, misusing, or vandalizing library facilities, equipment, or materials, including placing of feet or shoes on library furniture
- Personal hygiene that is so offensive as to constitute a nuisance to other patrons
- Sexual misconduct or activity, including inappropriate or excessive public displays of affection
- Loitering or bathing in restrooms
- Harassment, intimidation, threats, or assault by word or act
- Stalking or following any patron, staff, or security that causes that person to suffer emotional distress or reasonably fear that their property will be damaged or destroyed or that they or a family member is in danger or will be physically injured
Examples of unacceptable code of conduct outside the library on the library property2 include, but are not limited to:
K. Leaving a child under twelve years of age unsupervised. Staff are not responsible for the supervision of any child on the library premises unless specified.
L. Smoking or other uses of tobacco or tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes within 20 feet of the library entrance or on any public patio.
M. Violating the Library’s Free Speech Policy.
N. Blocking or obstructing the sidewalk. Blocking or obstructing the ingress or egress of the library. Examples of items that may not block or obstruct these areas include but are not limited to shopping carts, shade structures, and tents.
O. Harassing, intimidating, threatening, or assaulting by word or act.
P. Stalking or following a patron or staff that causes that person to suffer emotional distress or reasonably fear that their property will be damaged or destroyed or that they or a family member is in danger or will be physically injured.
Staff and security are authorized to ask patrons to leave both the library and the library property for any behavior that does not comply with this Code of Conduct. Police may be called if the actions of a patron are illegal or if the patron refuses to leave the library or the library property after being asked to do so.
Violations can result in the suspension of the patron’s library privileges, which include but are not limited to borrowing privileges; accessing digital resources; using the library, facilities, equipment, and materials; participating in library events; and entering on and accessing any library facilities and library property. The library uses a series of progressive disciplinary steps set forth in its enforcement procedures to determine suspension length. When a violation is severe or repeated, it may result in permanent loss of library privileges. A patron who has permanently lost their library privileges or has had their library privileges suspended may appeal the decision by submitting a written request to the Library Director within 30 days of being informed of their suspension or permanent loss of privileges. The Library Director’s determination will be final.
Library Administration reserves the right to modify the length of a suspension based on administrative review or the outcome of a formal review process. Library patrons who wish to request a reasonable modification of this Code of Conduct because of a disability may contact Mesa Public Library Administration at (480-644-2739).
1Library includes inside mobile library facilities and book mobiles.
2Property includes but is not limited to the land where the library building and structures and facilities are located, the parking lot and employee parking areas. A depiction for each library location is attached to the library’s enforcement procedures.
Adopted 2/26/2025