Patron Use Policy

Welcome to the Jackson County Library! As you use the library, please be aware that our staff is available for assistance at any time. In addition, please note that you agree to abide by certain rules of use while in the library.

You are able to enjoy many activities while in the library, including:

Read books, magazines, and newspapers
Perform research with books, microfilm, databases, and internet searches
Use public computers or connect your personal device to the wi-fi
Participate in a variety of library-sponsored activities
Utilize any library staff member for assistance

As you use the library, be sure to keep your personal items with you. Any items left unattended will be considered abandoned and library staff members are not responsible for your property or allowed to hold it for you. If you are suspected of stealing library materials, the staff may ask to look inside your bag, case, rolling cart, box, or other storage device. We request that only materials related to library use or scheduled meetings be brought to the library.

While the library welcomes each patron, we request that you do not engage in certain behaviors while on library grounds. These behaviors include:

Holding phone conversations in any area with the library, excluding the stairway
Clothing that is disruptive to the library environment (shirt and shoes required at all times)
The use of any tobacco product
Sleeping on library furniture or on the floor
Bringing animals into the building, excluding licensed service animals
Eating or drinking that is not associated with a library function or meeting
Entering staff only areas unescorted
Leaving children under the age of 14 unattended, children must be actively supervised by a caregiver at least 18 years of age
Misuse, theft, or vandalism of library furniture, equipment, technology, and bathroom facilities
Sexual activity of any kind
Verbal or physical abuse or harassment of library staff, volunteers, or patrons including stalking, lurking, offensive touching, staring, indecent exposure, lurking, and other obscene acts
Using offensive language
Creating a disturbance, including fighting or challenging others to fight through verbal or physical action
Possessing, selling, using, or being intoxicated by drugs or alcohol
Firearms or weapons of any kind, excluding law enforcement officers
Campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, soliciting, sales, survey-taking, or other speech or conduct that is not conducive to the library environment
Disturbing other library patrons or interfering with regular library activities through poor personal hygiene

If, at any time, you are found to be in violation of these rules, library staff will inform you of your violation. The penalty for failing to abide by the rules will be as follows:

After a formal complaint has been received, you will receive a warning and be asked to leave for the remainder of the day;
A second complaint will result in the loss of library privileges for one week
A third complaint will result in the loss of library privileges for one month
The fourth and any subsequent complaints will result in the loss of library privileges for one year

Should the behavior present an immediate danger to yourself; other patrons; or library staff, materials, or facilities, you may be asked to leave the library immediately. Should your behavior present a major disturbance to the library and its general function, you may be asked to leave the library for the above specified amounts of time. The library staff reserves the right to contact police for assistance. Please note that all registered sex offenders are required to abide by state law regarding distance from the library and other behaviors.

Please refer to our borrowing policies for information on library circulation rules.