Patron Behavior Policy

The Board of Trustees at the Fremont Public Library District is dedicated to maintaining a facility that ensures a safe and welcoming environment for the community. Their goal is to support efficient staff operations, align with the organization's mission, and adhere to widely accepted standards of public security, health, and hygiene.

In accordance with the Illinois Library Law (75 ILCS 5/4-7), the Board of Trustees has the authority to establish bylaws, rules, and regulations for their own guidance and for governing the library. They also have the right to exclude individuals from using the library if they deliberately violate the rules set by the Board.

The staff member responsible for the library's operation receives backing from the Board of Trustees for any official actions taken in line with the policies and procedures approved by the Board.

Use of Library Property and Facilities

Visitors are expected to conduct themselves appropriately, showing respect and consideration for others' rights.

Any behavior deemed by library staff to unreasonably disrupt the peaceful use of the library's facilities and services or interfere with staff duties will not be tolerated. Patrons are responsible for cleaning up after themselves and should not leave any debris in the library building or on its grounds.

While utilizing the library's facilities, materials, and services, the following actions are prohibited:

1. Entering the library without appropriate attire or without a generally acceptable standard of personal hygiene.
2. Using the name or address of the Fremont Public Library for advertising or promoting paid tutoring services.
3. Using electronic cigarettes, tobacco, drugs, or alcohol, or entering the library in an intoxicated condition. Smoking is also not permitted within 15 feet of the library building.
4. Carrying weapons, firearms, explosives, or combustible materials.
5. Engaging in disruptive conduct, such as loud conversations, running, fighting, threatening or harassing behavior, or obstructing others' access to library resources.
6. Engaging in conduct that may endanger the health and safety of library users or employees, or cause damage to library materials or facilities.
7. Loitering in a way that blocks entrances, exits, stairwells, or public rights of way.
8. Bringing any animal other than a Service Animal into the library facility without prior permission.
9. Participating in activities such as rollerblading, skateboarding, bicycling, scootering, or any other activity that may endanger public safety.
10. Selling products or services, soliciting, canvassing, distributing leaflets, surveys, petitions, or engaging in similar activities without authorization.

Food and Drinks

Covered drinks are allowed throughout the library, but food is only permitted in designated snack areas on each floor, except during library-sponsored events or programs. If equipment or materials are damaged due to food or drink, or if the consumption disrupts other patrons, staff may ask the patron to take their food or drink outside.

Patrons are expected to clean up after themselves and promptly report accidents to staff.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Any patron violating this policy may be asked to leave the library and its grounds. Library staff has the authority to eject individuals causing disruptions for the rest of the day. If a patron refuses to leave upon staff instruction, the police may be summoned.

The Library Director can suspend patrons' visitation and/or borrowing privileges. The Board of Trustees may review and alter suspensions. A written appeal of a suspension should be submitted to the President of the Library Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees will review the appeal and provide a written decision within sixty (60) days of receipt.

Click here to view a printable version of this policy.