Harmony Public Library
Code of Conduct Policy
Mission Statement:
The Harmony Public Library will provide access to various types of materials as well as programs and services that meet the educational and recreational needs of the community.
Code of Conduct
The Harmony Library belongs to the residents of Harmony, who pay taxes to support it. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the City of Harmony, the Library Board, staff, and volunteers of the Harmony Library to ensure that everyone entering the library doors (referred to herein as “patron’) enjoys a library that is clean, pleasant, safe, and free from inappropriate behavior and any threat of harm, indignity, or invasion of privacy or property.
While it is impractical to try to address every behavioral situation that may occur, the following rules and guidelines are for the protection of all who use the library, and to ensure that a safe and respectful environment is maintained for all library patrons. Whenever these rules do not cover a specific situation, library staff have the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the library. Staff may require a patron to leave the premises, call the police, or ultimately bar a patron from the library for noncompliance with this Code of Conduct. If you observe patron behavior that does not meet this Code of Conduct, please contact a staff member. Have fun, ask questions, explore. Be considerate of others using the library and everyone will benefit.
Care for Library Property: Use library materials, equipment, furniture, grounds, and facilities responsibly. Patrons are expected to clean up after themselves, including returning chairs to the original position and returning materials to the reshelving cart.
Laws: No one may violate any city ordinance or state statute while in the library building, on library grounds, at library-sponsored events held at any venue, or during library board meetings. In addition, Library patrons may not:
- intentionally deface, destroy or steal library property or the property of other library patrons. Damage to library property is prohibited by Minnesota Statute §609.541.
- solicit, panhandle, gamble, sell, or petition for contributions or support
- enter the library with items too large to fit under a study chair
- fail to observe Internet use guidelines and policy
- tamper in any way with library equipment
Alcohol/illegal drugs: Alcohol or illegal drugs may not be brought into the library, nor may anyone under the influence of either enter the library or be on the library grounds.
Smoking: Smoking is not permitted at any time in the library or on library grounds.
Disruptive behavior: All patrons are expected to behave and communicate in a reasonable, respectful and safe manner. Behavior that disturbs or interferes with patrons or employees of the library is considered disorderly conduct and is prohibited by Minnesota Statute §651.01. Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- excessive speaking or laughing loudly
- running, roughhousing, or horseplay
- fighting or physical altercations
- public displays of affection or sexual misconduct
- excessive noise of any kind
- playing any audio equipment or device without headphones or in a manner that can be heard by others
- unauthorized game playing
- using skateboards, inline skates or bicycles in the library
- odors (including that related to personal hygiene) or activities which create an unsanitary or unhealthy environment or are offensive to the normal sensibilities of other library patrons
- using obscene, abusive, or hate-charged language
Harassment or Personal threats: No one may willfully annoy, harass, or threaten another person. This includes, but is not limited to:
- conveying threats or any kind of physical force or harm
- using obscene, abusive, or hate-charged language
- engaging in sexual misconduct
- stalking, staring, or invading personal space
Unattended persons: patrons may not leave unattended in the library any persons who seek or need personal assistance for other than library-related services, and where staff has a reasonable basis to be concerned for the safety of the unattended person, such as young children or persons who need supervision because of physical or mental conditions.
Enforcement of Guidelines:
Anyone violating these rules of conduct is first warned by the library staff. If the conduct continues, the offender will be ordered to leave the premises. Staff members, city administrator, or law enforcement will, at their discretion, expel patrons without warning in situations of serious, threatening, or malicious behavior.
Failure to observe these rules may lead to suspension or revocation of library privileges, including the right to visit the buildings or grounds. Repeat offenders or persons ordered from the premises who do not comply may be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespassing.
Appeals Process
Individuals may appeal their exclusion in writing to the Library Director. If unsatisfied with the Director’s decision, further appeals may be directed to the Harmony Public Library Board.
Thank you for helping us maintain a positive library environment.
Approved by the Harmony Library Board on September 2nd, 2025.