Patron Conduct Policy

Columbia Public Library
Patron Conduct Policy
(Updated and revised 03/12/2026)

The Patron Conduct Policy is designed to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for learning and other library activities, including protecting young children from harm. Failure to comply with the library’s established rules and policies could result in expulsion from the library and revocation of library privileges. The rules below are intended for guidance only. Library personnel reserve the right to take appropriate action against any other behavior that can reasonably be deemed to be offensive to library patrons or staff. This policy is enforced on library premises.

  • Library use is limited to three (3) hours per patron, per day.
  • Charging personal devices is limited to a maximum of three (3) hours per day. This limit applies inside and outside of the library building.
    • Patrons may charge a maximum of TWO (2) devices during their time in the library.
    • Library Staff may request a patron to unplug their device(s) at any time.
  • The library is NOT responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen, or damaged on library property.

The following is NOT permitted at the Columbia Public Library, on its terrace, or in the area in front or rear of the library premises:

  • Engaging in any activity prohibited by law.
  • Engaging in conduct that disrupts or interferes with normal operations of the library or library employees and volunteers in the performance of their duties.
  • Disregarding instructions given by Library Staff.
  • Harassing or threatening behavior or language including using obscene or abusive language or gestures.
    • Abusive, argumentative words and/or behavior towards library staff is not permitted and may result in loss of library privileges.
  • Displaying or using tobacco, vape/e-cigarette products, alcohol, or rolling cigarettes on library premises.
  • Distributing or selling drugs, legal or illegal.
  • Food and Drink:
    • Eating or having open food containers is prohibited, unless approved for a library program or room rental.
    • Within reason, covered beverages are permitted in the library. Soda is not permitted under any circumstances.
    • Patrons utilizing the terrace are asked to pick up their own trash when leaving.
  • Sleeping, or the appearance of sleeping.
  • Patrons must maintain hygiene that does not present hazardous or offensive condition.
    • Clothing and personal items brought into the library must not be soiled or infested with insects or other biohazards.
    • A person may be requested to leave the library if his/her hygiene interferes with the operation of the library or interferes with another patron’s ability to use and/or enjoy the library. This includes, but is not limited to: visible illness, uncovered sores, dirt or insects in/on hair/clothing, and unpleasant odors created by body odors, perfumes, and smoke.
  • Animals – unless it is a service animal assisting a person with a disability or part of a library sponsored program.
  • Damaging, defacing, or misusing any library materials or property.
  • Unplugging or disabling library technical equipment, including changing hardware, software, or settings on a library computer.
  • Monopolizing library space, seating, tables, stairways, outlets, or equipment to the exclusion of other patrons or staff, or obstructing materials, aisles, or doorways with personal belongings, including when charging personal devices.
  • Loitering – defined as a person who is monopolizing library space without using the library’s resources.
  • Children aged 14 and under are not permitted on the lower level by themselves. They must be accompanied by a supervising adult.   
  • The library is not responsible for children who are left unattended on library premises. The behavior of the children is the responsibility of the caregiver.
  • Attire – patrons must always be appropriately clothed and wear footwear.
    • Entering with inappropriate, suggestive, vulgar, or excessively revealing clothing is not permitted.
  • Cellular phone conversations MUST take place outside of the library:
    • Patrons are NOT permitted to use the library phone.
    • Please silence all cell phones.
  • Making unreasonable noise. This includes loud talking, using devices (with or without headphones) at a volume that disturbs others.
  • Using another person’s library card for any reason is expressly forbidden, unless formally authorized by library staff.
    • Patron must give consent for an individual to pick up holds, renew materials, and pay fines on their account. Any other activity is restricted.
  • Excessive amounts of personal items:
    • Personal items brought into the library must be free of insects and biohazards.
    • A maximum of ONE (1) permissible bag or article of any type is allowed.
    • Bags and articles over 18” in size are prohibited.
    • Sleeping bags, garbage bags, and luggage are not permitted.
    • Wheelchairs and strollers are only permitted if being used for the transport of an adult or child.
    • Personal possessions may not be stored anywhere on library property.
    • Library staff will make reasonable accommodation for bikes, skateboards, scooters, etc. However, it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure its safety.
    • Bikes may be locked to the terrace located in the rear of the library building; however, they may NOT block the gate or exit areas at any time.
    • At any time, library staff may request a patron to leave additional bags in the Library Foyer/Entry area. The library is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
  • Solicitation, petitioning, or canvassing.
  • Excessive displays of affection.
    • Includes any sexual or physical conduct deemed inappropriate for a public place.

Restroom Use
The library’s main floor restroom is available to patrons unless it is in need of electrical or plumbing repair. The restroom may also be unavailable due to wet floor from mopping. Because the restroom entrance is accessible only through the children’s area, a higher standard of conduct is expected of patrons. The library staff is trained and certified to note harmful or unsafe behavior to young children and legally bound to report it. This includes forwarding specific complaints from parents and caregivers in the restroom and lobby area to the appropriate authorities.

  • Individuals MUST have a proper Photo ID or library card to exchange for the key to use the restroom.
  • Inappropriately or excessively using the restroom is not permitted.
  • Patrons may NOT use the restroom to bathe, shave, wash or change clothing, or brush teeth.
  • Stealing of supplies or vandalizing the restroom will result in it being CLOSED to the public.
  • No staff member, volunteer, or representative of the Columbia Public Library will enter or occupy a restroom with a patron at any time or under any circumstance.
  • Adult caregivers must assist any young children who need restroom help.
  • In the event of an emergency in the restroom, two or more staff members together will provide assistance.

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