Patron Code of Conduct

1. A person may enter a county library during business hours for the purpose of transacting library business. Patrons are expected to conduct themselves appropriately and with respect for others when using the library’s services, materials, resources, and facilities. Every individual has the right to use the library without being unduly disturbed and library staff have the right to work without undue interference. All patrons and library staff should be free of any threat of harm, invasion of property, or harassment.
2. Library staff are not responsible for the care, safety, or supervision of vulnerable individuals. Vulnerable individuals include children under the age of eight and may include individuals of any age whom staff have a reasonable concern for their safety. Vulnerable individuals must be accompanied and supervised by an adult or responsible party.  If library staff encounter an unsupervised vulnerable individual, they will make a good faith attempt to contact the parent or guardian.  If a parent or guardian cannot be reached, library staff reserve the right to refer them to the local law enforcement agency. 
3. No person shall cause a nuisance within the library or its grounds. Causing a nuisance as defined in Minnesota Statute § 561.01 as anything that is:
   • Harmful to the health of a person, or
   • Offensive to the senses of a person, or
   • An obstruction to the free and unrestricted use and enjoyment of the library property by other persons.
4. Examples of unacceptable behaviors that will not be permitted include but are not limited to:
   • Using audio devices including cell phones that cause a disturbance for others.
   • Tobacco, drug, or alcohol use.
   • Cannabis use or possession.
   • Running, roller-skating, skateboarding, rollerblading, or similar inappropriate activities.
   • Horseplay or fighting.
   • Willfully annoying, harassing, or threatening another person. 
     • Conveying threats of any kind of physical force or harm.
     • Using obscene, abusive, or racially charged language.
     • Engaging in sexual misconduct.
     • Stalking, staring, or invading personal space.
     • Solicitation of funds, panhandling, gambling, selling, advertising, or petitioning for contributions or support.
     • Failure to wear shirts and/or shoes.
5. No person shall intentionally steal, vandalize, or damage the real and personal property of other patrons, the library or library grounds.
6. Library furniture or equipment may not be moved without the permission of the Library staff.  Furniture and equipment may be used only for their intended purpose.  All patrons shall, after a reasonable length of time and/or when requested by the Library staff, yield machines, conference rooms, meeting rooms, or library materials to others.
7. Covered beverage containers are allowed in the common areas of the library.  Food and uncovered beverages are allowed only in designated areas such as private meeting spaces subject to staff approval.
8. All animals are prohibited from entering Library facilities, except for service animals, service animal trainees and animals featured in programs sponsored by Anoka County Library. See Anoka County Animals in County buildings rule.

In addition to this Code of Conduct, all patrons are expected to comply with other applicable Anoka County Library policies and procedures.

Library staff will inform patrons and others of the Patron Code of Conduct and policies as necessary and will enforce the Patron Code of Conduct as appropriate, with the assistance of law enforcement as required.

The provisions of the Patron Code of Conduct are in addition and subordinate to state statutes or city and/or County ordinances pertaining to public conduct or criminal action. They shall apply to all buildings and grounds operated by Anoka County Library.

Failure to observe the Patron Code of Conduct may lead to revocation of Library privileges, including the right to visit the buildings and grounds. Persons ordered from the premises who do not comply may be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespassing.  Anyone wishing to appeal their loss of library privileges may submit an appeal in writing to the Library Director.

This policy is reviewed by the Library Advisory Board (or a committee thereof) every four (4) years, or more frequently when deemed appropriate. The Library Advisory Board may recommend proposed changes subject to final approval by the Library Director and the Anoka County Board of Commissioners.

Date Approved: November 2025

Next Review Date: November 2029