Standards for Public Behavior
All persons are welcome in the Library. The Jeffersonville Township Public Library seeks to set standards of behavior that conform to the standards of the local community for public places and that support the mission of the Library. These standards ensure the greatest access to the greatest number of people; and assure the safety of library users, library staff, and library resources by spelling out specific behaviors that are not acceptable in the Jeffersonville Township Public Library or on its property.
The Jeffersonville Township Public Library Board reserves the right to eject from the library and to refuse admission to those individuals who violate the rights of the staff or library users, or who create disorder while on library property. The Board empowers library staff with the authority to take specific actions when problem behaviors occur. Staff may call for police assistance to remedy the situation. Repeated violators and those who refuse to leave will be subject to arrest and prosecution under Section 35-43-2-2 of the Indiana Code entitled criminal trespass.
Theft, vandalism, and mutilation of library property are criminal offenses and may be prosecuted. The Jeffersonville Township Public Library reserves the right to inspect all bags, briefcases, backpacks, and other such items when staff has reason to believe these rules may have been violated. The Library Board further defines inappropriate behavior to include, but is not limited to:
- Illegal activity of any kind in violation of public law
- Abusive, obscene, profane, or threatening language
- Animals, except service animals or animals being used in programming, are not allowed in the building
- Blocking aisles or doorways, or interfering with the free movement of individuals
- Eating except in designated areas
- Excessive displays of public affection
- Failure to maintain personal body hygiene which constitutes a public nuisance
- Fighting, running, horseplay, loud talking or any noisy behavior
- Improper use of library restrooms or facilities for purposes such as bathing or shaving
- Intimidation or harassment
- Littering
- Loitering or sleeping
- Soliciting of any type
- Parking bicycles in areas other than those designated for bicycle parking
- Possession, use, or under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs
- Sexual misconduct, including exposure, sexual advances, sexual solicitation, sexual harassment, molestation, voyeurism
- Skateboarding or use of roller skates and roller blades
- Unruly children and children left unattended
- Use of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, are not allowed in library buildings or on library grounds
- Use of cellular telephones, radios, CD players, or other listening devices that disturbs others
- Vandalism, damage, theft, or improper use of library property and facilities
- Violation of the library’s Computer & Internet Use Policy
- Violation of the library’s Weapons on Library Property Policy
Patron Bans and Ban Appeal Policy
These standards for public behavior are designed to maintain the safety and comfort of all patrons who visit the Library. JTPL employs professional security staff to ensure these rules are followed and regularly partners with local law enforcement for additional support as needed.
If Library staff determine that a patron has engaged in severe and/or repeated misconduct, they may issue a temporary ban. The following steps will be taken in implementing a patron ban:
- Library staff will issue a written ban notice to the patron notifying them that they are banned from all Jeffersonville Township Public Library locations for a specific period of time. The notice will specify the reason for the ban, the date the patron may return, and the process for appealing the ban.
- Patrons banned for more than two weeks may request that the ban be reconsidered, shortened, or terminated by submitting a written request addressed to the Library Director. The Library Director or their designee will review written ban appeals on a case-by-case basis and will consider these requests along with the information presented in the original ban. The ban remains in place while the appeal is under review.
- Bans resulting from violent, threatening, or illegal behavior will not be eligible for appeal.
Adopted by Library Board April 2, 2002;
revised June 17, 2011; December 4, 2012; November 18, 2014; January 19, 2016; October 17, 2023; January 16, 2024; April 15, 2025; July 15, 2025; August 19, 2025