Weapons on Library Property Policy

1. Purpose
   To create guidelines to protect the safety and welfare of library patrons and staff members as it relates to weapons or objects used as weapons on library property.

2. Definitions
   1. Weapon – Something (such as a club, knife, or gun) used to injure, defeat, or destroy

3. Policy
   1. No person will utilize items on library property, nor items brought on library property, in
      a manner that creates a safety hazard to library patrons or employees. Using any item, be it a weapon by definition or an item used as a weapon, will result in consequences listed in the Library’s Standards for public Behavior policy and possible legal prosecution.
   2. Items that are defined as weapons, such as knives of any length, clubs, nun chucks, throwing stars, and other martial arts weapons, pellet or BB guns, paintball or dart guns, missile weapons such as arrows or darts, explosive devices, or electrical and chemical devices designed to disable or incapacitate someone are not allowed to be displayed and should be kept securely on a person or in a closed bag or other holding device.
   3. Items intended for another purpose, such as walking canes or sports equipment, should only be used for their intended purpose. Sports equipment such as bats or racquets must be kept securely inside closed bags or may not be brought inside a library building.
   4. All individuals possessing firearms on library property must comply with state and federal law.
      1. All firearms carried on library property must be secured in a manner which prevents potential injury or serious bodily harm to any other person or property.
      2. No person may point, brandish, or display a firearm in any manner that is intended to threaten or intimidate any other person on library property.

Page reviewed: 17 July 2024