General introduction

Previous language: Multnomah County Library behavior rules. Multnomah County Library's behavior rules protect the rights and safety of library patrons and staff members, and preserve and protect the library's materials, facilities and property.

New language: Welcome to Multnomah County Library. Multnomah County Library is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all patrons. The following rules protect the rights and safety of library patrons and staff members, and preserve and protect the library's materials, facilities and property.

Reason(s) for changes: To introduce the library rules with more welcoming language and emphasize the library’s commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environments for all patrons. Change "behavior rules" to "library rules."

Definitions and scope

Previous language: Listed below are the library's behavior rules. People who violate these rules may be ejected from the premises and excluded from all library premises for the period of time listed below, by authority of Multnomah County Executive Rule 252.

New language: Listed below are the library's behavior rules. Library and security personnel will determine whether a particular behavior is prohibited by the rules. People who violate the rules may be asked to leave the premises and excluded from all library premises for the period of time listed below, by authority of Multnomah County Executive Rule 252.

Reason(s) for changes: Identify parties that are responsible for determining whether a particular behavior is a violation of the rules. Replace "ejected" with "asked to leave" based on public feedback. Update language regarding Executive Rule 252.

Rules 1 through 5 introduction

Previous language: Any person so excluded shall lose all library privileges for a period of up to three years, and the incident will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

New language: Any person so excluded shall lose all library privileges for a period of up to three years, and the incident may be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Reason(s) for changes: Most security activity is reported to the FSOs; however, minor violations might not be reported to other law enforcement agencies. Correspondingly, the new language indicates incidents “may” — rather than “will” —  be reported to law enforcement to allow more flexibility depending on the circumstances

Rules 6 through 19 introduction

Previous language: Any person who violates rules 6 through 19 while in or on library premises will be given up to one warning at the discretion of library staff; then the person will be asked to leave the premises for the day.

New language: Any person who violates rules 6 through 19 while in or on library premises will be given up to one warning at the discretion of library staff; then the person will be asked to leave the premises for the day. If the violation involves threatening behavior or behavior that is significantly disruptive, then the person may be excluded for a longer period. Subsequent offenses by that person will result in that person being asked to leave library premises and excluded from all Multnomah County Library premises. 

Reason(s) for changes: Indicate greater penalties may (and generally will) be applied in response to certain types of disruptive behaviors described by rules 6 through 19. Examples of these behaviors include verbal abuse and indirect threats.

Rule 8

Previous language: Disobeying the reasonable direction of a library staff member or library security officer.

New language: Not following the reasonable direction of a library staff member or library security officer.

Reasons for changes: Change "disobeying" to "not following" based on public feedback. 

Rule 9 (soliciting, petitioning, canvassing)

Previous language: Soliciting, petitioning, or distributing written materials or canvassing for political, charitable or religious purposes inside a library building, including the doorway or vestibule of any such library building or in a manner on the library premises that unreasonably interferes with or impedes access to the library.

New language: Soliciting, petitioning, canvassing or distributing written materials inside a library building, including the doorway or vestibule of any such library building or in a manner on the library premises that unreasonably interferes with or impedes access to the library.

Reason(s) for changes: The previous language singled out specific types of speech. These activities are not allowed regardless of the purpose.

Rules 10 and 11 (people/belongings placed in disruptive manner)

Previous language:

Rule 10. Interfering with the free passage of library staff or patrons in or on the library premises, including, but not limited to, placing objects such as bicycles, skateboards, backpacks or other items in a manner that interferes with free passage.

Rule 11. Placing personal belongings on or against buildings, furniture, equipment or fixtures in a manner that interferes with library staff or patron use of the library facility, or leaving personal belongings unattended.

New language:

Rule 10. Interfering with the free passage of library staff or patrons in or on the library premises, including, but not limited to, sitting or lounging on the floor when not actively browsing shelves or participating in library programs.

Rule 11. Using personal belongings in a manner that interferes with the operation of library facilities. Leaving personal belongings unattended. Placing personal belongings on, against, or within buildings, walkways, furniture, equipment, or fixtures in a manner that impedes library staff or patron use of the library facility.

Reason(s) for changes: Each rule is intended to help keep areas accessible and reduce the possibility of injury due to potential trip hazards, collisions, etc. New language in rule 10 focuses on placement of patrons themselves and new language in rule 11 focuses on the use, possession, and placement of patrons’ belongings.Rule 10 has also been simplified based on public comment. 

Response guidelines: PICs may consider limited exceptions (e.g. permitting patrons to park strollers during storytime) if the exceptions do not disrupt library operations. Amounts/volume of personal belongings are addressed separately by rule 26.

Rule 16 (food and drink)

Previous language: Consuming food or drink that creates a nuisance because of odor, garbage or spills. Non-alcoholic beverages in closed containers and small amounts of snack foods are allowed. No food or drink of any kind are allowed inside the John Wilson collections at Central Library.

New language: Consuming food on library premises (except at library approved events), or possessing food or drink that creates a potential nuisance because of odor, garbage or spills. Beverages in covered containers are allowed. No food or drink of any kind are allowed inside the John Wilson Special Collections at Central Library.

Reason(s) for changes: Consuming food has resulted in disruption and disputes with library staff (particularly about what qualifies as a “snack food”). Food and food waste might also be associated with insects and other pests at library locations. This rule change has been updated based on public and staff feedback, removing the specific reference to the size of the container and replacing “closed” with “covered.”

Response guidelines: Generally, food should not be consumed by patrons on library premises unless otherwise authorized by the library. Certain exceptions will apply (e.g. breastfeeding, ADA accommodations, urgent medical needs). PICs may consider other limited exceptions (e.g. small children eating a snack) if the exceptions do not disrupt library operations. Generally, if spills are not happening, then a partial cover will be sufficient (e.g. an open soda can or a plastic lid on a coffee cup with a small hole to drink from).

Rule 17 (animals)

Previous language: Bringing animals inside library buildings (with the exception of service animals), except as allowed at a library-approved event, or leaving an animal tethered and unattended on library premises in violation of Multnomah County Code §13.305.

New language: Bringing animals inside library buildings (with the exception of services animals recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act and animals allowed at library-approved events) or leaving an animal tethered and unattended on library premises in violation of Multnomah County Code §13.305.

Reasons for changes:  Community stakeholders advised that it would be helpful to indicate that the library’s rules on service animals are not arbitrary, but based on the ADA.

Response guidelines:  PICs may find it useful to mention that library rules are based on the ADA when discussing service animal issues with patrons.

Rule 20 (sleeping)

Previous language: Sleeping in or on library premises.

New language: Sleeping or appearing to sleep in or on library premises.

Reasons for changes: If a patron does not appear to be awake, it can be difficult for library personnel to determine whether the patron is intoxicated and/or in need of urgent medical attention. Correspondingly, patrons must appear to be awake while using the library.

Response guidelines: Generally, patrons must keep their eyes open or otherwise use the library in a manner that clearly indicates that they are awake. When checking with a patron that appears to be asleep, PICs may ask how they are doing and explain that we need to make sure that people are awake and ok. Patrons may tell PICs that they were awake, to which PICs may reply that library employees need to be able to tell that they're awake. PICs should work with patrons to find a way patrons can demonstrate they are awake (open eyes, nodding head, tapping foot, etc.) so that PICs do not need to check in again.

Rule 21 (restrooms)

Previous language: Improperly using library restrooms, including, but not limited to, bathing, shaving, washing hair and changing clothes.

New language: Improperly using library restrooms, including, but not limited to, bathing, shaving or washing hair.

Reasons for changes: The prohibition on changing clothes was removed based on feedback from community advocates. Changing clothes can include activities that are not, in and of themselves, problematic (e.g. changing out of bike gear, putting on exercise clothes, changing out of wet garments.)

Response guidelines:  PICs still have discretion to determine if there are other behaviors related to changing clothes that cause a problem.  (E.g. the patron takes too much time so that others can’t use a restroom, leaves a mess in the restroom or stall after changing clothes, is completely nude in a restroom stall while changing clothes or engages in some other behavior that violates library rules). Such behaviors would still constitute improper use of a restroom and be in violation of Rule 21.

Rule 22 (use of personal electronic equipment)

Previous language: Using personal electronic equipment at a volume that disturbs others, including, but not limited to, pagers, stereos, televisions and cellular telephones.

New language: Using phones or other personal electronic equipment at a volume that disturbs others.

Reasons for changes: Emphasize phone use since it is a common behavior. Remove other (less common) equipment examples.

Response guidelines: PICs may advise patrons to use equipment (e.g. have a cell phone conversation) in areas where behavior is not likely to be considered disruptive (e.g. in a lobby or on an exterior bench). Equipment examples include, but are not limited to, phones, computers, tablets, stereos, and televisions.

Rule 24 (shoes and clothing)

Previous language: Entering buildings with bare feet or a bare chest.

New language: Entering or remaining upon library premises without wearing shoes or sufficient clothing.

Reason for changes: The previous rule does not indicate that shoes or lower-body garments must be worn, or that any part of the body must be covered by opaque clothing.

Response guidelines: Generally, patrons must wear shoes, which are defined as items designed and sold as a full or partial covering for the foot with a sole. PICs may consider limited exceptions (e.g. small children in strollers) if the exceptions do not disrupt library operations. Sufficient clothing means that each patron’s chest, genitals, and buttocks should be continuously covered by opaque clothing. In addition, underwear, bras, or bikinis must be covered by other types of clothing.

Resource notes: Central currently maintains a small supply of shoes that can be provided to patrons who do not have shoes. The following centers offer clothing donations. Times when donations are available may vary from the center’s open hours.

TPI Day Center, 650 NW Irving Street. 503.280.4700. M–F 7am–7pm. Sa–Su 8am–4pm.
Mainspring, 3500 NE 82nd Ave. 503.233.5533. M–W 9:30am–1:30pm
Francis Center, 6535 SE 82nd Ave. 503.775.6784. M–Th 10am–1pm.
St. Andre Bessette, 601 W. Burnside. M–Th 9:30am–11am
Rose Haven (homeless women only), 627 NW 18th Ave. 503.248.6364. M–F 8:30am–4pm

Rule 25 (odor)

Previous language: Disturbing others because of offensive body odor.

New language: Disturbing others because of odor.

Reasons for changes: The word “offensive” seems judgmental. Removing the word “body” ensures that the rule can apply to other odors that might disrupt others (e.g. strong fragrances or residual tobacco/marijuana smoke on clothing).

Response guidelines: PICs and security personnel should strive to approach related interactions discreetly and with compassion.

Resource notes: The following centers have shower and laundry options available to people experiencing homelessness. Times when these services are available may vary from the center’s open hours.

TPI Day Center. 650 NW Irving Street. 503.280.4700.  M–F 7am–7pm. Sa–Su 8am–4pm.
Mt. Scott Community Center. 5530 SE 72nd Ave. Go to Sanctuary Presbyterian Church across the street for a free shower voucher. M–F 5:30am–9:30pm. Sa 7am–7pm. Su 12pm–7pm.
JOIN 1435 NE 81st Ave. 503.232.2031. M–F 10am–3pm.

Rule 26 (personal belongings)

Previous language: No previous rule 26.

New language: Entering or remaining upon library premises with belongings that cannot be carried in a single trip and stored under a library chair or table without disturbing others.

Reasons for changes: Bringing an excessive volume of personal belongings into the library can be unsafe and disruptive to library operations  and can interfere with library access, particularly when many patrons and staff members are using a confined space. This new rule establishes behavior expectations that will (a) help reduce associated risks, (b) enable PICs to respond flexibly based on specific circumstances, and (c) permit patrons who must remove items from library premises to return as soon as they have done so.

Response guidelines: PICs should consider Think Yes solutions and impact on library operations. Table and chair shapes and dimensions will vary. PICs may make exceptions at their discretion if the following criteria are met:

• The location is not busy.
• The patron can carry their belongings in a single trip.
• The patron’s belongings do not interfere with safety or free passage, or otherwise disrupt library operations.

Resource notes: Daytime public storage lockers are available at:

TPI Day Center. 650 NW Irving Street. 503.280.4700. Hours 7 am–6:45 pm.

Rule 27 (unauthorized weapons)

Previous language: No previous rule 27.

New language: Entering or remaining upon library premises with an unauthorized weapon.

Reasons for changes: Unauthorized weapons can be unsafe and disruptive to library operations, and they might frighten staff and patrons or create a risk of physical harm, even when the items are not carried or used in a manner that seems intended to result in injury.

Repeat and multiple offenses

Previous language: Repeat offenses. Individuals who repeatedly violate any of these behavior rules after having been previously excluded for library rule violations may face a longer exclusion than indicated in these guidelines. Repeat offenders need not violate the same rule to be subject to stricter enforcement and may not be warned that their behavior is inappropriate before being excluded.

New language: Repeat and multiple offenses. People who violate any library rule after having been excluded for one or more library rule violations may face a longer exclusion than indicated in these guidelines. Repeat offenders need not violate the same rule to be subject to stricter enforcement and may not be warned that their behavior is inappropriate before being excluded.

Reasons for changes: Patrons may face additional exclusions for both multiple offenses or a repeated offenses, and the revised rule provides better notice to patrons regarding extended exclusions. Language has been updated based on public feedback.