Rule

Rule 3: Engaging in conduct that disrupts or interferes with the normal operation of the library, or disturbs library staff or patrons, including, but not limited to:

1. conduct that creates a hostile environment, which may include the use of abusive or threatening language or gestures
2. conduct likely to cause personal injury to the actor or others
3. conduct that violates library policies

Guidelines

In situations where it is safe to do so, PICs and security personnel should attempt to start interactions with a warning. If possible, warnings should include the caution that if the behavior is repeated, the patron will be asked to leave.

With that said, situations involving a significant disruption are considered to have an element of danger meaning that a warning in advance is not required or advised.

This rule has “steps” re: the disruptive behavior, and disruptions are divided into two categories. Minor disruptions, which have a shorter exclusion period and significant disruptions, which have a longer exclusion period.

Minor disruptions

Minor disruptions are defined as small; lesser in significance; do not include potential or actual injury to people or property or conduct that targets a protected class.

Minor disruption exclusion length begins at 1 day and progresses to 1 week and 1 month. For additional violations the progression is 3/6/9/12 months.

The list below provides examples of minor disruptions, but depending on the severity of the disruption to library business on premises, may be considered significant disruptions.

Examples of violations of minor disruptions (including but not limited to):

• While under the influence of any intoxicating liquor or controlled substance, including marijuana and marijuana derivatives, any activity that disrupts or interferes with the normal operation of the library, or disturbs library staff or patrons. Controlled substances are defined in ORS 475.005.
• Not following the reasonable direction of a library staff member or security personnel.
• Conduct that involves the use of abusive language or gestures directed at a specific individual.
• Violation of applicable library policies.
• 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 in a way that blocks access when not actively browsing shelves or participating in library programs.
• Using personal belongings or leaving personal belongings unattended in a manner that interferes with the operation of library facilities. 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.
• Acute body odor.
• Urination or defecation on library premises.
• Viewing materials that create a hostile environment for others (MTCAHEFO).
• Conduct that consists of loud or boisterous physical behavior or talking at a level or length of time that is disruptive to others.
  • Staff has latitude in applying this rule to youth.
• Insufficient clothing
  • 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.
  • Underwear, bras, or bikinis must be covered by other types of clothing.
• Consuming foods or beverages in a manner that creates a nuisance or is disruptive.
  • A nuisance because of odor, garbage, or spills.
  • Consuming food or beverages in a manner that creates an unclean environment, attracts insects or vermin, disrupts other customers, is disruptive due to noise or odor, or is harmful to library resources (e.g. loud packaging or chewing for extension periods or raised voices related to the food)
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages is addressed in Rule 4.
  • No food or drink of any kind are allowed inside the John Wilson collections at Central Library.

Significant disruptions

Significant disruptions are those that create potential or actual injury to people or property; or have a significant impact on staff and patrons.

Significant disruption exclusion length begins at 6 months and progresses to 9 months and 12 months.

Examples of violations of significant disruptions (including but not limited to):

• Verbal conduct that creates a hostile environment
• Indirectly threatening conduct

See also “materials that create a hostile environment for others;” “direct threat vs. indirect threat;” “types of verbal conduct not permitted at the library.”