St. Mary`s County Library

Suspension of Privileges

Policy

St. Mary's County Library (SMCL) may find it necessary to suspend certain privileges of library users including access to library facilities, for violations of library policies or violations of any applicable law. Any suspension from one facility of the SMCL system is in effect at all facilities in the system.

All library users, regardless of age, are subject to the St. Mary's County Library's "Rules and Regulations Governing Public Behavior in the Library.” Any violation of the St. Mary’s County Library’s policies, rules, regulations, procedures or any applicable law will be grounds for suspension of any or all library privileges of that customer.

 

Procedure

The length and manner of the suspension will depend on the severity of the misconduct. 

Suspensions can vary from 30 days to up to one year per occurrence.  Branch Managers and Supervisors have the authority to recommend to the Director that a customer be suspended from library use.  The Director is responsible for making the final decision and for notifying the customer in writing.  All infractions and behaviors which warrant a warning and/or suspension will be recordedin writing on the Security Incident Report (see page 27) and maintained in a branch file.

The following offenses are suggested as guidelines.  Suspensions are not limited to these infractions. 

30 Days Suspension

• Violating Internet use policy after a warning
• Continued infractions of library behavior rules after a warning
• Use of abusive language after a warning
• Loitering or trespassing with refusal to leave the library building or grounds upon request

6 Months Suspension

• Repeat of a 30 Day offense
• Mutilation of library materials
• Tampering with library equipment

1 Year Suspension

• Repeat of a 6 Month offense
• Theft of materials
• Vandalism of library property
• Fighting and other physically threatening behavior

• Harassment of staff or customers
• Indecent exposure

If illegal activity takes place, or if the health, safety or security of staff members or patrons is threatened, library staff may take all appropriate action, including, but not limited to, calling the police for assistance and for immediate removal of the individual.  Any customer whose library privileges are suspended has a right to appeal in writing to the Board of Library Trustees.

 

Adopted January 20, 2003

Revised May 2007