Behavior Standards

Santa Clara County Library policy is that persons of all ages should conduct themselves in an appropriate manner when in the library. Usage of the Children’s Room, Teen area and study rooms may be restricted by age in order to keep the library welcoming and comfortable for minors.

Appropriate activities include:

• Browsing
• Doing homework
• Drinking from lidded beverages
• Low talking
• Playing games
• Reading
• Researching
• Thinking
• Using electronic devices
• Writing reports

Inappropriate activities include:

• Any criminal behavior
• Belligerent or bizarre actions
• Blocking aisles
• Bringing animals other than service animals
• Bullying
• Eating or drinking in other than designated areas
• Entering staff areas or any unauthorized areas without permission
• Fighting
• Following, staring, or any harassment of others 
• Loitering
• Loud, angry, or abusive talking
• Misusing or damaging library facilities, equipment or property
• Refusing to leave at closing
• Running or throwing
• Selling or soliciting
• Skateboarding or skating
• Smoking

Action:

• Persons who are observed acting inappropriately will be told to stop
  
  
• Usually one warning is given. If the problem continues, the person is asked to leave the library for a specific length of time (e.g. 15 minutes, one day, one week).
  
  
• Parents and/or the school may be contacted by telephone or in writing if a minor frequently misbehaves. Severe behavior problems may result in the minor being in the library only when accompanied by an adult.
  
  
• The police are to be called in all cases of public and staff safety, child welfare and vandalism.
  
  
• The librarian in charge may call the police to provide assistance in enforcing the behavior policy.