Rules of Conduct

City of Carpinteria Community Library

Community Library Rules of Use

To ensure a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for all visitors, the City of Carpinteria Community Library has updated and expanded its facility rules. These rules are designed to promote safety, respect, and accountability. All patrons are expected to adhere to the following guidelines. Failure to comply may result in removal from the facility.

** The City of Carpinteria reserves the right to modify these rules at any time. **

♦ Do not monopolize library space, furniture, electrical outlets or equipment.

♦ Do not bring onto Library property items that interfere with Library operations, create a health or safety hazard, deny space to other customers, or block aisles or exits. Items singly or collectively may not exceed 24”x14”x12”. Exceptions are items used for medical or mobility purposes or childcare.

♦ Do not leave and/or lock bicycles or other similar devices to anything other than an official bike rack.

♦ Personal hygiene, including body odor and excessive fragrance must not interfere with library patrons use of the Library.

♦ Use furniture, equipment and spaces for their intended purposes.

  • Eat only on the patio or inside the Library Community Room.
  • Drink beverages with a secure top.
  • Library restrooms or water fountains may not be used for bathing, shaving, or washing clothing or dishes.
  • Peddling, soliciting, selling or distributing merchandise, services or printed material, gathering signatures, or canvassing or gambling without permission from the City Librarian or designee is prohibited.
  • Only animals used for assistance with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act may be brought into the Library.
  • The Children’s Area is reserved for children under 18 and their caregivers, or patrons using the children’s collections at the discretion of Library staff.
  • Prolonged sleeping is prohibited.

♦ Leave Library premises at closing time.

♦ Trespassing at any time is not allowed.

♦ To keep everyone safe, the following are prohibited

  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Illegal substances.
  • Smoking or vaping.
  • Exhibiting signs of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Viewing pornographic visual materials or content that by contemporary community standards would be considered obscene.
  • Filming, recording, photographing persons in the Library without prior consent from the person being photographed and the City Librarian
  • Vandalism to or theft of any Library or personal property or material.
  • Leaving personal belongings unattended in the Library.

Civility Policy

Purpose

The City of Carpinteria is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all community library patrons and staff. This Civility Policy is designed to protect employees and patrons alike from verbal abuse, harassment, and disruptive conduct. All individuals using the facility are expected to treat staff and fellow patrons with courtesy and professionalism.

Definitions

Verbal Abuse: Any use of language that is threatening, demeaning, or profane in nature, including yelling, name-calling, or personal insults.

Harassment: Repeated or severe conduct that causes distress to staff and others, including aggressive questioning, intimidation, or derogatory remarks.

Disruptive Behavior: Any conduct that impedes staff from performing their duties, compromises public safety, or disturbs the overall pool environment.

Policy Guidelines

Respectful Conduct: All patrons must engage with library staff and other patrons in a civil, courteous, and respectful manner, regardless of disagreement or frustration.

Zero Tolerance for Abuse: The use of abusive, profane, or threatening language will result in immediate intervention and possible removal from the premises.

Appropriate Conflict Resolution: Disputes with staff decisions or rules must be addressed through calm conversation or through a formal complaint process, not through confrontation or verbal escalation.

Harassment Prohibited: Ongoing harassment of staff and others—including repeated complaints, badgering, or aggressive questioning—will be considered a violation of this policy.

Intimidation and Retaliation: Any behavior that attempts to intimidate or retaliate against staff for carrying out their responsibilities will not be tolerated.

Respect for Authority: Library staff are trained professionals with the authority to enforce rules. Disrespectful challenges to their authority will be considered a violation.

Supportive Environment: Patrons are encouraged to model positive behavior, support staff enforcement of safety rules, and help maintain a welcoming space for all.

Patron Code of Conduct

The City of Carpinteria is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and family-friendly environment at the Community Library. This Code of Conduct outlines expectations for behavior while using the facility. All patrons are required to adhere to these guidelines at all times.

Respect and Civility

  • Treat all staff and fellow patrons with courtesy and respect.
  • Follow staff directions promptly and without argument.
  • Speak in a calm and respectful tone, even in disagreement or frustration.
  • Refrain from yelling, using profanity, or making personal attacks.

Safety and Supervision

  • Comply with all posted pool rules and lifeguard instructions.
  • Ensure children under 13 are accompanied by an adult.
  • Supervise children at all times.
  • Do not engage in behavior that compromises the safety of yourself or others.

Harassment and Aggression

  • Do not engage in verbal abuse, including insults, threats, or intimidation toward staff or patrons.
  • Refrain from harassing staff through repeated complaints or disrespectful questioning.
  • Disruptive, bullying, or hostile behavior will not be tolerated.

Facility Conduct

  • Respect public property and library equipment.
  • Maintain appropriate attire at all times.
  • Refrain from bringing prohibited items, including alcohol, glass containers, or smoking products.

Accountability and Consequences

  • Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in:
  1. Verbal warning by staff
  2. Temporary removal from the facility
  3. Suspension or revocation of library access/services privileges
  4. Notification of law enforcement in severe cases

Reporting

  • If you witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, please notify a library staff member immediately.
  • All reports will be handled discreetly and appropriately.

City of Carpinteria Community Library Enforcement Procedures

The City of Carpinteria Community Library is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all participants, staff, and visitors. To maintain these standards, participants who engage in inappropriate, unsafe, or disruptive behavior may be subject to a suspension from library programs and facilities. This policy outlines the procedures for suspension and the rights of individuals to appeal such decisions. The City reserves the right to prosecute all violations of law, in accordance with California Penal Code 602.1 or otherwise.

Disciplinary actions may include:

  • Verbal warning.
  • Written warning.
  • Immediate expulsion.
  • Suspension or denial from a program or service for one or more days. The effective date and length of suspension shall be determined by the Facility Supervisor, depending upon the scope and severity of the violation, and notice of such suspension shall be made in writing.
  • Civil enforcement action or criminal prosecution.

City of Carpinteria Appeals for Denials or Suspensions:
Participants have the right to appeal any denial or suspension by submitting a written request for appeal prior to the start of the suspension. The written request for appeal should include the reasons for requesting an appeal and contact information. All appeals should be submitted to the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, located at 5775 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013. Appeals shall be heard by the Parks and Recreation Director, or designee, within 7 business days of the receipt of the request. The suspension will be tolled during the appeal process. The decision of the Parks and Recreation Director shall be final.