Code of Conduct

Webster Groves Public Library is a place for everyone, shared by the community, and used by many different people for a variety of reasons. Library users are expected to:

  • Respect the comfort and safety of fellow Library users and Library staff.
  • Comply with requests from Library staff. If not, the Library reserves the right to suspend privileges and/or access.
  • Comply with local, state and federal laws. If a user engages in criminal conduct, the Library may prosecute.

In order to ensure that all Library patrons may use the Library’s resources, services and programs as safely, comfortably and effectively as possible, all Library visitors must comply with the following rules of conduct.

  • Patrons shall refrain from engaging in any activity or behavior that violates any federal or state statutes or local ordinances.
  • Patrons shall refrain from engaging in any disorderly or disruptive behavior, including but not limited to, raising their voices, using profane or threatening language, harassing Library users or staff, damaging Library property, and any behavior that impedes other Library users’ or staff’s use of the Library.
  • Weapons are prohibited on Library property except as permitted by law.
  • The Library allows patrons to bring in covered drinks and light snacks, which may be consumed in areas away from computers.
  • Smoking and/or the use of tobacco products is prohibited inside the Library. For the purpose of this Policy, the term “tobacco product” includes but is not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, dissolvables, electronic cigarettes, nicotine or alternative nicotine vapor products, hookah, and any other product containing, made or derived from tobacco that is intended for human consumption.
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on Library property, with the exception of Library sponsored or approved events.
  • Selling, soliciting, panhandling or loitering on Library premises is not permitted.
  • Patrons must abide by the Computer Use Policy.
  • Patrons must leave the building promptly at closing time.
  • Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while they are on Library property. Minors incapable of understanding and abiding by this code of conduct should not be left unattended.
  • The teen and children’s areas of the Library are designed for children, teens, their families and their caregivers. Use of these areas by adults who are not parents, teachers, guardians or caregivers may be restricted to ensure that children, teens and their families have adequate access to the resources provided for them.
  • Animals are not permitted inside the Library except for service dogs aiding persons with disabilities, or as part of a Library program.
  • All Library materials must be checked out before removing them from the building.
  • All patrons will dress appropriately, including shoes and shirts at all times.
  • Anyone who neglects personal hygiene so that it is offensive and constitutes a nuisance to other Library patrons may be asked to leave the building until such time as effective hygiene improvements have been made.
  • Bathing, shaving or washing clothes in Library restrooms is not permitted.
  • The use of skateboards, rollerblades or scooters on Library property is not permitted. Bicycles are not permitted in the Library – including the lobby areas.
  • Library patrons may not post notices or distribute leaflets without the authorization of the Library.
  • Petitioners or signature gatherers will be restricted to areas outside the Library where they cannot impede traffic or disrupt/harass Library users or Library staff.
    Library administration, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to expel any person whose behavior is judged to be disruptive or inappropriate to the Library environment or prevents effective use of the Library by other patrons.

Revised by the Board of Trustees, September 20, 2023