Mobile Public Library Rules

Adopted by the Mobile Public Library Board 12/13/88 (Rev. 11/24/97, 1/27/10 and 1/25/23)

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  1. Trespassers

    Any person violating any of the following rules shall be deemed a "trespasser." Persons violating Mobile Public Library Rules are subject to having their library privileges revoked.


  2. Imminent Danger

    Any person may, without prior notice or warning, be immediately removed from any facility of the Mobile Public Library if his or her presence or conduct poses an immediate and imminent danger to any person or property. Weapons, including firearms, knives and other objects that might be used to harm a person or damage property are prohibited.


  3. Major Offenses

    Persons in apparent violation of Federal, State or local law are to be reported to the Mobile Police Department by the highest ranking Mobile Public Library staff member present. The following examples of prohibited, illegal behavior are cited by way of illustration and not limitation.

    1. Obscene acts, sex offenses and indecent exposure
    2. Physical assault
    3. Verbally or physically harassing or threatening other patrons, volunteers, or staff
    4. Robbery or theft
    5. Public intoxication
    6. Narcotics (sale, use or possession)
    7. Damaging any library property or materials
    8. Disorderly conduct, unreasonable noise, fighting, harassment or threatening behavior
    9. Littering
    10. Smoking
    11. Abandoning, or leaving unattended, children or other persons in need of supervision

  4. Minor Offenses

    Persons engaging in any of the prohibited activities listed below shall be warned. If this fails, the person shall be asked to leave the premises by a Library staff member or the security guard. In the event that this fails, the Mobile Police Department will be contacted in order to remove the "trespasser” from the Library.

    1. Eating and drinking in non-designated areas of the Library. Exceptions may be made by the Library Director when the activity will benefit the Library.
    2. Soliciting, petitioning, interviewing, campaigning, survey-taking, canvassing or selling in the public areas of the Library. Exceptions may be made by the Library Director when the activity will benefit the Library.
    3. Loud, distractive and/or abusive talking, including disruptive use of mobile phones.
    4. Entering the Library accompanied by an animal, other than a service animal.
    5. Sleeping and lying down on the floor, benches, or couches.
    6. Wandering through the non-public areas of the Library
    7. Entering the Library bare-footed, without a shirt, with offensive body odor, excessively soiled clothing, or otherwise attired so as to be disruptive of other patrons’ use of the Library.
    8. Carrying excessive amounts of bags and luggage, as well as blocking aisles or passageways so as to make it difficult, dangerous, or impossible to walk through. Any baggage may be prohibited based on hygiene or sanitation concerns. The library reserves the right to inspect the exterior of all bags. Patrons are encouraged to keep their personal belongings in their control at all times; the library is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
    9. Adults using the children’s or teen’s area when they do not have a legitimate reason for being there.

  5. Children in the Library

    1. Children under 11 years of age must be attended by a parent or responsible caregiver 13 years of age or older while in the Library.
    2. Parents or caregivers are responsible for the behavior of their children in the Library.
    3. The Library assumes no responsibility for children left unattended on the premises.

  6. Internet Use in the Library

    1. Internet workstations may not be used to access obscene or pornographic sites.
    2. Parents and legal guardians of children under the age of 18 are responsible for monitoring their children's use of the Internet and for deciding what Internet resources are appropriate for their children.

  7. Notice

    The Library Director or designee will apply these rules in a fair and equitable manner for the benefit of all. If any of the information is unclear, please ask a member of the library staff for clarification.

    The consequences of misconduct may be any of the following: verbal warning, eviction, loss of library privileges, or prosecution to the full extent of the law. If the police are called, the offender may be cited. Parents will be called in the case of a minor.

    The Mobile Public Library Rules shall be conspicuously posted in all Library facilities.