It is the responsibility of the Lawton Public Library staff to see that the rights of the individuals to use the Library are upheld. The Library staff is obligated to enforce Library Policies so the facilities can be used to the fullest by all patrons. All staff members have the right and authority to evict Library users if they violate these rules.
Any patron whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Library board of Trustees by submitting a written appeal within seven days of notification of being blocked from the library.
- Patrons shall engage in activities associated with the use of a public library. Patrons not reading, studying, using library materials, or participating in a library-related activity may be required to leave the building.
- Patrons may not sleep or bathe in the library.
- Patrons shall respect the rights of other patrons and library staff. Patrons shall harass or annoy others, including: verbal abusiveness or belittlement of the staff or patrons, noisy or boisterous activities, by staring at another person with the intent to annoy that person, by following another person about the building with the intent to annoy that person, by playing audio equipment so that others can hear it, including earbuds, by singing or talking loudly to others or in monologues, or by displaying print or non-print materials of an offensive nature to others, or by behaving in a manner that can be reasonably expected to disturb others. Solicitation and collecting signatures is prohibited on the library property.
- Food or Drinks are not prohibited in the Library.
- Patrons shall not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Possession of alcohol and marijuana is prohibited on library property.
- Patrons shall not engage in any illegal activity while in the library building.
- Patrons shall interfere with the use of the library by other patrons, or interfere with library employees’ performance of their duties. Patrons shall not deface or mar library materials including books, magazines, newspapers, recordings or other items of the library collections. Nor shall they deface, mar or in any way destroy or damage library furnishings, walls, machines, or other library property.
- Patrons shall not enter the building without a shirt or shoes. Patrons must wear a covering on their upper bodies and shoes or other footwear, excluding roller blades. The majority of torso must be covered. Patrons who’s bodily hygiene is offensive or wearing overpowering cologne/perfume so as to constitute a nuisance to other patrons may be required to leave the building.
- Patrons shall not bring pets or animals into the library, with the exception of service therapy dogs/animals. Patrons are legally responsible for the behavior of their service and therapy animals. Per state law, animals will be asked to leave if the animal is out of control and causes significant disturbance, or if the animal is not housebroken, has an accident, or otherwise damages or soils library property.
- Weapons are not allowed in the library unless carried by a peace officer, or as allowed by state or federal law.
- Each patron shall be responsible for any fines, fees or other charges due in accordance with the library’s standard schedules. Failure to pay these fines will result in the suspension of borrowing privileges and internet use.
- Any materials removed from the library must be checked out on a valid library card or through other standard library procedures such as interlibrary loan.
- Patrons may not go into the staff workspaces without staff permission.
- Patrons may not use roller blades, roller skates, or skateboards on library property.
- Children up to age 12 must have a parent/caregiver in the immediate vicinity of and in visual contact with the child. If staff is unable to locate the parent, local police will be informed.
- Children 13 and over are old enough to use library, if problems arise, they will be asked to leave and parents will be contacted. If staff is unable to locate the parent, local police will be informed.