I. Purpose.
The purpose of this policy is to provide a process for addressing violations of Wixom Public Library policies. This Library Violations Enforcement Policy will set forth the process and procedure for violations of all Library policies, including but not limited to the Patron Behavior and Internet Access policies.
II. Library Director/Designee’s Right to Suspend Privileges.
Upon determining that a Library policy has been violated, the Library Director or the Director’s designee may restrict access to Library Property with immediate dismissal of the patron from the Library Property, by suspending the patron’s access to Library Property for a set period of time, or by denying access to specific services and/or programs pursuant to this Policy. When necessary, the local police may be called to intervene.
A. Incident Reports. Library staff shall record in writing in the form of an Incident Report any violation of this Policy that resulted in a suspension of Library privileges.
B. Violation of the Policy – Suspension of Privileges. Unless otherwise provided in this Policy, (see Section C below), the Library shall handle violations as follows:
- Initial Violation: Library patrons observed violating this Policy will be asked to cease the violation with a verbal request. If the patron does not comply with the request, they will be asked to leave the Library Property for the day. If they refuse, the police may be called.
- Subsequent Violations: The Library Director or the Library Director’s authorized designee may further limit or suspend the patron’s Library privileges if infractions continue. Such limitation or revocation shall be in writing specifying the nature of the violation. Subsequent violations of the same rule shall result in additional suspensions of increasing length.
C. Violations that Affect Safety and Security. Violations involving verbal abuse, violence, threatening behaviors, sexual harassment, vandalism, drug sale or use or attempted drug sale or use, intoxication, theft or attempted theft, physical harassment, sexual misconduct, or any behavior that threatens the safety and security of staff and/or patrons shall be handled as follows:
- Initial Violation: The police will be called immediately. If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue. Violations of this nature will result in an immediate minimum two-week suspension of Library privileges in order to give the Library sufficient time to investigate the incident. After the investigation is completed, the Library Director or his/her designee may add additional time to the initial limitation or suspension period.
- Subsequent Violations: The police will be called immediately. If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue. The Library Director or the Library Director’s authorized designee, may further limit or suspend the patron’s Library privileges in escalating responses, which will be documented in writing. Subsequent violations of the same rule will result in additional suspensions of increasing length.
D. Reinstatement. The patron whose privileges have been limited or suspended (and the patron’s parent or guardian if the patron is a minor) shall attend a meeting with the Library Director or the Library Director's designee to review the Library Patron Behavior Policy before their privileges may be reinstated. The Library Director may impose conditions for the reinstatement.
VII. Right of Appeal.
Patrons may appeal (1) a decision to limit or suspend privileges or (2) the conditions placed on reinstatement by sending a written appeal to the Library Board within ten (10) business days of the date of the decision. The appeal should be sent to the President of the Library Board. The decision of the Library Board is final.