THE OAKLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
The primary purpose of the Oakland Public Library is to aid in the acquisition of knowledge through reading, writing and quiet contemplation of ideas. The function of the Oakland Public Library staff is to provide a quiet, safe and supportive environment that furthers this primary purpose and encourages the use of the Library's informational, educational, and recreational materials, programs and services.
Due to increasing incidents of disruptive activity by patrons, the Library staff has found it increasingly difficult to maintain a quiet, safe and supportive environment.
Consequently, Library patrons shall engage in the normal activities associated with the use of a public library while in the building, which are reading, studying, or using Library materials, programs and services. Persons not engaged in these activities may be asked to leave the building. Loitering shall not be allowed.
The following activities and behaviors seriously interfere with the attainment of the primary purpose of the Library and ARE PROHIBITED in the building:
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Theft and other criminal activities.
- Smoking.
- Sleeping.
- Eating, drinking or displaying open food or liquid containers.
- Lying on the floor or on the tables or chairs.
- Presenting offensive and pervasive odor or odors which constitute a nuisance to other patrons or staff.
- Creating any unreasonable noise, including loud talking, singing, running, boisterous activity and the playing of audio equipment of any type, which disturbs other patrons or staff.
- Physically abusing or assaulting other patrons or staff.
- Use of abusive, threatening, harassing or offensive language.
- Challenging another person to fight or engaging in any fight.
- Leaving children under the age of six unattended by a parent or authorized adult.
- Riding a bicycle, riding a skateboard, or wearing rollerskates/rollerblades.
- Personally monopolizing library space, seating, tables or equipment to the exclusion of other patrons or staff.
- Obstructing the aisles and walkways or monopolizing any library space with large packages or personal effects.
- Soliciting or begging for money or other physical items.
- Selling any items.
- Distribution of or posting of any printed material except through authorized Library procedures.
- Bringing any animals (except guide dogs) into the building.
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that one is unable to exercise care for one's own safety or the safety of others.
- Exposing one's private parts.
- Engaging in any sexual act or soliciting any sexual act.
- Cutting, tearing, defacing, breaking or injuring any Library book, materials or property.
- Engaging in any act which clearly disrupts or prevents the normal and intended use of the public library by any other patrons or staff.
IF YOU OBSERVE ANYONE VIOLATING ANY OF THESE RULES, PLEASE INFORM THE SECURITY GUARD OR OTHER LIBRARY EMPLOYEE.
PERSONS WHO COMMIT PROHIBITED ACTS MAY BE EXCLUDED FROM THE LIBRARY OR SUBJECT TO ARREST AND PROSECUTION. |
