Rules of Behavior Governing the Use of Tacoma Public Library Facilities

The purpose of these rules is to ensure that patrons of Tacoma Public Library facilities have access to and use of library facilities in a quiet, orderly, peaceful and safe atmosphere, unhindered and undisturbed by the disruptive actions and behavior of others.

A complete copy of the Tacoma Public Library's Rules of Behavior is available at
any library service desk and online.

A person will be immediately expelled for committing or attempting to commit a serious felony, including assault, theft, vandalism, sexual offenses, or the use of alcohol or controlled substances.

A person may lose library privileges for:

• Engaging in disorderly conduct.
• Making noise or engaging in boisterous behavior.
• Bringing in any dangerous weapon unless permitted by law
• Creating an unsafe environment in the library.
• Bringing food or beverages into the library unless authorized.
• Smoking or any other use of tobacco.
• Making use of the restrooms for any purpose for which they were not intended.
• Sleeping in the library.
• Misuse of library furniture or equipment.
• Interfering with or blocking free passage with bicycles, large backpacks, carts, and similar items.
• Failing to maintain control over personal belongings.
• Soliciting, distributing materials, petitioning, or canvassing.
• Entering or remaining barefoot or shirtless.
• Materially interfering with others' use of the Library because of poor personal hygiene.
• Bringing in animals, other than certified assistive animals.
• Leaving children under the age of seven in the Library unattended.

Cellular telephone users are requested to confine calls to the Library's vestibule area only.
 
The Rules of Behavior of the Tacoma Public Library provide for a limited right of appeal
of decisions made by Library staff under these rules. See the full policy for details.