The Library is for reading, studying, writing, participating in scheduled programs or meeting, and using library materials. We ask-your cooperation in maintaining an environment in which all library patrons may use and enjoy the resources, services, and facilities. These rules are posted for the comfort and protection of all who use the Library. They will be firmly but courteously enforced by library staff/security. Patrons must comply with these rules.
The following behaviors and activities are prohibited on library property (Inside or outside library buildings):
Acts that are subject to prosecution under criminal or civil codes of law. Physical abuse, assault, public lewdness, indecent exposure or disorderly conduct. Use of obscene, abusive, insulting, or threatening language. Possessing or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Damaging or destroying library property. Carrying a weapon. Staring, stalking, harassment, or other behavior that reasonably can be expected to disturb others. Tampering with security or safety devices. Use of all tobacco products is prohibited on Jackson Hinds Library System property. Selling/soliciting (approaching citizens with items for sale or pleas for donations, petitions, etc). Spreading out the contents of bags on library property. Unattended bags represent a safety and security risk and may not be left on library property. Skates, skateboards and roller blades are not allowed.
The following behaviors and activities are prohibited In library buildings:
Abuse or vandalism of library facilities, furniture, computers, equipment and materials. Eating· or drinking (except water in covered containers), except in designated areas. Bringing in packaged or unpackaged food, except in designated areas. Bringing in any animals except animals assisting persons with disabilities. Not wearing shoes or a shirt. Sleeping or putting your head on a table ( except for infants), sitting on tables or stair steps and putting your feet or legs on furniture. Producing or allowing any loud, unreasonable or disturbing noises including those from electronic and communication devices. Rearranging any library furnishings. Taking library materials into restrooms. Using library restrooms for changing clothes, shaving, bathing or any purpose other than that for which public restrooms are intended. Bringing in any items that could potentially be used as weapons, including but not limited to sporting equipment, such ·as baseball bats, skateboards, etc. Bringing in bedrolls, blankets, frame backpacks, suitcases or bags measuring more than two feet in length or height. A maximum of two bags of any type will be allowed. Bags should not be left unattended. Offensive bodily hygiene that constitutes a nuisance to others. Distributing or posting printed materials/literature not in accordance with library regulations. Entering into any staff work area without permission. Viewing material deemed to be obscene, child pornography or harmful to minors (Mississippi Code 97-5-29) All library materials must be properly checked out. If library staff/security has reasonable suspicion that a library patron is attempting to exit the library with library materials that have not been checked out, the patron may be questioned and may be asked to open any item of sufficient size to contain library materials for inspection. Theft of library materials is a serious offense and may result in prosecution and permanent exclusion from the library. Anyone known to have violated any of the above rules may be· asked to leave the library as a matter of administrative policy and/or can be arrested by local law enforcement personnel as permitted by law.
Safe Child Policy
The Jackson/Hinds Library System welcomes children of all ages. It is our desire to provide a happy, safe and productive atmosphere to introduce children to life-long learning at their public library. Parents/guardians or caretakers ore responsible for their children's behavior and safety. If staff members find a child or adolescent who is exhibiting inappropriate behavior, every attempt will be made to locate the parent or caregiver. If staff cannot locate the responsible party, the police will be called. Preschool children ( ages 1-5) must be accompanied by a parent/caretaker at all times. During Storytimes a parent/caretaker is to remain in the building. Children ages one (1) through three (3) MUST be accompanied by adults in Storytime groups. A child six (6) years or older may attend a planned children's program while a parent/caretaker is elsewhere in the library. A parent/caretaker should not leave the building during this time and should be ready to assume care of the child as soon as the program is over, or sooner if the child becomes unhappy or disruptive to the program. Adults accompanying a group of children must remain with the group throughout the visit. Children age nine (9) and younger must be accompanied by an individual age thirteen (13) or older at all times and in all areas of the library except when participating in a library-sponsored program. During programs, parents/ caretakers of children age nine (9) and younger must remain in the library. A child should be at least ten (10) years old before being allowed to come to the library unsupervised. A one-hour visit is a reasonable maximum time period for children between the ages of ten (10) to twelve (12). Children who have been left at the library _without supervision should know how to reach a parent/caretaker. Adults not accompanying a child in ·the children's area may be asked to be seated in another area of the library. Unattended Children Parents/guardians or caretakers should be aware of library opening and closing times and make suitable arrangements to meet and(or transport their children ages ten (10) and up who have been left unattended at the library. Library staff is not responsible for the care and supervision of children prior to opening or after closing the library. Staff will not transport children home or to any other destination under any circumstances. Children will be asked forty five (45) minutes before closing if they need to call for a ride. If a ·child is still at the library at the time of. closing the police will be called. The library is not responsible at any time for children outside the building who await transportation or who are socializing. If the library must close in an emergency, parents/caretakers will be notified. Parents/caretakers should make certain that current work, home and cell telephone numbers are on file with their application card for use in the event of an emergency.