pol 3.9 Barring Disruptive Patrons

OAK LAWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

BOARD POLICY

BARRING DISRUPTIVE PATRONS

 

Illinois law 75 ILCS 16/30-55.55 authorizes the Library: “To exclude from the use of the library any person who willfully violates an ordinance or regulation prescribed by the board.” 

 

In the event that a patron fails to adhere to policy and/or is disruptive or abusive to staff or fellow patrons, a Manager or Person-In-Charge (PIC) may immediately bar the patron from the Library building and grounds for the remainder of the day.

 

Disruptive patrons may be asked by staff to produce personal identification. Refusal by the patron to comply with this request may result in the patron being asked to leave Library grounds. Failure to vacate the grounds may result in the police being summoned. The Director may exercise the right to formally bar that patron from the Library for a period ranging in length from one week (7 days) to 12 months (365 days).

 

Unless the patron has committed an illegal act or his/her conduct has been violent or disruptive on more than one prior occasion, the first instance of barring should not exceed one week. If a patron’s disruptive behavior has not improved after the initial barring, subsequent barring can be up to 12 months (365 days). 

 

For periods of one month or longer, a formal letter barring a disruptive patron’s access to the Library will be delivered to the patron and a record of this action, documenting the behavior, will be filed with the Incident Reports.

 

Patrons who demonstrate chronic disruptive and/or abusive behavior may be barred for periods longer than one year from Library grounds by the Director in collaboration with the Board of Trustees.

 

LENGTH GUIDELINES

The following are guidelines for barred periods, which may vary based on the severity of a patron’s misconduct and on any past non-compliance by the patron with BP 4.16 RULES OF CONDUCT. The Library reserves the right to adjust the amount of time an individual is barred based on unique situations.

 

LENGTH OF TIMEMISCONDUCT INVOLVED
Remainder of Day
  • Ignoring repeated warnings about disruptive behavior
  • Refusing to follow the directions of library staff

 

One Week
  • Trespassing on library property after having been asked to leave the library premises
  • Minor damage to library property
  • A repeat or escalation of any of the above misconduct

 

One to Six Months
  • Intimidating or harassing others with hostile or inappropriate remarks
  • Possession or use of an intoxicating or controlled substance
  • A repeat or escalation of any of the above misconduct

 

                                           

Six Months to One Year
  • Stealing from another patron or the library
  • A repeat or escalation of any of the above misconduct

 

One Year or Longer
  • Serious damage to library property
  • Direct threat of physical violence
  • Physically assaulting or inappropriately making contact with other patrons or staff
  • Lewd conduct
  • A repeat or escalation of any of the above misconduct

 

Adopted: 3/17/98

Revised:  2/17/15, 2/21/17, 2/20/18, 2/21/23, 10/21/25

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