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Main & South
Mon-Thu:
Fri-Sat:
Sun:
9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m
2:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Russiaville
Mon/Tue/Thu:
Wed:
Fri/Sat:
Sun:
9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Closed
9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
2:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

*Russiaville is closed Wednesdays

Hours Today

Main & South:

Russiaville:

Library Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library.

The library is free and open to everyone. As a unique place that offers space, materials, and experiences for all people, we have established basic rules of courtesy and conduct so that our facilities are safe, clean, and pleasant places to visit.

Visitor Expectations

As a visitor, you can expect the following from all staff:

  • We value you
  • We respect your privacy
  • We provide excellent service
  • We provide a safe and welcoming space

As a patron, we expect that you will respect our facilities and staff by following standard, civil behaviors as well as following all Federal, State, and local laws. The library reserves the right to respond to any and all conduct that staff deem to be inappropriately interfering with the use of the library by other patrons or the job duties of library employees. Enforcement of these rules is the responsibility of any and all KHCPL staff, and will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner on a case-by-case basis. Incidents that impact the health and safety of staff or patrons, as well as any illegal activity, will not be tolerated and immediate action will be taken.

All staff will use their best judgment in each situation. Appeals to any decisions made by staff can be directed to the library director or assistant director for review.

Inside the library, we are considered a limited public forum. Libraries are intended to be a place of quiet study and learning and a safe, neutral space. As such there is the expectation that patrons will not be harassed, questioned, or bothered by other patrons in any way that infringes on their use of the library.

The following are examples of poor behaviors and their consequences. This is not intended to be a complete list, and other actions could result in a loss of library privileges and/or removal from library property.

ILLEGAL BEHAVIORS OR SAFETY VIOLATIONS:

Any person violating the rules outlined below will be immediately suspended from all library facilities and services, without warning, and will be placed on a one-year ban by local authorities. The rules include, but are not limited to:

  • Assault or harassment, both physical and verbal. This includes any form of threat or bullying and includes nonverbal harassment such as staring or other body language that is intimidating.
  • Child abuse, which will immediately be reported to the Indiana Department of Child Services.
  • Any drug activity, including but not limited to, actual or suspected drug use, possession (including paraphernalia), and solicitation.
  • Public intoxication, or possession of alcohol not otherwise permitted by the library.
  • Any and all illegal activities, including but not limited to prostitution, public indecency and sexual activity, theft, trespassing, and vandalism.

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIORS:

Any person violating the rules outlined below may be subject to a warning or may be asked to leave for the day or a period of time, at the discretion of staff. The rules include, but are not limited to:

  • Computer use violation, which includes violating the Computer and Internet Acceptable Use policy, false identification, minors who disclose any personal identification information, and/or viewing inappropriate materials (such as sexually explicit or extremely violent content).
  • Disruptive behaviors that affect nearby patrons, such as: sleeping; loud talking; excessive profanity or vulgar language; cell phone use; play fighting; running; any horseplay; loud music (with or without headphones); misuse of library equipment, furniture, or facilities; blocking passage to other areas and/or loitering; leaving personal items; use of recreation items in the library such as bikes, skateboards, or other wheeled items; solicitation; and proselytizing to an audience either verbally or with materials not authorized by KHCPL. This may include photography or videotaping within the library without express permission from KHCPL staff if the videotaping or photography specifically disrupts or interrupts patron use of the library or inhibits library staff from completing assigned duties, in KHCPL’s sole opinion. KHCPL supports individual rights and freedoms when exercised in ways that do not infringe on others’ use of our shared space.
  • Tobacco use and smoking, including vaping and any product intended to mimic tobacco products.
  • Use of areas restricted to you personally, such as use of or seating near a children’s section or activity if you are prohibited by law or parole and are on the Sex Offenders Registry, or entering nonpublic staff areas without permission.
  • Possession, use, or brandishing of weapons except as allowed by law.

OTHER GUIDELINES FOR THE COMFORT AND SAFETY OF VISITORS AND STAFF:

Any person violating the rules outlined below may be subject to a warning or may be asked to leave for the day, or until the behavior can be rectified, at the discretion of the staff. The rules include, but are not limited to:

  • Disruptive or unattended children (Children under the age of 10 should be accompanied by someone 14 years of age or older at all times).
  • Inappropriate clothing. Shoes and shirts must be worn. Bathing suits are not considered appropriate unless covered.
  • Violation of copyright laws.
  • Consuming food or drink, except in designated areas and when drinks are in covered containers.
  • Poor personal hygiene, such as extreme body odor or insect infestation.
  • Pets, comfort animals, or other animals except as used for library programs or service animals, are not allowed within the library. Those with service animals that are out of the control of their handler may be asked to leave.

REPEAT AND MULTIPLE OFFENSES:

People who violate any conduct code after having been excluded for one or more library rule violation may face a longer exclusion than indicated in this document. Patrons need not violate the same rule to be subject to stricter enforcement and may not be warned that their behavior is inappropriate before being excluded or put on the trespass list.

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE:

Select public areas of the library are under video surveillance for the safety and security of visitors and staff. Images are stored digitally. Video records may be used to assist law enforcement agencies in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, but will not be released to the general public. Video may be used by KHCPL security staff to recognize and identify possible offenders, and such information will be shared with other staff.