Anythink strives to create spaces where all feel welcome and comfortable. One of Anythink’s core values is compassion for our customers and for each other, and that is why Anythink staff leads with trust. Yet there may be times that a customer’s behavior could be disruptive or harmful to staff, other visitors or library property. This policy is intended to address those issues in a clear and fair way based on relationship- building and mutual respect.

Every member of the public has the right to use Anythink’s facilities and resources, and to free and equal access to information. If inappropriate behavior occurs, Anythink staff will first address the behavior with the individual and remind them of this policy. This may result in a warning. If inappropriate behaviors occur repeatedly, or if staff observe conduct that is illegal, life threatening or unsafe, Anythink may suspend library privileges.

LEVEL ONE

The behaviors below may result in one-day to one-week suspensions as determined by library staff.

• Ignoring repeated staff reminders about disruptive behavior
• Using threatening or insulting language, including profanity
• Selling, soliciting or petitioning inside Anythink facilities without staff permission
• Smoking or other tobacco use, including e-cigarettes, on library property
• Causing strong, pervasive odors that are disruptive to others
• Disrupting or interfering with library operations, including blocking aisles or exits; arguing; yelling; using profanity; or using personal electronic devices at a volume that disturbs others
• Entering nonpublic areas of the library without permission from library staff
• Using Anythink restrooms or facilities improperly for purposes such as bathing, shaving, washing hair or changing clothes
• Bringing animals other than service animals into the library
• Leaving young children unattended anywhere in the library
• Overnight camping in Anythink facilities or on library grounds
• Viewing, in plain sight, materials which are inappropriate for the surroundings, including pornography or sexually explicit material
• Excessive displays of public affection

LEVEL TWO

The behaviors below may result in a one- to four-week suspension as determined by an Anythink manager or their designee.

• An escalation of any of the above behaviors or the repetition of these behaviors despite previous reminders or suspensions
• Unauthorized consumption of alcohol or controlled substance on Anythink property
• Using library equipment, property or materials inappropriately or causing damage
• Intentionally creating safety hazards on Anythink property, including blocking halls, aisles, or points of egress that prevent passage

LEVEL THREE

The behaviors below may result in a one- to six-month suspension as determined by an Anythink director or their designee.

• An escalation of any of the above behaviors that previously resulted in a one-week or longer suspension
• Harassing, threatening, harmful or disruptive behavior toward staff or customers
• Public indecency
• Vandalizing library facilities, equipment or materials

LEVEL FOUR

The behaviors below may result in a one-year suspension or longer as determined by at least two Anythink directors.

• Repeated or escalated behavior uncorrected by prior suspensions
• Committing or attempting to commit any illegal activity
• Bringing an unauthorized weapon of any kind onto library property
• Sexual misconduct of any kind
• Physical violence of any kind

SUSPENSION APPEALS PROCESS

Any customer who has had their library privileges suspended for more than four weeks may appeal in writing to the Executive Director. A written appeal must be mailed, emailed or delivered to the Anythink Executive Director at Anythink Libraries, 5877 East 120th Avenue, Thornton, CO 80602, within 15 calendar days of receipt of the suspension letter. The appeal should include reasons the customer believes they are not in violation of the Anythink Library Use Policy.

The Anythink Executive Director will review the appeal, provide a written response within 30 days, and send a copy of the decision to the Anythink Board of Trustees.

The Anythink Executive Director may uphold or overturn the suspension, or propose an alternative, including allowing continued access to digital materials or having holds mailed to the customer during the suspension. The decision made by the Executive Director is final, and appeal may not be repeated.

This policy is authorized by §18-9-117 (1), C.R.S.

Approved by Board of Trustees
03/23/23