Mission
We open doors for curious minds.
Purpose
Anythink strives to create spaces where all feel welcome, included and comfortable. One of the library’s core values is compassion for our customers and for each other, and that is why staff lead with trust. Yet, there may be times when a customer’s behavior could be disruptive or harmful to staff, visitors, or library property. This policy is intended to address these behaviors based on fair treatment, relationship-building, and mutual respect.
Library Use
Customers are encouraged to:
- Use free library computers, WiFi and mobile devices in accordance with the Computer and Internet Use Policy.
- Participate in library activities or programs, and select and read books and materials from the collection in accordance with the Program and Events Policy.
- Ask library staff if they have questions or need assistance. Anythink staff can be identified by their orange lanyards and name badges.
- Leave bicycles, scooters, and other equipment locked on racks provided outside of the building. Larger items that are beyond ADA requirements or block sightlines need to be left outdoors.
- Bring snacks into the library, enjoy them, and place waste in the bins located throughout the building. Ask staff for cleaning supplies if necessary.
- Make use of library spaces and facilities as designated. Please ask the staff for accommodation if needed.
Customers are expected to:
- Parents and caregivers will keep young children within sight and supervision, in accordance with the Vulnerable Persons Policy.
- Use language that is appropriate for people sharing a common space of all ages and backgrounds.
- Respect others’ space and physical belongings.
- Wear shirts, shoes, and be fully clothed.
- Leave all animals, with the exception of service animals, safely outside of the library.
- Be aware of, and address, circumstances involving unsafe or unsanitary hygiene or strong odors.
- Use tobacco products off library property. This includes vaping and smokeless tobacco products.
- Stay within public areas of the library – nonpublic areas are identified with signage.
- Use Anythink restrooms or facilities with respect for others and refrain from using for bathing, shaving, washing hair or cleaning dishes and clothes.
- Stay awake and be aware of their surroundings and belongings.
- Ensure personal belongings are not left unattended.
- Use Anythink buildings and properties during operating hours. Camping in Anythink facilities or on library grounds is prohibited.
Anythink will monitor and address the following behaviors that violate library use, including, but not limited to:
- Solicitation, advertising, promotion, vending, peddling, or product sampling of an organization’s goods and services within library facilities.
- Loud, abusive, threatening, or insulting language that prohibits or interferes with others’ use of the library.
- Harassing, threatening, harmful or disruptive behavior toward staff or customers.
- Viewing materials which are inappropriate for the surroundings, including pornography or sexually explicit material.
- Vandalizing library facilities, equipment or materials.
- Unauthorized consumption of alcohol or controlled substances on Anythink property.
- Inappropriate use of or causing damage to library equipment, property or materials.
- Creating safety hazards on Anythink property, including blocking halls, aisles, or points of exit that prevent passage or access to service.
- Interfering with staff members’ performance of duties, including making inappropriate or unwelcome personal comments, sexual advances, or refusing to comply with staff requests.
Anythink will report the following illegal or dangerous behaviors to law enforcement:
- Committing or attempting to commit any illegal activity
- Sexual misconduct of any kind
- Physical violence of any kind
- Public indecency
- Bringing an unauthorized weapon of any kind onto library property
- Intentionally starting fires or engaging in activities that could start or spread fires
Library Suspensions
Every customer may use Anythink facilities and have free and equal access to the library’s information resources.
If inappropriate behavior occurs, staff will first address the behavior with the individual and remind them of this policy.
If inappropriate behaviors occur repeatedly or if staff observe conduct that is illegal, life threatening or unsafe, they will ask the individual to leave the facility, which may result in the suspension of library privileges.
The terms of the suspension are based on the nature, severity and frequency of the conduct. The determination will be made by the branch manager in consultation with the Director of Customer Experience, Associate Director of Customer Experience or the Executive Director.
When a library suspension is issued, a customer may not visit any Anythink branch for the duration of the suspension.
Suspension Appeals Process
Any individual who has had their library privileges suspended for more than 30 days may appeal in writing to the Executive Director.
A written appeal must be submitted to the Executive Director 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 Executive Director, or their designee, will review the appeal, provide a written response within 30 days, and send a copy of the decision to the Board of Trustees.
The Executive Director, or their designee, may uphold or overturn the suspension, or propose an alternative, including allowing continued access to digital materials or having holds mailed to the individual during the suspension.
The decision made by the Executive Director, or their designee, is final.
This policy is authorized by §18-9-117 (1), C.R.S.