Welcome to Jefferson Parish Library. This library is supported by the taxes of the people of Jefferson Parish who expect each of our facilities to be clean, comfortable, and safe places for selecting materials, reading, researching, studying, writing, and attending programs and meetings. To this end, the library is responsible for establishing rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of library customers, volunteers, and staff, and for preserving and protecting the library’s materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds. To ensure that environment, the library expects customers to observe 3 basic principles:

	Treat library customers and staff with courtesy and respect.
	Treat library materials and property with respect.
	Use the library safely and appropriately.
Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff and/or local law enforcement officers will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Failure to comply with the library’s established rules, regulations, and policies could result in removal from the premises or in arrest or prosecution. Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of library privileges, including the use of library computers and other equipment. Individuals have the right to request in writing an administrative review by the library director of an exclusion order that is for a period greater than seven days. For the comfort and safety of customers, volunteers, and staff, and the protection of library property, the following actions are examples of conduct not allowed on library property:
	Engaging in any activity in violation of federal, state, local, or other applicable law, or library policy.
	Carrying firearms and dangerous weapons of any type, except by law enforcement officers (Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances, Sec 20-151.1).
	Being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs, and selling, using, or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs (Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:103; RS 40:966).
	Verbally or physically threatening or harassing other customers, volunteers, or staff, including but not limited to stalking, staring, lurking, offensive touching, and obscene acts such as sex acts and indecent exposure. Exhibitionism (indecent exposure) and voyeurism (peeking) will be reported to the local law enforcement agency (Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:103, RS 40:106).
	Using abusive or obscene language (Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances, Sec 20-30).
	Soliciting, engaging in commercial activities, or conducting surveys not authorized by the library; panhandling or proselytizing.
	Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children. Adults are responsible for the conduct and safety of minors under their care.
	Stealing, damaging, altering, or inappropriate use of library property in library facilities or on library grounds, including computer hardware and software, printers, copiers, phones, and other equipment. Thievery and vandalism will be reported to the local law enforcement agency (Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances, Sec 20-43).
	Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving, or throwing things (Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:103). Fighting will be reported to the local law enforcement agency.
	Creating disruptive noises by such actions as loud talking or singing, screaming, or using audible devices without headphones or with the volume set high enough to be disruptive even with headphones. Using cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices in a way that disturbs others. Audible cell phone and pager ringers must be turned off in the library.
	Using restrooms for bathing, shampooing, shaving, doing laundry, changing clothes, or for any other purpose for which they were not intended. Library materials may not be taken into restrooms.
	Smoking, chewing, and other tobacco use in library facilities or within 20 feet of library entrances (Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances, Sec 20-122).
	Entering the library barefoot, without a shirt, with offensive body odor or personal hygiene, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the library environment. Emitting an over-powering or strong fragrance.
	Bringing in articles that are too large to fit under one library chair.
	Using wheeled devices on library property or on library grounds, except in designated areas, including skateboarding, roller-skating, bicycling, scooters, and shopping carts (except for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers).
	Sleeping or lying down on any couch, table, seat, or floor in the library or restrooms. Blocking aisles, exits, or entrances by sitting or lying down in them (Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances, Sec 20-101).
	Littering.
	Bringing pets or animals, other than service animals necessary for disabilities, into the library, except as authorized by the library director.
	Gambling and group activities which are disruptive to the library environment.
	Moving library furniture from where it is placed by library staff.
	Trespassing in nonpublic areas, being in the library without permission of an authorized library employee before or after library operating hours, refusal to leave the library at designated closing times, disregard of fire regulations, or camping on library grounds (Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances, Sec 20-45).
	Failing to comply with a reasonable staff request.
	Eating outside designated areas or consuming beverages from non-lidded containers.
As authorized by the library, food and beverages may be consumed in library meeting rooms and at special events. Food consumption is further permitted within the coffee shop at East Bank Regional Library. Consuming beverages from lidded containers is permitted in the library. Lidded containers include covered coffee, water, soda, and juice cups, glass and plastic beverage bottles, and beverage cans. Babies may be nursed in the library. Customers are asked not to leave their possessions unattended. The library is not responsible for the loss of unattended property. The library reserves the right to inspect all bags, briefcases, backpacks, containers, books, and any similar items. Adopted June 21, 2005 Jefferson Parish Library Board