Welcome to the Library! Your library is supported by the taxes of the citizens of Sarasota County who have a right to expect the facilities to be clean, pleasant, and safe places for selecting materials, reading, studying, researching, writing, and attending community or library-sponsored programs and meetings. This Code of Conduct is intended to encourage behavior that supports the library’s mission to provide the best possible resources in a welcoming environment. Behavior becomes unacceptable when it interferes with this mission, impinges on the rights of others, causes damage to the building or equipment, or is hazardous to self or others. Patron conduct, dress, and personal hygiene shall conform to the community standard for public places. Those willing to modify unacceptable behavior are welcome to stay. However, those unable to comply will be asked to leave. If necessary, the authorities will be called.. Examples of Unacceptable Behavior Include: • Abandonment/leaving young children unattended • Abuse or vandalism of library materials, equipment or property • Bare feet and/or being “shirtless” • Bathing, shaving, washing clothes, or other misuse of restrooms • Bringing animals into the library (except service animals) • Consuming food inside the library (Consuming beverages is permitted; containers must have lids) • Disruptive use of telephones, radios or other electronic products • Drunk or disorderly conduct • Illegal activity of any kind • Inappropriate use of library computers such as: Damaging or altering computer equipment or software Downloading or installing any programs or files onto the computer Sending, displaying, or printing obscene material Refusing to leave the computer when the session ends • Loud talking, yelling, whistling or any other disruptive noises   • Misusing elevators or other library equipment • Placing feet on library furniture, windowsills or railings • Possessing, consuming, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances • Possession of weapons, with the exception of firearms as defined in Chapter 790, Florida Statutes, are not allowed on county property. Any person found to be in possession of a weapon that does not have the proper state issued license is subject to expulsion from the library. • Promoting or operating a commercial enterprise without prior approval of the Board of County Commissioners is prohibited • Refusing to leave the library at closing, or similar failure to comply with policies • Running in the building • Soliciting in a non-designated area • Skateboarding, rollerblading, or any similar activity on library property • Sleeping • Smoking or related tobacco use • Unruly, disruptive behavior • Verbal or physical abuse or sexual harassment of library patrons or staff Please be advised that the library is not responsible for securing the personal property or valuables of library patrons. ALL BAGS ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH Revised 12/1/2011 Download this code of conduct in PDF.