Customer Use of Library Spaces

The Library’s mission to “connect people, inspire ideas, and transform lives” is achieved in part by the willingness of its customers to respect one another and coexist in library spaces.  Physical and virtual library spaces are designed to be used for multiple purposes and are intended to be used by a diverse community of customers.  Public library spaces are precious community assets that rely on the stewardship, mutual support, and goodwill of all.

Customers are participants in a shared, public use environment and must conduct themselves accordingly. They will be courteous, considerate, and understanding of library customers and staff.  Customers are stewards of the public library.  They will respect library resources and conduct themselves in a safe and orderly way.  Customers will comply with federal, state, and local laws and policies.

Customer Conduct Responsibilities

Each customer has a personal responsibility to ensure that Lexington Public Library is a welcoming and safe public library environment for all.  Customers are expected to understand that the library is a public place shared by many.

Examples of behavior that violate the library’s Customer Use of Library Spaces policy are below.  This is not a complete list.

• Behavior that is abusive, intimidating, or disrespectful including obscene, racially charged or abusive language.
• Fighting, running, excessive noisemaking, or odors that are disruptive for others.
• Sleeping, bathing and washing clothing.
• Not being fully clothed, including shirt and shoes.
• Bringing pets, other than service animals under control, into the building. 
• Leaving vulnerable individuals or children in their care unattended in the library.
• Defacing, damaging, or destroying library property.
• Eating in restricted areas or drinking from containers with no lids.
• Use of bicycles, skateboards, or rollerblades on Library premises.
• Panhandling or soliciting.
• Bringing illegal weapons on the premises.
• Consuming alcoholic beverages or controlled substances or being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances in a manner that causes a public disturbance.
• Smoking, chewing tobacco, or use of e-cigarettes.

Persons who violate this code of conduct will be asked to leave the Library.  Those refusing to leave will be subject to arrest under trespass laws of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, Chapter 381, Section 231 and Chapter 511, Sections 060, 070, or 080.