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West Florida Public Libraries / About Us / Policies / Rights and Responsibilities

Rights and Responsibilities

Rights

  • You should expect to see yourself and your interests represented in our library collections.
  • You should expect to receive respect and excellent customer service.
  • You may talk and have conversations in the library, but you must be considerate of others.
  • You may use your cellphone, laptop, or other technology, but must be considerate of others.
  • You may have small snacks or single-person meals in the library (but not at the computers).
  • You may have non-alcoholic drinks in closed containers in the library (but not at the computers).
  • You may use a study room or meeting room to have a quiet space when available.
  • You may bring your service animal (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act) into the library to assist you.

Responsibilities

  • Children under age 12 must be actively supervised at all times by a person age 15 or older.
  • Vulnerable minors and adults must be accompanied at all times while in the library.
  • The library is not responsible for unattended items. Personal belongings should be kept with you at all times.
  • After use, all areas should be returned to their original state. Clear off tables and return chairs to their previous positions. Place library materials on a reshelving cart or at the service desk. Throw away trash and food waste. Food should not be left for others.
  • Appropriate clothing (shirts, pants, etc.) and footwear (shoes, sandals, etc.) are required at all times.
  • Large items, including carts, bicycles, containers, garbage bags, and oversized bags measuring 32 inches × 18 inches × 18 inches or larger, are not permitted inside the library or left on library property.
  • Blocking aisles, hallways, doorways, staircases, elevators, and ramps is prohibited.
  • Unless part of a Library program or in an area designated for children, lying on the floor or on furniture is not permitted.
  • Restricting, blocking, or impeding access to entrances and exits is prohibited.
  • Activities that disrupt pedestrian, bicycle, or traffic flow outside library facilities are not permitted.
  • Emergency Exits must be used only during an emergency.
  • Soliciting money, selling merchandise, requesting donations, conducting surveys, polling citizens, or engaging in any activity that disrupts library use is prohibited.
  • Skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, or similar devices must not be used inside the library.
  • Non-service animals may not be brought into the library or within ten (10) feet of any entrance or exit.
  • Bathing, shaving, using a hair dryer, or laundering clothing is not permitted in library restrooms.
  • Lewd or offensive behavior is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, verbal assaults, harassment, threats, stalking, leering, indecent exposure, or sexual acts.
  • Consuming, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is prohibited in the library.
  • Tobacco, vaping products, marijuana, and products containing THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) may not be used within 50 feet of library entrances or exits. This includes, but is not limited to, cigars, cigarillos, cigarettes, water pipes, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, vape pens, and similar devices.
  • Abuse or vandalism of library facilities, equipment, materials, or staff is not permitted.
  • Firearms and weapons are not permitted inside the library, except as allowed by state law. Library staff may contact law enforcement if an individual fails to comply with applicable state law or library policy.

Those who do not comply with these responsibilities may receive a warning from library staff and/or be given an opportunity to cease the violation or leave the library. Illegal activity, as well as any willful or repeated violations of these guidelines or other posted library regulations (e.g., computer and internet use rules), may result in removal from the facility and/or suspension of library privileges. In addition, where authorized by federal, state, or local law, violations of these guidelines may also result in arrest.

Reviewed and approved by the West Florida Public Libraries Board of Governance on January 26, 2026.