Customer Code of Conduct

Adopted by Spokane Public Library Board of Trustees on August 16, 2016; revised September 18, 2018, January 21, 2025, June 17, 2025, July 15, 2025. 

Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff and/or Spokane Police 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 and exclusion from the Library. Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including the use of Library computers and other equipment (RCW 27.12.290). Conduct that would constitute a violation of the Spokane Public Library’s Customer Code of Conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following actions:

NONCOMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND STAFF REQUESTS

• 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 in violation of state and federal law (RCW 9.41.050, 9.41.270, and 9.41.300). 
• Smoking, chewing, or use of tobacco or vaping devices in Library facilities or within 25 feet of entrances (RCW 70.160.075).
• Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children (Spokane Public Library Safe Child Policy Document). 
• Failure to follow staff or security instructions to temporarily remove facial or head coverings, or both, for identity verification when observed engaging in prohibited conduct and when identity cannot be reasonably confirmed without removal based on the totality of facts.
  • Wearing facial coverings, head coverings, or both for health, religious, or cultural reasons does not violate Library policy. Individuals wearing facial coverings, head coverings, or both, who are engaged in conduct in violation of Library policy are subject to this rule. Reasonable accommodation, such as removing coverings in a private setting, will be considered.

AVOID ANY BEHAVIOR THAT INTERFERES WITH OTHERS’ ENJOYMENT OF THE LIBRARY OR IS INCONSISTENT WITH APPROPRIATE LIBRARY USAGE

• Being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs, or selling, using, or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs.
• Verbally or physically threatening or harassing other customers, volunteers, or staff, including stalking, staring, lurking, offensive touching, and obscene acts such as sex acts and indecent exposure.
• Unreasonably disturbing others by engaging in loud, raucous, unruly, harmful, or harassing behavior.
• Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving, or throwing things.
• Being in the Library barefoot or in stocking feet, without a shirt, with strong body odor or personal hygiene, strong fragrances or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the Library environment.
• Using audible devices without headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others. Using personal communication devices in a manner that disturbs others.
• Using restrooms in an unsafe or disruptive way including, but not limited to loitering, vandalism, or illegal drug use.
• Lying down, sleeping, or appearing to sleep on Library property, including floors, plazas, patios, and other outdoor seating areas. Customers must use Library-provided seating (chairs, benches, couches, etc.) and may not block entrances, aisles, or passageways. Camping on Library property or any exterior portion of the building (including plazas, patios, or sidewalks). 
• Blocking aisles, exits, or entrances in a manner that impedes free passage or requires others to take evasive action.
• Bringing Personal Conveyances inside Library buildings is prohibited, except when used for mobility or transporting a child. Skates, skateboards, and collapsible scooters must be carried while on Library premises. 
• Leaving Personal Conveyances* or other personal belongings unattended on Library premises is not allowed. Bicycles must be secured in designated racks. Shopping carts, wagons, and similar devices may not be stored on or against building fixtures or walkways.
• Bringing food and/or drink outside of designated areas or bringing in food with strong odors.
• Bringing animals, other than service animals, into the building unless authorized by the Executive Director.
• Leaving an animal tethered on Library premises, including plazas, patios, and entrance areas.
• Using the bicycle racks to secure non-bicycle item.

AVOID ANY ACTIVITY THAT CAN BE EXPECTED TO DAMAGE OR OBSTRUCT LIBRARY PROPERTY OR THE PROPERTY OF OTHERS

• Soliciting or conducting surveys not authorized by the Library.
• Stealing, damaging, altering, or inappropriately using Library property including computer hardware and software, printers, copiers, phones, and other equipment. Malfunctioning equipment should be brought to the attention of Library staff for repair.
• Trespassing in nonpublic areas.
• Being in the Library without permission of any authorized Library employee.
• Using open flames, inflatables, oversized items, loud equipment, or wheeled devices that may damage or obstruct Library property.
• Making messes or littering.

* Personal Conveyances refers to all customer-owned wheeled devices used for transporting people or property, including but not limited to bicycles, shopping carts, strollers, wagons, skateboards, scooters, and roller skates.