Banning Patrons from the Premises
Policy Number: G-12
Policy Title: Banning Patrons from Premises
Category: Operational Policies: Public services
Adopted: October 2011
Last review: May 2020
Background:
Perth & District Union Public Library is a public space open to all. The public uses the space in many ways, including obtaining access to reading and viewing material, access to the internet and information sources, attendance at programs, meetings, and other uses. While on the library premises, patrons are expected to abide by certain guidelines so that the library is able to provide safe and welcoming service. On rare occasions, the library may find it necessary to bar those users who fail to abide by these guidelines from the premises.
Policy:
The library posts a Code of Conduct (Policy G-11) outlining expectations for those using the premises. Those who consistently fail to abide by the Code of Conduct may have their privileges and access to the building suspended. Behaviour that violates the Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy (Policy D-8) may also result in a patron being excluded from the premises.
Staff responsibilities
Any library staff member may initiate the process upon witnessing behaviour that violates the Code of Conduct. Those considered to be in violation will first receive a verbal warning. If behaviour does not change, the patron may be asked to leave the premises for the remainder of the day. Warnings must include specific reference to the behaviour that violates policy as well as notice to the patron that continued behaviour may result in a longer ban.
If such behaviour continues upon the patron’s next visit to the library or if the patron becomes abusive to staff or refuses to leave the premises, the patron may be subject to a ban notice. If the CEO is not on site to deliver the notice, it may be offered by the person in charge. This staff member should then document the incident for the CEO, who will issue a formal written notice by mail. When the CEO is not present, the person in charge has the authority to ban a patron for a period of one month. The CEO will review the information given to the person being banned and confirm or adjust the banning conditions in the written notice. If the situation is not urgent or staff members feel unsure whether the behaviour merits a ban, they should discuss the case with the CEO.
A list of those banned will be posted for all staff to review.
Patrons under 14 years of age
If the patron in question is under 14 years old, the library will make every attempt to discuss the situation with parents or guardians before resorting to a ban. However, the library reserves the right to contact police if staff members feel their safety or the safety of other patrons is at issue.
Police involvement
Staff members who feel threatened by a patron should not hesitate to call the police for assistance in removing the patron from the premises or if they feel at any time that their safety or the safety of other patrons is at issue. If police are involved in a discussion about a ban with the patron in question, this must be reported to the CEO.
A patron who has been banned from the library and returns to the premises during the time period of that ban may be considered to be trespassing. The library reserves the right to report this trespass to the police.
Appeal
Patrons may appeal a banning decision in writing to the CEO within 14 days of the original incident. The CEO shall respond within 7 days. If the patron is not satisfied, the ban may be appealed to the Library Board, which will similarly respond in writing within 7 days. The Board’s decision is final.
See also:
• Form: Incident report
• Form: Banning notice