Behavior

A leading community value is a comfortable environment for everyone to safely and freely enjoy the Estes Valley Library (Library). The Staff, Board of Trustees and local law enforcement share this value.

All persons at the Library are expected to observe the laws of Colorado, including criminal statutes pertaining to Disorderly Conduct, Trespass and Interference at Public Buildings, Disrupting Lawful Assembly, and Harassment. Colorado Revised Statutes, Unlawful Conduct on Public Property, authorizes state entities to establish additional limitations and prohibitions regulating behavior on public property. Pursuant to that authority, the Library adopts the following rules:

CODE OF CONDUCT

When you enter the Estes Valley Library, you make a commitment to act courteously toward all other persons here, to act respectfully with regard to the property of the Library and other patrons, to follow the policies and rules of this facility, and not to cause a disturbance that infringes on the rights of others to use the Library as a place peacefully to gather, learn and grow. By way of illustrating this standard of conduct, the following activities are prohibited at the Library:

Any behavior that constitutes a crime
Damaging property of the Library or of other patrons
Open carry of firearms or weapons
Language, gestures, or behavior that are intimidating, violent, obscene, or offensive
Creating noise that disturbs others
Bringing animals into the Library except those required for disability aid
Obstructing or monopolizing space
Leaving personal property unattended
Soliciting or selling items without Library consent
Viewing pornographic or disturbing images
Sleeping – As a safety check, library staff may attempt to wake patrons who appear to be unconscious or asleep
Using restrooms for bathing or washing
Smoking or using smokeless tobacco or devices
Emanating offensive odors that constitute a nuisance to other persons
Personal hygiene behaviors must meet Health Order requirements. In the case where a patron cannot comply, building access will not be granted.
Failing to comply with a reasonable staff request

Parents or guardians are responsible to see that their children observe these rules.

The Library staff will ask people who do not behave in accordance with these standards to correct their behavior or to leave the Library. The Library may request the police to assist with people who do not comply with these rules.

SUSPENSION OF LIBRARY USE

Any violation of the Behavior Policy may result in suspension of access to library resources ranging from 24 hours to one year by the Library Director or their designee. All appeals of suspensions must be made in writing to the Library Director, who will reply with a final decision within 10 working days.

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For more information on the overall policy direction of the Board of Trustees to the Library Director and staff, a full listing of policies can be found here.

The Estes Valley Library Behavior Policy was adopted and approved by the Estes Valley Public Library District Board of Trustees on March 18, 2013, revised on September 21, 2015 and reviewed June 20, 2016, June 20, 2019 and revised May 16, 2022 and October 21, 2024.

Lynn Lawson, President Kirt Kirtland, Secretary