Rules of Conduct

With public service as the highest priority, the Library has established rules governing use, such that everyone may enjoy the benefits of the Library. Individuals visiting or using the Library's facilities or services ("Library users") must comply with the following Library User Rules of Conduct.

Failure to respect the following guidelines for behavior may result in a one-day temporary suspension and up to a permanent ban from Library facilities and may be subject to law enforcement.

THE FOLLOWING ARE PROHIBITED AT THE FRESNO COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY:

  • Willful and repeated failure to follow the direction of Library staff.
  • Illegal activities of any kind, including Illegal activity using Library computers, Wi-Fi, or other internet-accessible devices.
  • Weapons of any kind (including "Concealed to Carry" authorized items, except in accordance with Fresno Co. Ordinance Code §13.24.010(A)(2).)
  • Violent actions or threats of violence directed at anyone in the Library facility. Obstructing or intimidating staff or users of the Library. (CPC §422; CPC §602.1; CPC §415)
  • Abusive verbal communication, including loud profanity, that is willful, malicious, aggressive, intimidating, or repeated harassment; Non-verbal attention, including but not limited to stalking and offensive staring or touching. (CPC §370; CPC §415)
  • Use of open flame, setting materials on fire in or near the building, and arson.
  • Sexual activity of any kind.
  • Theft or vandalism of Library property or the personal property of Library patrons or staff. (CPC §484; CPC §490.5; CPC §594)
  • Fraudulent use, creation, or theft of library cards and/or accounts for any purpose, including to reserve computers. (CPC §490.5)
  • Failure to check out Library materials before exiting the building. (CPC §490.5)
  • Possession or use of alcohol or other controlled or illegal substances. (CPC §647(f))
  • Public intoxication, such as consuming or being under the influence of controlled or illegal substances. (CPC §647(f); FMC §9-2502; Fresno Co. Ordinance Code §13.24.010(B)(1))
  • Smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco, inside the building or within 20 feet of library windows or entrances outside of the building. (CA Govt Code §7597)
  • Using Library restrooms for purposes other than handwashing and toilet use, such as: bathing, shampooing, shaving, personal grooming, changing clothes, washing or drying laundry, smoking, flushing or clogging plumbing with items not intended for the toilet, and any activity that interferes with other library users' ability to use the restroom, including refusing to exit the restroom when asked by security or library staff. (CPC §370; Fresno Co. Code §13.24.010(A)(7)) No library materials are allowed in the restrooms. Restrooms are typically closed and unavailable 15-30 minutes before Library closing.
  • Moving or rearranging Library furniture, except in reserved meeting rooms.
  • Misuse of computer equipment or power outlets, including stringing together multiple power strips or cords, creating a fire hazard.
  • Sleeping, lying down, setting up blankets or bedding. Bedding must be contained (for example, in a bag) at all times. Anyone sleeping or dozing off will be asked to stay awake to ensure their safety.
  • Viewing graphic content, specifically content that is obscene or harmful to minors, from a computer, phone, or mobile device that is visible in any public area of the Library. (See Computers Use & Internet Safety Policy)
  • Adults loitering in the children's room or any areas specifically designated for children or teens. (CPC § 653(b)). If an adult unaccompanied by a minor wants to locate an item in the children's or teen area of the Library, they should alert staff of their intent and then leave the area once they have finished browsing the materials.
  • Leaving children under the age of 8 years alone in the Library or on Library grounds at any time. Adequate supervision must be provided by a Responsible Party. (See Unattended Children Policy)
  • Failure by a caregiver to supervise anyone unable to care for, or be responsible for themselves, regardless of age.
  • Pets or emotional support animals, other than certified service animals as defined by the US Department of Justice. (CA Civil Code §54.1 (c); Fresno Co. Ordinance Code §13.24.010.B.2) Service animals must not exhibit aggressive behaviors and must be housebroken and under the control of their handler at all times. All service dogs, in compliance with local animal control requirements, must display current County of Fresno registration tags (Fresno Co. Ordinance Code 9.04.030 and 9.04.040)
  • Noise or behavior that is disruptive to library use, including use of personal communications or entertainment devices at a volume that disturbs others. (CPC §370; CPC §415) Please limit phone calls, keeping them at a volume respectful of other Library users. Do not use speaker phone or video calling without headphones.
  • Emitting excessively strong, pervasive odors, including odors caused by perfume, cologne, marijuana, or poor hygiene that unreasonably interfere with Library user or staff comfort, safety, or use and peaceful enjoyment of the Library. (CPC §370)
  • Food, except as part of a Library-sponsored program and in areas designated by Library staff and identified by signage. (These spaces may vary from branch to branch; Check for signage). Beverages in a spill-proof cup or in a container with a secure lid are permitted, except in the computer lab or at computer stations, due to risk of damage to computer equipment. Glass containers are not allowed.
  • Failure to be fully clothed, including shirts and shoes, due to the potential for inappropriate public exposure, injury, and risk to health and safety.
  • Leaving personal belongings unattended inside or outside the facility. (Fresno Co. Ordinance Code §13.24.010(A)(13)) Any items left inside the building will be placed in the Lost & Found for no longer than two weeks. Food and beverages, and items that pose a health and safety risk will be disposed of immediately.
  • Blocking or obstructing Library entrances, exits, lobby areas, staircases, aisles or walkways, either in person or by placing objects where they cause blockage or obstruction. (Fresno Co. Code §13.24.010(A)(10); §CPC 602.1) Due to limited space, Library users may be asked to fold strollers and oversized wagons or store them in a designated area when needed. In general, personal items should be compact enough to fit underneath the table with their owner and not take up space intended for other Library users.
  • Use of any wheeled or motorized recreational vehicle or equipment not licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles (such as: roller skates, scooters, skateboards, bicycles, or other similar devices) inside or outside on Library property. This section shall not apply to the use of any wheeled or motorized vehicle utilized by disabled persons. Large items like bicycles and scooters cannot be kept inside the Library.
  • Gambling in any form (Fresno Co. Code §13.24.010(A)(3))
  • Soliciting, selling, or peddling tangible or intangible items. (Fresno Co. Code §13.24.010(B)(3))
  • Aggressive panhandling. (CPC §647(c))
  • Political activity in connection with any election. (Fresno Co. Code §3.08.110)
  • Campaigning, petitioning, collecting signatures, or distributing related materials or services inside the Library.
  • Conducting a for-profit business in the Library.
  • Loitering on library premises or property or unauthorized presence in staff-designated areas. (CPC §555.2)

Additional Guidance:

  • For the health and safety of Library staff and patrons, please do not visit the Library when you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of a contagious illness.
  • All rules of conduct apply within the Library's Meeting Rooms and Study Rooms. (See Meeting & Study Room Use Policy).
  • Individual branches may have additional space usage restrictions. Please follow any direction provided on branch signage or by Library staff at the branch you are visiting.

The foregoing is not intended to be a complete list of unacceptable behaviors but is intended for guidance only.

Individuals are also expected to adhere to the codes and regulations of the County of Fresno, the State of California, and the Federal government of the United States.

Enforcement:

Library staff, County of Fresno Security, and/or law enforcement will intervene to prevent and/or stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Individuals who violate the Rules of Conduct may be asked to leave and be subject to a suspension of Library privileges for a designated period of time, permanently banned from all County of Fresno Public Library branches, and/or be subject to arrest or other lawful action. Violators of the Rules of Conduct may be photographed to assist in identification.

Appeal:

Anyone who wishes to appeal a suspension or ban may do so in writing to the County Librarian, 2420 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA 93721. Appeal letters may be mailed or dropped in the outdoor book drop of any Fresno County Library branch.

rev. 05/2025