Safe Use Policy

1. In order to ensure the comfort and safety of all staff and patrons of the Chinook Regional Library (CRL), the CRL board prohibits the following behavior on its premises:

♦ making undue noise or causing a physical disruption

♦ being intoxicated or under the influence of non-prescription drugs

♦ behavior in contravention of the Criminal Code or public health and safety regulations

♦ destruction of library property, destruction of property of staff members or patrons or vandalism

♦ verbal, physical or sexual abuse, misconduct or harassment

♦ any other behavior that interferes with the safety of staff or patrons and the use and enjoyment of the Regional Library

2. For reasons of safety, the CRL also reserves the right to require children on library premises to be accompanied or supervised by an adult.

3. Apart from guide dogs, no animal is permitted in a CRL library except at the discretion of the local library.

4. Consequences of Violation of Bylaw: If a patron contravenes any provision of this bylaw:
   (a) the senior library staff member on duty or designate may:
      (i) suspend or revoke the patron's borrowing privileges for up to one week, beyond which period the ban may be extended by the Director of the Chinook Regional Library;
      (ii) prohibit the patron from entering the library facilities for up to one week, beyond which period the ban may be extended by the Director of the Chinook Regional Library; or
      (iii) call the police for assistance, who may commence proceedings under the Criminal Code where applicable.
   (b) the Library Director may:
      (i) indefinitely suspend or revoke the patron's borrowing privileges
      (ii) prohibit the patron from entering the library facilities for a specified period of time;
      (iii) initiate a prosecution under the Public Libraries Act, 1996; or
      (iv) call the police for assistance, who may commence proceedings under the Criminal Code.

5. Right of Appeal
   (a) a person whose borrowing privileges have been suspended or revoked or who has been prohibited from entering a library facility may appeal the decision of the Library Director to the Board.
   (b) an appeal under this Section must be in writing, must state the grounds of appeal and the facts relied on in support of the appeal, and must be filed with the Secretary of the Board within 30 days of the date of the decision of the Library Director.
   (c) the board may, in its sole discretion, allow the patron to speak in support of his or her appeal at a regular or special meeting of the executive or its appointed committee.
   (d) on appeal under this Section, the Board or the committee of the Board may confirm, modify or repeal the decision of the Library Director or substitute its own decision for that of the Library Director.