Juvenile Code of Conduct

In accordance with Maryland Family Law Ann § 5-80, children under the age of 8 years old may not be left unattended in the library. Maryland law requires that a caregiver of a child be at least 13 years old.

The Library’s Juvenile Code of Conduct contained herein shall apply to all Enoch Pratt Free Library System visitors aged 8 to 18 years old, and who are not under the supervision of an adult. The Library’s Juvenile Code of Conduct applies to all branch locations, including the Central Library. In order to ensure public safety and security and to provide a suitable environment for appropriate library use, the library will require compliance with all state and local laws.

The Library strongly encourages unaccompanied minors to demonstrate with their words, actions and attitudes a respect for themselves and others, and for shared public resources and spaces at all times while visiting.

Violation of the Library’s Juvenile Code of Conduct may result in the youth being suspended or banned from one or more library locations.

Unlawful behavior of any juvenile will be reported to the police immediately and arrest may result.

At all times juvenile violators will continue to have access to online resources, including educational databases in accordance with the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s mission and goals.

All juvenile visitors will comply the following Library Rules:

• Code 1. Unaccompanied juvenile visitors will observe Library policies and these Rules of Conduct
• Code 2. Unaccompanied juvenile visitors avoid behavior that disrupts the work of staff and customers
• Code 3. Unaccompanied juvenile visitors cooperate with Library staff who interpret and apply the rules
• Code 4. Unaccompanied juvenile visitors provide proper supervision of children in your care
• Code 5. Unaccompanied juvenile visitors respect the use of designated service areas
• Code 6. Unaccompanied juvenile visitors observe all federal, state, and local laws

Any unaccompanied juvenile visitor who engages in the following actions will be in violation of the Library Codes of Conduct and required to leave the Library and may have some Library privileges suspended:

• Making disruptive noises such as loud talking, screaming, or banging on computer keyboards.
• Physically or verbally threatening or harassing other customers, volunteers, or staff, OR using obscene and/or abusive language.
• Making terroristic threats to staff and/or patrons or engaging in dialogue that communicates an intent to cause harm to others through violence.
• Using electronic devices, with or without headphones, set at a volume that disturbs others, or talking loudly on a cell phone so that it disturbs other customers.
• Loitering on Library premises, i.e. sitting or standing about, or lingering aimlessly.
• Being barefoot, shirtless, or otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the Library environment.
• Using Library computers in violation of Internet Use Policy, to include viewing pornographic websites.
• Tampering with Library equipment and/or moving Library furniture from where it is placed by staff.
• Carrying beverages without caps or lids in the Library, or consuming food (unless part of a Library program).
• Engaging in gang-related or criminal activities on Library premises.
• Being under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs, smoking, chewing tobacco, or using electronic cigarettes or any other tobacco product on premises.
• Bringing pets or animals, other than service animals, into the Library (unless part of a Library program).
• Soliciting Library customers or staff for money, non-Library fundraising or donations, petition signatures, votes, or political support.
• Sexually threatening or harassing other customers, volunteers, or staff, including stalking, staring, lurking, offensive touching, and obscene acts such as sex acts or indecent exposure.
• Physically threatening or harassing other customers, volunteers, or staff, including fighting or throwing things.
• Mutilating, damaging, or defacing Library property.
• Removing books from the Library without checking them out, to include removing barcodes or tampering with security devices.
• Carrying firearms, ammunition, or dangerous weapons of any type.
• Selling, distributing, using, or possessing alcohol and/or illegal drugs.
• For the safety of all, Library staff reserve the right to inspect customers’ briefcases, oversized handbags, backpacks, luggage, packages and shopping bags.
• The Library reserves the right to designate areas for certain services and/or functions, such as the Children’s Department or Laptop Lounges.

Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff, security officers or local police 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 for a period of one day to one year.

Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including the use of computers and other equipment.

The parent/guardian may exercise the right to Appeal the Suspension of a juvenile to the Library’s Director of Safety and Security. Appeals shall be made in writing to:

Dir. of Safety and Security
400 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201