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Rules and Regulations for Customers

The Detroit Public Library enhances the quality of life for the diverse and dynamic community in the City of Detroit. The library enlightens and empowers its citizens to meet their lifelong learning needs through open and equitable access to information, technology, and cultural/educational programs.

The Detroit Public Library seeks to provide exceptional library service in an environment that is safe, clean and comfortable. To accomplish this, the Detroit Library Commission has adopted the following Rules and Regulations for Customers. Any behavior that is disruptive to library use or operations cannot be tolerated. Persons who violate these rules will be asked to leave the library and may lose their library privileges. Violations perceived as criminal may result in arrest and prosecution.

1. Loitering, smoking, sleeping or bathing is prohibited on library property.
   
2. No gambling, selling, soliciting, or campaigning is allowed on library grounds.
   
3. Eating or drinking is only permitted in designated areas.
   
4. Customers who act in a manner which causes public disturbance will be asked to leave the library.
   
5. Fighting, provoking to fight, or engaging in disorderly or boisterous conduct is prohibited.
   
6. Loud, offensive, abusive or threatening language is prohibited.
   
7. Display of profane, obscene or injurious language, texts or graphics for public view is prohibited.
   
8. Customers whose extremely poor hygiene constitutes a nuisance to other people's use of library facilities will be directed to leave.
   
9. The possession of any firearm other than lawfully possessed concealed firearms is prohibited in the library. All parcels, bags, briefcases, backpacks, purses and other personal belongings are subject to inspection.
   
10. Use of cell phones is prohibited in public service areas and reading rooms.
    
11. Listening to or playing music or sound equipment without earphones is prohibited.
    
12. Indecent exposure, sexual acts or behavior are prohibited.
    
13. It is illegal to deface, damage, mutilate or destroy library property or equipment, including altering or tampering with computers or software.
    
14. Loading or installing programs or software on library computers is prohibited.
    
15. Children cannot be left unattended. Please see a library staff member for specific guidelines.
    
16. Shoes and shirts must be worn in the library.
    
17. Pets and other animals are not allowed, with the exception of guide dogs.
    
18. It is illegal to remove library materials from the library without checking them out. Only materials already checked out can be taken into library restrooms.
    
19. Bedrolls, blankets, duffle bags, suitcases, or large plastic bags are not allowed. A maximum of two bags of any type is allowed. Each bag should not exceed 12 x 18 x 9 inches.

 

(last update06/21/05