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Library Rules

I. Trespassers
Any person violating any of the following rules shall be deemed a "trespasser". Persons violating "Mobile Public Library Rules" are subject to having their library privileges revoked.

II. Imminent Danger
Any person may, without prior notice or warning, be immediately removed from any facility of the Mobile Public Library if his or her presence or conduct poses an immediate and imminent danger to any person or property.

III. Major Offenses
Persons in apparent violation of Federal, State or local law are to be reported to the Mobile Police Department by the highest ranking Mobile Public Library staff member present. The following examples of prohibited, illegal behavior are cited by way of illustration and not limitation.

  • Obscene acts, sex offenses and indecent exposure.
  • Physical assault.
  • Robbery or theft.
  • Public intoxication.
  • Narcotics (sale, use or possession).
  • Damaging any library property or materials.
  • Disorderly conduct, unreasonable noise, fighting, harassment or threatening behavior.
  • Littering.
  • Smoking.

IV. Minor Offenses
Persons engaging in any of the prohibited activities listed below shall be warned. If this fails, the person shall be asked to leave the premises by a Library staff member or the security guard. In the event that this fails, the Mobile Police Department will be contacted in order to remove the “trespasser” from the Library.

  • Eating and drinking in the public areas of the Library. (Exceptions may be made by the Library Director when the activity will benefit the Library.)
  • Soliciting, petitioning, interviewing, campaigning, survey-taking, canvassing or selling in the public areas of the Library. (Exceptions may be made by the Library Director when the activity will benefit the Library.)
  • Loud, distractive and/or abusive talking.
  • Entering the Library accompanied by an animal, other than a lead dog for the disabled.
  • Sleeping (except in short dozing or napping for rest while studying).
  • Wandering through the non-public areas of the Library.
  • Entering the Library bare-footed, without a shirt, with offensive body odor, filthy clothing, or otherwise attired so as to be disruptive of the quiet and studious atmosphere of the Library.

V. Children in the Library

  • Children under 10 years of age must be attended by a parent or responsible caregiver 13 years of age or older while in the Library.
  • Parents or caregivers are responsible for the behavior of their children in the Library.
  • The Library assumes no responsibility for children left unattended on the premises.

VI. Internet Use in the Library

  • Internet workstations may not be used to access obscene or pornographic sites.
  • Parents and legal guardians of children under the age of 18 are responsible for monitoring their children’s use of the Internet and for deciding what Internet resources are appropriate for their children.

VII. Notice
The Mobile Public Library Rules shall be conspicuously posted in all Library facilities.

Adopted by the Mobile Public Library Board 12/13/88 (Rev. 11/24/97, 6/24/02 and 7/23/03)