Eviction Policy | Greenville Public Library of Ohio

Greenville Public Library Eviction Policy

Eviction Guidelines

Visitors must behave in a socially acceptable manner on the premises of the Greenville Public Library. Guidelines for addressing infractions and evicting visitors from the library property are:

Level 1 Infractions

First Violation: Written and/or asked to leave premises to correct problem
Second Violation: Same
Third Violation: Same

Inappropriate dress, to include but not be limited to: no shirt and no shoes.
Presenting offensive and pervasive odors, which constitute a nuisance to other patrons and staff.
Bringing pets into the library, with the exception of animals serving impaired or disabled patrons.
Smoking in the library.
Eating and drinking or displaying food or liquid containers in public areas, except for official library functions or areas such as the young adult area designated for such snacking.

Level 2 Infractions

First Violation: Written and/or asked to leave premises to correct problem
Second Violation: 1-Day Eviction
Third Violation: 7-Day Eviction

Personally monopolizing or obstructing library space, seating, table or equipment to the exclusion of other patrons and staff.
Gambling, panhandling, soliciting money or engaging in activity for personal profit on library premises.
Distributing or posting of any printed materials, except through authorized library guidelines.

Level 3 Infractions

First Violation: 1-Day Eviction
Second Violation: 7-Day Eviction
Third Violation: 30-Day Eviction

Creating any unreasonable noise, including loud talking, singing, running, boisterous activity and the playing of audio or video equipment, which disturbs other patrons or staff.
Riding a cycle, skate board, or utilizing roller skates/roller blades within the library building, or utilizing such items on library grounds in a manner that presents a safety hazard or impedes vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Engaging in any act, which clearly disrupts or prevents the normal and intended use of the public library by any other patrons or staff.
Profane, obscene or abusive language.

Level 4 Infractions

First Violation: 7-Day Eviction
Second Violation: 30-Day Eviction
Third Violation: 6 Month Eviction

Violation of Internet policy, including the display of profanity or sexually explicit graphics.
Improper use of library facilities and/or equipment, to include but not be limited to: bathing, shaving or washing clothes.

Level 5 Infractions

First Violation: 6-Month Eviction
Second Violation: 1-Year Eviction
Third Violation: 2-Year or more Eviction

Possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that one is unable to exercise care of self, or presents a risk of physical harm to himself or another or the property of another.
Verbal and/or physical harassment of staff or patrons to include but not be limited to using threatening language, stalking behavior, i.e., following persons on premises without their permission; staring or watching persons in a manner which could reasonable be construed as threatening.

Level 6 Infractions

First Violation: 1-Year Eviction
Second Violation: 2-Year Eviction
Third Violation: 3-Year or more Eviction

Destroying or defacing library material and/or property. Eviction period may be extended longer until financial restitution is paid for damage.
Selling or distributing illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages on library premises.
Theft or attempted theft of library or personal property of another. Eviction period may be extended longer until financial restitution is paid for damage.
Failure to surrender or remove from premises any items, upon request of the library staff or police that are deemed by them to be a weapon, dangerous ordinance or contraband.
Engaging in fighting, challenging another person to fight, physically abusing or assaulting anyone on library property.
Engaging in sexual activity, including solicitation of prostitution or indecent exposure.

In addition to the listed eviction guidelines for the Greenville Public Library, any criminal offense committed on library premises, in violation of local municipal ordinances or the Ohio Revised Code, will be subject to prosecution, subject to the discretion of the Director, Assistant Director or Library Board.

In cases where the patron disagrees with library action, he or she can send a letter of concern to the Library Director at the following address within seven days of receipt of the information letter.

Greenville Public Library
Attn. Library Director
520 Sycamore St.
Greenville, OH. 45331

Eviction Procedure

Visitors who fail to abide by the Library’s Code of Conduct and policies are subject to having their library privileges suspended and/or being evicted from the premises of the Greenville Public Library.

Eviction or suspension of library privileges will be based upon the attached administrative procedural guidelines. Evictions and suspensions may be decided upon and imposed by the Director, Assistant Director, Supervisory staff or a designated senior staff person in charge of a shift. These designated staff may exact evictions up to one month. Anything over one month must be referred to the Library Director.

In situations where visitors refuse to comply with an initial verbal warning to cease their inappropriate behavior, they may be evicted according to the attached guidelines.

Documentation: For verbal warnings and long-term evictions, designated staff shall document the eviction by listing date, infraction, offender’s name and staff initials on an Action/Event form.

Staff should warn visitors immediately when improper conduct is observed or reported, so visitors have the opportunity to correct their behavior. Another staff member should witness warnings and evictions issued to a visitor whenever possible.

Staff should attempt to identify the evicted visitor by name. If additional information can be obtained, such as address, telephone number or library card number, staff should record this information as well.

Staff should contact the police department if unusual or potentially dangerous situations arise with an eviction of a visitor.

In some instances, the repeated misbehavior of visitors or the seriousness of their actions may indicate that a longer eviction than that in the administrative guidelines is appropriate.

In such circumstances, the visitors committing the infraction should be advised that they are evicted until their case is reviewed with the Library Director. The Library Director then should be contacted about the visitor. All long-term evictions of more than one-month require the approval of the Director.

Greenville Public Library
Attn. Library Director
520 Sycamore St.
Greenville, OH 45331

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees, September 8, 2008