| Meinders Community Library Board Policy | 405 | ||
| Policy: Suspension Policy | Originally Adopted | Next Review | |
| Current Version Adopted | November 1, 2017 | 6/2014 | November 2021 |
Purpose: To maintain a safe and welcoming atmosphere within the Library by outlining the steps to be taken when patrons exhibit or engage in behavior that violates Library Policy. Suspension of a Library Patron will be used as a last resort.
Library Staff will exercise their judgement and discretion to suspend an individual’s library privileges by following the procedure listed below:
- There are some behaviors that warrant an immediate request to leave from the staff. In most cases, these individuals are welcome to return the following day with the understanding that if the behavior happens again, they may be subject to suspension.
- Library Staff will, if possible, send a letter to a patron who has repeatedly violated a policy in order to give them written warning. A copy of the violated policy will be included.
- Following the written warning, the first additional violation of a policy will result in a 30-day suspension.
- If any policy is violated again after that original suspension, the library reserves the right to enforce a 60-day suspension followed by an indefinite suspension should that be warranted.
- The Library staff reserves the right for an immediate suspension if it is deemed necessary. In this case, no letter of warning will be sent, but the individual will have the right to appeal to the Board if they so wish.
- All incidences resulting in a warning or suspension will be documented on the Behavior Incident Form.
- If the individual is under eighteen years of age and the behavior warrants suspension from the library for more than one day, a parent/guardian will be notified in writing of the suspension from the library.
- Individuals have the right to appeal, within five days of the occurrence, any action by a staff member, by contacting the Library Director. The appeal will be made to the Library Board who will make the final decision.
- Failure by an individual to file an appeal within 5 days of the suspension will be considered a waiver of the right to appeal.