To better serve all library users, the City of Richland and the Richland Public Library Board of Trustees have established certain standards of acceptable behavior to ensure a positive, welcoming, clean, and safe environment conducive to library use.  

Generally, patrons behaving in an unacceptable manner will be asked to modify their behavior or, upon failure to do so, to leave the Library. Under certain circumstances, immediate expulsion from the Library without notice will result. The Richland Police Department will be called under circumstances where behavior escalates, or when Library staff anticipate aggressive confrontation. Suspension of privileges and/or a civil trespass pursuant to RMC 2.34.020 may be issued depending on the severity and/or frequency of the violation(s). 

Prohibited Conduct

Visitors may not engage in conduct that disrupts or interferes with the normal operations of the Library, its staff, or its use by other visitors. Such conduct may include, but is not limited to: 

• Failing to comply with instruction from Library staff.
• Soliciting, petitioning, or canvassing within the Library.
• Selling or advertising any goods or services.
• Using obscene or abusive language or gestures.
• Making unreasonable noise or engaging in conduct that impedes another’s ability to use or work in the Library.
• Engaging in sexual conduct or lewd behavior.
• Possessing a knife, gun, or any other weapon in violation of local or state law.
• Smoking, including electronic cigarettes.
• Any prohibited possession, display, or consumption of alcohol or drugs as defined in the current Revised Code of Washington. Public intoxication is not permitted.
• Failing to maintain appropriate personal hygiene.
• Using a bicycle, rollerblades, skates, skateboard, hoverboard, scooter, or similar recreational device in the Library. 
• Using undesignated areas to store, transport or park bicycles, skateboards, scooters, shopping carts, or other wheeled devices not used for mobility assistance.
• Bringing in an animal, unless the animal is approved as part of an established library program or is a service animal assisting a person with a disability per RCW 49.60.040.
• Posting signs, pictures, or other forms of expression without Library consent. 
• Leaving personal items unattended.
• Sleeping or giving the appearance of sleep on a chair, couch, bench, floor or other surface.
• Excessive use of seating or space that interferes with priority usage for patrons or staff. This includes stacking furniture or books to create private study areas.
• Using the bathrooms for bathing, showering, grooming, or washing belongings.
• Use of bedrolls, blankets, and other such covering.
• Attempting to use a library card that does not belong to that individual.
• Attempting to enter designated “staff only” areas.
• Engaging in any activity in violation of federal, state, or local law or library policies (i.e., Parental Policy, Internet Resource Access Policy, Public Use of City Facilities Policy No. 285, etc.).

Zero Tolerance

When violating a law or acting in a threatening manner toward others, individuals may be immediately ejected from Library premises without warning, and Library privileges may be suspended following an objective review of the incident. Such violations include, but are not limited to: 

• Instances of assault, harassment, or sexual harassment. 
• Violent threats or acts of aggression toward other patrons or employees.
• Stealing or attempting to steal library property.
• Damaging, defacing, or misusing Library property. This includes disabling Library equipment, changing the hardware or software or settings on a Library computer, or using a Library computer for a purpose other than that designated by the Library. 
• Violation of a current suspension of privileges or civil trespass.  

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Food and Drink in the Library

Food or drink brought into the Library must comply with the following:  

• All drinks must have a lid and be in an enclosed container (no alcohol allowed). 
• Small, individually wrapped snacks are permitted. 
• Messy, hot, or odorous foods are not permitted. 
• Items considered to be a meal are not permitted. 
• No food or drink of any kind are permitted at the public computers. 
• Library staff may interpret what fits within these guidelines. Exceptions are allowed for library-related programming.

Please also be aware that: 

• The Library is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen, or damaged on Library premises.
• Clothing and shoes must be worn in the Library.
• Some items in the Library cannot be copied because of copyright laws or poor condition.
• The Library is not responsible for children who are left unattended; please see the Library’s Parental Policy.
• Photography and recording is only allowed consistent with the Library’s Photography, Filming and Videography Policy.
• Certain rooms and other Library spaces may have additional restrictions.
• The second floor has been designated a quiet zone. Patrons are asked to show courtesy to those studying or reading.
• A parent, guardian, or other responsible party should be present to supervise children ages 12 and younger. Supervising adults must be close at hand.

Appeals 

The suspension of library privileges may be appealed. An appeal must be made in writing and received (or postmarked) within ten (10) calendar days of the date privileges were suspended. Appeals may be mailed or personally delivered to Richland City Hall at the address below. Do not deliver the written appeal to the Richland Public Library as this may constitute a violation of the issued suspension of privileges.   

City of Richland
Attn: Library Manager
625 Swift Blvd. MS-41
Richland, WA 99352 

The appeal must include a brief statement explaining why privileges should be reinstated, and a valid mailing address for a reply. A decision on the appeal will be made by the Library Manager and mailed to the address provided within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving the appeal.  

Appeal of a civil trespass notice issued pursuant to Ch. 2.34 RMC must be filed in accordance with RMC 2.34.100.   

• Adopted by the Richland Public Library Board on September 2, 1987
• Amended December 4, 2003, July, 2010, September 2, 2014, November 10, 2015, January 11, 2022 (with City Manager concurrence)