PURPOSE:
OPL is committed to preserving a safe and welcoming environment for library activities and the community. The purpose of this policy is to identify, to the extent possible, a code of conduct for individuals visiting any OPL property or building. Failure to comply with this code of conduct may result in expulsion or barring from OPL facilities.
POLICY
OPL visitors are expected to comply with all OPL and City of Omaha policies and conduct themselves in accordance with the following code of conduct. Inappropriate behavior not specifically identified in this policy may be identified on a case-by-case basis.
Safe for Everybody
Be considerate of fellow library users.
- Verbally or physically harassing or threatening other library visitors, volunteers, or staff is prohibited. Harassment may include, but is not limited to: initiating unwanted conversation; impeding access to or within the building; or other behavior that can be reasonably perceived to be hostile, threatening, intrusive, or offensive.
- Respect one another, including library staff and other library users.
- No fighting
- No weapons
- No abusive or obscene language
- Personal items must not block high traffic areas, stairways, entrances, exits or other individuals' access to the library. Staff are not responsible for items left unattended.
- Loitering is not allowed in high-traffic areas, including doorways, stairways, entrances, or exits.
- Cell phones must be used quietly.
- Headphones must be used with audio or video equipment.
- Soliciting and panhandling are not allowed on library property.
- Entering OPL facilities with hygiene or public health conditions that interfere with the use of the library
by other people is not allowed. This could include, but is not limited to, clothing or body odor, insects,
pests, or unsanitary belongings. - No excessive public displays of affection.
Clean Spaces
Respect library property.
- Do not deface, damage, or destroy library materials or property.
- Leave library furniture where you find it.
- Eat or drink in designated areas only.
- Dispose of trash in waste receptacles.
- Alcohol and illegal drugs may not be possessed, consumed, or sold on library property.
- Roller skating and skateboarding are not allowed on library property.
- The use of tobacco products and smoking in any form, including electronic cigarettes, is only permitted outside library buildings in designated areas.
- Restroom sinks shall be used for washing hands and face only. Visitors may not bathe, shave, wash clothes, or dry clothes in a library restroom.
- No tampering with or using computers in a manner that violates the computer usage policy.
- Trespassing is prohibited – including knowingly entering restricted areas at any time or library premises when access and use of library facilities have been suspended.
A safe, healthy environment
Comply with any reasonable requests from OPL and security staff.
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- Check out all library materials before removing them from the premises.
- Children under age 11 and individuals requiring a caregiver cannot be left unattended.
- Sleeping is not allowed on library property.
- Alcohol and illegal drugs may not be possessed, consumed, or sold on library property.
- Shoes and shirts are required.
- Limit the number of people at a computer to 2 or fewer.
- Only certified service animals are allowed in OPL facilities. Other animals are allowed only by permission of the branch manager or executive library director.
IMPLEMENTATION:
OPL and security personnel are responsible for enforcing this policy. Procedures for handling disruptive behavior and other prohibited conduct have been established, including calling local law enforcement when necessary. Failure to comply with this code of conduct may result in expulsion and/or barring from OPL facilities or other action deemed appropriate by OPL’s executive library director. Anyone wishing to appeal their expulsion or barring may submit an appeal form to library administration.
Approved by the Board of Trustees
of the Omaha Public Library
August 20, 2025
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