Conduct Policy

The following has been established by the Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) in order to provide an atmosphere conducive to the appropriate use of MCPL services and facilities. MCPL patrons are required to comply with this policy while on MCPL property. MCPL property includes all buildings, entryways, sidewalks, parking lots, and surrounding grounds, unless otherwise noted.

The following actions are prohibited. Failure to comply with MCPL's established rules and regulations may result in permanent expulsion from the property and/or in arrest and prosecution.

  • Selling and soliciting for services, money, or items.
  • Soliciting patrons to sign petitions or give patrons information on various viewpoints unless at least 25 feet away from MCPL entrances. (Solicitors may not approach patrons, but may display signs on cars or tables and make themselves available for inquiry if outside the 25-foot limit.)
  • Violation of the MCPL Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources Policy.
  • Distributing printed materials/literature that does not conform to the MCPL Display Policy.
  • Possessing or consuming alcohol or illegal drugs or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
  • Smoking or other uses of tobacco in MCPL buildings or entryways.
  • Consuming food unless associated with MCPL programs.
  • Consuming beverages not in MCPL-approved containers or not in designated areas.
  • Sleeping or putting head, feet, or legs on MCPL furniture.
  • Not wearing shoes or shirt, or having clothes unbuttoned or unzipped inappropriately.
  • Bringing animals into the MCPL buildings other than assistance animals.
  • Any loud, unreasonable, and/or disturbing noises created by cell phones, electronic devices, or persons.
  • Any behavior that is unreasonably disruptive to MCPL patrons or staff.
  • Intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing any MCPL property, or a patron's or employee's property.
  • Taking MCPL materials into restrooms.
  • Removing MCPL materials from the premises without authorization through established lending procedures.
  • Rearrangement of MCPL furniture.
  • Leaving any person, including a child, who is in need of assistance or supervision unattended by a responsible person.
  • Leaving any person in need of transportation, including a child, at any MCPL facility after closing time in accordance with the MCPL closing procedures.
  • Misuse of restrooms. No changing of clothes, shaving, or bathing is allowed.
  • Carrying weapons of any type.
  • Engaging in disorderly conduct of any kind, fighting or challenging to fight, or using obscene/offensive words likely to provoke violence.
  • Communication of threats, physical violence, or sexual offenses against patrons or staff.
  • Trespassing on MCPL property.
  • Any other illegal acts or conduct in violation of Federal, State, or local law, ordinance, regulation, or MCPL policy.