Code of Conduct

Effective Date: February 2014
Revision Date: March 2022
Next Year of Review: 2024

The Bruce County Public Library provides free and equitable access to services in a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment. The Code of Conduct is intended to ensure the dignity and safety of the public and the staff and maintain the security of library property without disruption to library service. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has a positive experience when using the Library and its services.

The Code of Conduct encourages behaviour that supports the Library’s mission. It applies everywhere the Library conducts its business, whether on Library property, in the community, over the phone or email, or through our website.

Everyone has the right to enjoy the services of the Library without disturbance. Our commitment is to deliver excellent service in a space that is welcoming and safe for our customers and our employees. We ask your cooperation in maintaining this environment.

Staff, volunteers, and members of the public are expected to abide by the laws and regulations of Canada and the Province of Ontario including but not limited to:

Criminal Code of Canada
Human Rights Code (Ontario)
Copyright Act
Child and Family Services Act
Trespass to Property Act
Public Libraries Act

Be respectful of others

Refrain from behaviour or language that is disruptive, intrusive, lewd, abusive, obscene, interfering, harassing, threatening, intimidating, or discriminatory.
Do not engage in aggressive physical or verbal approaches to another individual or throw articles in a deliberate or aggressive manner.
Set your device to silent or vibrate.
Get permission from library staff before photographing, videotaping, or recording of any kind.
Do not bring weapons of any kind into the Library.
Follow the Internet Services Policy and Social Media Policy while using the Internet.
Obtain permission from library staff before posting materials or distributing brochures. Solicitation is not permitted in the Library.
Respect others with sensitivities to scents and limit the use of scented products.
Bring in only registered guide or service animals.
Be fully clothed and wear shoes at all times.

Be respectful of library property

Park bicycles, scooters, and small recreational motorized vehicles outside the Library. Small items such as skateboards or roller blades may be brought in but may not be used inside the Library or near the entrance.
Use the library’s materials, equipment, furniture and property with care.
Do not enter staff areas in library buildings without permission.
Do not smoke inside library buildings or within nine (9) metres of any library building entrance
Illegal use of drugs or the unauthorized drinking of alcohol is not permitted.
Enjoy beverages in covered containers. Light snacks are allowed except at computers. Bruce County Public Library Branches are nut-aware facilities; please do not bring any nuts or nut products into the Library.
Throw out or recycle your garbage.

Be safe

Supervise children and adults in your care at all times.
Keep aisles, corridors, and spaces around you clear
Leave the building in case of fire, fire drills, or other emergencies and follow the instructions of Library staff.
Follow copyright laws, licensing agreements, and other intellectual property rights.
Keep your belongings with you as the Library is not responsible for lost items.

Consequences of Failing to Comply

We ask that you respect the Code of Conduct and follow all Library policies. Employees make every effort to apply these policies in a fair, dignified, and positive manner for the benefit of everyone. Anyone choosing to disrespect the policies of the Library and refusing to modify behaviour will be asked to leave. This could result in suspension of Library privileges, eviction from the Library, cost-recovery charges, and/or prosecution.

Individuals who engage in any unacceptable behaviour, as defined in this policy may, depending on the severity, receive one warning or be asked to leave immediately from the premises and if necessary, be placed under suspension for a period of time. The suspension may apply to all programs, facilities, properties and services if warranted.

Length of suspension will be determined by the Library Director/CEO or her/his designate and will depend on the severity of the situation. Serious incidents that result in a suspension from programs, facilities, properties and services will be followed up by a written Trespass to Property notice.

Library staff will be notified of individuals who are suspended or who have received a letter of trespass. Incidents may be reported to the Bruce County Ontario Provincial Police and charges may follow. Incidents may be reported to the other Departments of the County of Bruce.

Appeal Process

Individual(s) wishing to appeal any disciplinary measure may present their case to the Library Director/CEO in writing within 14 days of the decision. The written appeal must be mailed to:

Bruce County Public Library, Attention: Library Director,
1243 MacKenzie Road
Saugeen Shores, Ontario, N0H 2C6

The Library Director/CEO, in consultation with the appropriate staff or with the Library Board, will review the appeal and any decision made is final.