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Community Use Agreement

To ensure the comfort and protection of all Library patrons and staff, and to prevent a few individuals from making the use of the Library inconvenient or uncomfortable for the majority of users, the Library has adopted the following policy.

Patrons who visit the Library are expected to treat others with courtesy and respect and to contribute to a calm and safe atmosphere for all. Library facilities and services include the Tell City Branch, Cannelton Branch, Bookmobile, and the Library’s internet service.

Prohibited behaviors include but are not limited to:

  • Leaving children under the age of 8 unsupervised, children under your care must be supervised.
  • Use of alcohol, illegal substances, or tobacco, including vaping.
  • Possession of alcohol, illegal substances, or weapons while on Library property, except as permitted under IC 35-47-11.1.
  • Disruptive or disorderly behavior.
  • Mutilation or defacement of Library property.
  • Misuse of Library furniture, equipment, or facilities.
  • Selling goods or services, polling, soliciting, or loitering on Library property.
  • Abusive, threatening, or harassing language and/or behavior in any form, including voyeurism, intrusive inquiries, unsolicited physical and/or verbal advances, indecent exposure, or any other overt behavior that negatively targets other patrons and/or staff.
  • Improper internet or computer usage.
  • Roller skating, rollerblading, skateboarding, scootering, or bicycling beyond use as transportation. These activities are not permitted inside Library buildings.
  • Unleashed or inappropriately restrained animals, with the exception of service animals.
  • Noise levels and/or odors that disrupt others’ use of the Library.
  • Inappropriate apparel. Appropriate apparel, including shirts, shoes, and pants, must be worn while in the Library at all times.
  • Refusing to follow the directions of Library staff.
  • Any other activity prohibited by law.

Important Guidelines

  • In general, photography and recording are permitted in public spaces on PCPL property, provided they do not interfere with PCPL staff and patrons who do not wish to be recorded, including minors whose caregiver has not given consent.
  • Personal items such as briefcases, luggage, handbags, packages, overcoats, and shopping bags may be inspected by Library staff at any time. Staff may ask patrons to remove items that could present a public safety issue, such as a pest infestation.
  • The Library does not serve in loco parentis with regard to minors.
  • Patrons are expected to cooperate with reasonable requests from Library staff.
  • Patrons must stay within public areas while using the Library. Staff areas are for staff only.

Violators of these rules will be advised of the rules and will be asked to correct their behavior.

Depending on the nature of the incident, patrons may have Library privileges restricted. The nature of the restrictions will depend on the type and severity of the unacceptable behavior but will generally be applied using the following guidelines:

  • A verbal warning will be given, stating the behavior is disruptive and that, if it continues, the patron(s) will be asked to leave the Library.
  • Second incident, upon return from the one-week suspension: The patron is barred from the Library for one month.
  • Third incident, upon return from the one-month suspension: The patron is barred from the Library for six months.

Following a six-month expulsion, any disruptive behavior during the subsequent six months will be treated as a third incident. After six months with no incidents, the patron begins again at a verbal warning.

Anyone refusing to leave the Library when requested is subject to prosecution under IC 35-43-2-2, Criminal Trespass.

This policy was approved and adopted on July 8, 2026 by the Perry County Public Library Board of Trustees. Under Indiana Code 20-14-3-2, “The library board shall govern and set policy for all of the affairs of the public library.” The Perry County Public Library strives to provide, on equal terms, free library services to all residents of Perry County. The Library abides by the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights, which states, “A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.”