Library Use Policy

Library Use Policy

The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County (PLYMC) is a free, inclusive, and welcoming space for everyone. The PLYMC Library Use Policy serves three primary purposes:

1.  To create an environment that is welcoming, comfortable, respectful, safe, and conducive to Library use by all patrons and staff.
2. To protect the rights and safety of all Library patrons and staff members.
3. To protect Library materials, facilities, and property.

To ensure a safe, comfortable environment within the Library, all patrons and visitors must treat others with dignity, courtesy, and respect. The following behaviors are not permitted:

1. Engaging in any activity in violation of federal, state, local, or other applicable law or Library policy.
2. Engaging in any behaviors or acts deemed by Library staff to be disruptive or problematic to the use or operation of the Library.
3. Per Library Board Policy 721, engaging in any of the following, all of which are disruptive to operation of the Library: a
   1. Any form of sale, distribution, petition, or solicitation of any kind, whether personal, commercial, or political.
   2. Posting or distributing unauthorized literature.
   3. Blocking or obstructing any path, throughway, staircase, etc.
   4. Unauthorized speeches of any kind.
4. Disregarding instructions given by Library staff.
5. Harassment, bullying, or threatening behavior.
6. Leaving any person who is not capable of understanding or following Library rules, regardless of reason, unattended while in the Library or on Library grounds.
7. Carrying firearms or any deadly weapons as defined in Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.11 (except by law enforcement officers).

PLYMC assumes no liability for the security of or potential damage to the personal possessions of patrons.

Library Use Policy