Rules of Conduct

Pursuant to Section 9.48.080 of the Cerritos Municipal Code, these Rules of Conduct have been established to provide patrons with good service and an environment that is safe, orderly, and conducive to study and research.

The following are prohibited at the Cerritos Library:

1. Engaging in any activity prohibited by law.
2. Disruptive or unsafe behavior including, but not limited to, interfering with Library employees in the performance of their duties, obstructing or intimidating patrons of the Library, or entering non-public areas without authorization.
3. Using loud, abusive, threatening, or insulting language.
4. Sexual activity or misconduct, such as exposure or threatening touching.
5. Activities or behaviors that results or may result in injury or harm to any Library patron or staff member, including, but not limited to, challenging another person to fight or engaging in any fight. Weapons of any kind are prohibited on Library property.
6. Activities or behavior that damage or may result in damage to Library property, including, but not limited to, placing feet on furniture, moving furniture, and making any attempts to damage or alter records, documents, computer equipment, or software configurations.
7. Using the Library’s computers for unauthorized copying or downloading of copyrighted material.
8. Activities that jeopardize the Library’s ability to provide Internet access to the public.
9. Eating, drinking, or displaying open food or liquid containers, except in areas designated for those purposes and/or when served with prior approval of the Library. Bottled water and water in spill-proof containers are allowed.
10. Sleeping.
11. Misusing Library restrooms or water fountains (including bathing and shaving, washing clothes or spitting).
12. Smoking or using tobacco products in the Library or within the Cerritos Civic Center.
13. Animals, except for trained service animals.
14. Bicycles, shopping carts, or other large wheeled conveyances. Wheelchairs, strollers, and other mobility devices are permitted only if being used for the transport of an adult or child. Skates, skateboards and collapsible scooters must be carried while on Library premises and left at the Security Office while the patron is in the Library.
15. Disruptive noise, including, but not limited to, the use of cell phones, pagers, headphones, audio, electronic, and other communication devices, that disturbs other patrons.
16. Staring at, or following, a patron in a manner that reasonably can be expected to disturb him or her, including photographing, audio recording, or filming persons without prior approval from a senior staff member.
17. Using the Library if one’s bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to others.
18. Refusing to leave after the Library has closed.
19. Obstructing stairways, aisles, or doorways with personal belongings.
20. Children under the age of 13 in the Library who are unaccompanied by a parent or guardian.
21. Soliciting or distributing or posting printed material inside the Library without permission from the City of Cerritos.

In Addition:

The Library is not responsible for children who are left unattended in or on the grounds of the Library. Misconduct or misuse of Library property on the part of juveniles will be reported to their parents or legal guardians.

The Library is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen or damaged in or on the grounds of the Library.

Library users may be asked to present book bags and briefcases for inspection. By entering the Library, users are agreeing to pass through a security system at the entrance/exit and to have items visually inspected before leaving the Library (Penal Code § 490.5).

Patrons shall wear garments covering the upper and lower torso of their bodies. Shoes must be worn at all times.

Enforcement

The above enumerated rules are not intended to be a complete list of violations, but are intended for guidance only. Library staff and/or local law enforcement officers are authorized to expel persons who, advised of the regulations above, fail to comply with them. Such personnel also reserve the right to take appropriate action(s) against any other behavior which can reasonably be deemed to be disruptive or offensive to Library patrons or staff.

The Cerritos Library reserves the right to restrict the use of its facilities and premises from persons who do not abide by these Rules of Conduct. Failure to comply with these Rules of Conduct or any other policy may result in (i) a verbal warning, (ii) expulsion from the Library, (iii) suspension of borrowing privileges, (iv) revocation of Library privileges (e.g. denial of access to all Library services and facilities), and/or (v) arrest and prosecution under Penal Code Section 602.1(b) and the Cerritos Municipal Code Section 9.48.080.

Minor violations such as eating, creating disruptive noise, or obstructing stairways, aisles, or doors with personal belongings may result in an expulsion of up to one (1) day, while moderate violations such as misusing Library restrooms or water fountains may result in an expulsion of up to six (6) months. Severe violations such as illegal activities or sexual misconduct may result in an expulsion of up to one (1) year. Repeated violations may result in longer expulsion periods, as determined by Library staff.

Appeal of Suspension

Anyone who has been suspended from library use may challenge the suspension. To request a review of the suspension, obtain a copy of the Request for Appeal of Library Suspension Form from the City of Cerritos Community Safety Division located in the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station at 18135 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703. Complete the Form and deliver it to the City of Cerritos Community Safety Division within seven (7) days of the start of the suspension. The written appeal will be reviewed by the Hearing Officer within 30 business days of the receipt of the request for an appeal. The suspension will remain in effect during the appeal process. The Hearing Officer’s decision is final. (Cerritos Municipal Code § 9.48.080(e).)