Patron Code Of Conduct

The California State Library is open to the public and is expected to be a clean, comfortable, and safe place for selecting materials, reading, researching, studying, writing, and attending Library programs, events and meetings. To this end, the Library has established rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of Library patrons, volunteers, and staff, and to preserve and protect the library’s materials, equipment, and facilities. Special collections sections may have additional policies to adhere to.

The California State Library strives to create a community of kindness, inclusiveness, and safety. In order to create this environment, we respectfully ask that everyone:

Use Our Spaces as Intended

Sleeping, smoking of any kind, including but not limited to vaping/e-cigarettes, consuming alcohol and drug use are not permitted. Restrooms are intended for toilet use and handwashing only. Please enjoy meals and drinks outside.

Be Considerate of Other Library Patrons and Staff Members

Any loud, unnecessary, or unreasonable noise is not allowed and must be taken outside of the library.

Communicate with Respect

Any obscene, harassing, abusive language, gestures or behaviors are not allowed.

Act Responsibly

Violating any law, ordinance or regulation is not allowed. We want our library to be an enjoyable, welcoming place for everyone. Those disrupting the intended use of the library will be asked to leave. Please comply with staff requests.

Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff, security staff, and/or the California Highway Patrol will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Failure to comply with the Library’s established rules could result in removal from the premises and expulsion from the Library for a period of one day or more up to permanently, or in arrest or prosecution. Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including the loss of use of onsite Library computers and other equipment and restriction from using digital services such as email and virtual reference.

Per California Penal Code Section 71, threatening a state employee is unlawful and may result in a fine and/or imprisonment.

  1. Upon a first conviction, you are punished by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the State Prison or in a county jail not exceeding one year, or both such fine and imprisonment.
  2. If you have been previously convicted of a violation of this section, you are punishable by imprisonment in the State prison.

Please Use Library Spaces as Intended

Sleeping, smoking, consuming alcohol, or drug use is not permitted. Restrooms are intended for toilet use and handwashing only. Food and drinks are not permitted in the reading rooms, please enjoy meals and drinks outside.

  • Keep your belongings near you; unattended items are not permitted. The State Library is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
  • Enjoy roller and wheeled sports outside; bikes belong outside.
  • Large items reduce the overall space for library enjoyment and present safety hazards; average maximum size should not exceed 18″ X 15″ or overall 32″.
  • Wheeled transportation for adults and children are acceptable.
  • Keep entries, exits and aisles open.
  • Take care of library property, computers, and materials for the enjoyment of everyone. Ask library staff for help when needed.
  • Furniture is not to be moved.
  • Restrooms are for handwashing and toilet use only.
  • You need to stay awake for your safety.
  • Phone, chat, email, and virtual reference services are intended for providing information and connecting patrons with Library resources. Please ensure that inquiries are related to your research need.

Please Be Considerate of Other Library Patrons and Staff Members

Loud and unreasonable noise must be taken outside of the library.

  • All phone conversations should be at a volume that doesn’t disturb others, and phone notifications should be set to silent. Headphones are required while listening to music or videos.
  • Please maintain a level of hygiene that does not emit strong, pervasive odors, including odors caused by perfume or cologne that unreasonably interfere with library users or staff comfort, safety, use, or peaceful enjoyment of the library.
  • Shoes and clothing are required. Indecent exposure is prohibited.
  • Please comply with the POL-5003 Photography, Filming, and Videography policy.

Please Communicate with Respect

Inappropriate, obscene, harassing, abusive language or gestures are not allowed.

  • Our staff are here to help you. Please ask for assistance.
  • Please respect fellow library users when you communicate or interact with them.
  • Noise, language, and gestures deemed to be offensive are prohibited, as they detract from others’ library experience and enjoyment and interfere with Library operations.
  • Feedback regarding Library services and collections is welcome but should be offered in a respectful manner. Personal insults will not be tolerated.

Please Act Responsibly

Violating any law, ordinance, or regulation is not allowed. We want our libraries to be a welcoming place for everyone. Those disrupting the intended use of the library may be asked to leave. Loss of privileges for policy violators may temporarily cause loss of access to the library and library privileges.

Permanent revocation of access and privileges may result if after an investigation conducted by library staff, it is deemed necessary for the safety and well-being of the library and others. Illegal acts involving library resources may also be subject to prosecution of the violator by local, state or federal authorities.

  • We want children to be safe. Please keep them under your care. Children under the age of 14 need to be supervised by an adult caregiver.
  • Please respect one another; concerns about fellow library patrons should be addressed to library staff only.
  • Violating any law, ordinance or regulation is not allowed; including library policies. Weapons of any kind are not allowed in the library including but not limited to firearms, knives, explosives. Security personnel will take action and law enforcement may be summoned when any of the following occur: threating staff or other patrons; physical assault; tampering with library equipment; engaging in sexual activity; report of weapon; smoking, use of tobacco products; behavior that demonstrates a person being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs; and refusal to follow all library rules.
  • Engaging in sexual activity of any kind is not allowed.
  • We love animals, but only service animals defined under the law are allowed inside.
  • Soliciting and panhandling are unlawful and are not allowed in or near the library reading rooms.

All bags and other articles are subject to inspection by security and/or other authorized personnel.