PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment at all Halton Hills Public Library (HHPL) locations. Library patrons and staff have the right to access HHPL without fear of harassment, physical harm, or undue distress. This policy outlines expected behaviours for all users and provides guidance on how library staff will respond to conduct that disrupts library operations or creates an unsafe or unwelcoming environment.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all individuals using HHPL locations, including patrons, visitors, volunteers, and program participants.

DEFINITIONS

• Library Locations: All physical and virtual spaces managed or controlled by HHPL. This includes indoor and outdoor areas, as well as HHPL’s digital platforms used to share information, communicate with the public, and support the exchange of ideas.

• Digital Platforms: Online spaces or tools used by HHPL to share information, communicate with the public, and support the exchange of ideas. This includes the website, social media accounts, virtual program spaces, and other online forums created or managed by HHPL. These spaces include a diversity of perspectives and encourage respectful engagement.

• Shared Facility: A building or space operated in partnership with another organization. Currently, this refers to the Halton Hills Public Library and Cultural Centre, which includes HHPL, Helson Gallery, John Elliott Theatre, and shared common areas.

• Unacceptable Behaviour: Any action that interferes with the safety, comfort, or access of others, or violates HHPL policies or laws.

• Vulnerable Person: A person who may be at increased risk of harm or exploitation because of age, disability, illness, cognitive impairment, or other circumstances (temporary or permanent) that limit their ability to protect their own safety or wellbeing.

  
  

DETAILS

Expected Conduct

While visiting HHPL locations, all individuals are expected to:

• Treat staff, volunteers, and other visitors with respect.

• Handle library materials and property with care.

• Follow directions from library and facility staff.

• Follow all library policies, procedures, and statements.

• Comply with all applicable municipal, provincial, and federal laws.

• Engage respectfully and responsibly on HHPL’s digital platforms.

Unacceptable Behaviour

The following actions are examples of behaviours that are not permitted while using HHPL locations:

• Using threatening, violent, abusive, discriminatory, or harassing language or behaviour.

• Carrying weapons or using any object in a threatening way.

• Using, selling, or preparing alcohol, cannabis, illegal substances or related items, including drug paraphernalia.

• Smoking or vaping on the premises or within 9 metres of entrances.

• Loud noises, disruptive actions, or offensive odours that may cause disturbance.

• Sleeping for prolonged periods.

• Bathing, washing clothes, loitering, or storing items in library washrooms.

• Lying or sitting in a way that blocks access or creates a safety risk.

• Using bicycles, scooters, skates, or similar equipment inside the library.

• Damaging, destroying, or stealing library property.

• Leaving personal items unattended.

• Failing to properly supervise children or vulnerable persons in your care.

• Posting or distributing unapproved materials such as posters, advertisements, or petitions.

• Soliciting, panhandling, selling, or engaging in commercial activity without prior approval from library management.

• Filming, photographing, or recording on library property without written permission from library management.

• Bringing animals, except those trained to assist people with disabilities as defined by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

• Posting or sharing content in HHPL locations that is discriminatory, harassing, unlawful, misleading, or violates privacy or intellectual property rights.

Enforcement and Consequences

Library staff are authorized to respond to violations of this policy. Actions may include:

• Verbal warnings or direction to stop the behaviour.

• Asking individuals to leave the library or shared facility.

• Suspension of library privileges.

• Issuing a formal notice under the Ontario Trespass to Property Act.

• Cost recovery for damages.

• Involvement of police or legal action where appropriate, including prosecution.

• Removal of content and restriction of access from HHPL’s digital platforms for repeat violations

All enforcement will be carried out respectfully and fairly. Staff will explain the reason for any action taken and every effort will be made to de-escalate situations when possible. HHPL values the cooperation of all community members in maintaining a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment.