Library Board Meeting: Policy Changes

Submitted by Ann Decherd

On Monday night, the Library Board approved revisions to two existing policies. 

The Requests to Address the Library Board, formerly Citizen’s Request to Address the Library Board, received the most significant overhaul and discussion, with changes to who can address the Board and the procedures in which they can do so.  

Effective immediately, only Forsyth County residents are allowed to address the Board. The deadline for submitting requests has also been updated. For non-agenda items, residents must submit their request by 12:00 p.m. on the Friday before the Board meeting. However, for items on the agenda, residents can sign up to speak to the Board up to 15 minutes before the meeting starts. While there is no limit on the number of speakers, each speaker is limited to three minutes. If needed, the Board may adjust the time and number of speakers to ensure an efficient meeting.

Also, residents can only discuss topics listed on their forms that fall within the Library Board's jurisdiction. General comments on the materials reconsideration or appeals process are allowed but must follow the appropriate procedure.

Revisions to the second policy, the Library Behavior Policy, formerly the Patron Behavior Policy, were approved effective April 1. While there were no significant changes to the policy's list of unacceptable behaviors, there were some notable changes: 

• The reference to public displays of affection that are disruptive to patrons and library services was removed. The phrase 'public displays of affection' can be open to interpretation. By referring to the violation of Federal, State, or local laws and regulations, staff will have standard wording and definition as written in the Georgia Code's section on Public Indecency § 16-6-8.

• Prolonged sleeping, which can be challenging to monitor, was removed. Staff will routinely address noise concerns such as snoring and medical issues while roaming the library.

• Instead of referencing the Smoking, Food and Drink, and Sanitation policies through wording, we direct patrons to actual policies. In the future, any changes to those policies will not result in having to change the Library Behavior Policy.

Changes to the staff actions addressing the unacceptable behaviors section now include a written warning for repeated offenses. This will involve using a preprinted form, which staff will fill out and issue to the patron at the time of the incident, providing documentation of the warning. The option of barring a juvenile from the library, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, has also been removed.

The final change to the policy adds an appeals process through which suspended patrons may appeal to the Director in writing and then the Board to contest their suspension.

If you have questions about the changes, please email me or discuss them with your supervisor.