The City Manager has promulgated these rules for the use of all City of Long Beach Libraries in accordance with the Long Beach Municipal Code. Such rules are formulated to ensure that the libraries and meeting facilities serve their primary purposes, including, the provision of an orderly environment in which people may read, study, use library materials and equipment, and participate in library or community programs.

The Rules of Conduct ensure that the rights of patrons, volunteers, and staff are preserved, and library property is protected. These Rules shall apply in all buildings, interior and exterior, and all grounds controlled and operated by the Long Beach Public Library. Individuals who do not comply with the Library Rules of Conduct or with the requests of Library staff or security personnel to modify their behavior to comply with these Rules may be required to leave the Library property, be subject to arrest, or be subject to other lawful action.

Level One

Patron is expected to comply or leave the premises. Library privileges may be suspended for 3 months for non-compliance or repeat offenses.

1. No adults in areas designated for youth unless accompanied by a youth or if the adult needs to access youth collections.
2. No unauthorized use of others’ library cards or account numbers.
3. No behaviors, including unreasonable noise, which disrupts other library users.
4. No monopolizing library space or resources to the exclusion of others.
5. No blocking aisles, doorways, stairways, elevators and ramps.
6. No bringing in items that are larger than 26” x 24” x 14” in aggregate.
7. No leaving any personal items unattended.
8. No use of roller skates, scooters, skateboards, bicycles, etc. No improper storage of micromobility vehicles (for example, bicycles, e-bicycles, powered scooters) on railings or inside the library.
9. No eating or drinking except in designated areas. Drinks with spill-proof lids are permitted.
10. No entering the Library without sufficient clothing. Patrons must wear tops, bottoms and shoes.
11. No entering the Library with personal hygiene/odor that is a nuisance to others.
12. No inappropriate use of library technology as defined in the Internet Usage Policy.
13. No lying on the floor or furniture or otherwise using library furniture, fixtures, or space not as intended.
14. No personal grooming, including bathing, shaving, shampooing, doing laundry or tending to other hygiene practices in or outside the library’s restrooms.
15. No posting or distributing unauthorized printed materials, for example, business advertisements and religious or political flyers.
16. No photographing or filming people without their consent, or for media or commercial purposes without prior permission from Library Administration.
17. No soliciting.
18. No leaving children under the age of 10 or dependent adults unattended.
19. No bringing animals other than service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) into the library.

Level Two

Library privileges may be suspended for up to 1 year.

20. No smoking or vaping.
21. No interfering with Library employees in the performance of their duties, and/or not following any reasonable instruction by a staff member or security.
22. No exhibiting signs of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons.

Level Three

Library privileges will be suspended for up to 1 year.

23. No intimidating, harassing, or threatening patrons, staff, or volunteers, including but not limited to staring, stalking, lurking, repeating unwanted personal or embarrassing questions, unwanted attention of a sexual nature, actual or implied threats of bodily harm, and discriminatory remarks about a person’s physical appearance, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
24. No trespassing in non-public areas; no being inside library facilities without the permission of an authorized library employee before or after library operating hours.
25. No physical fighting.
26. No weapons or large items that could be used as weapons such as golf clubs, wooden staffs, or baseball bats.
27. No sexual conduct or lewd acts.
28. No theft or attempted theft of library property.
29. No destroying or defacing library property.
30. No consuming drugs or alcohol on library property.
31. No engaging in any activity that violates federal, state, and local laws.

Minors in violation of the Rules of Conduct may have their library privileges suspended and every effort will be made by Library staff to contact a parent or caregiver. Duration of suspension will be determined on a case-by-case basis by Library Administration.

Library Suspension Appeals

Library patrons who have received a written notice of suspension of library privileges may appeal the decision within seven (7) days from the start of suspension by submitting a copy of a Request for Appeal of Library Suspension form (PDF). Copies of the form are available at all library locations and must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office within seven (7) days of the start of suspension. Individuals unable to participate in a written process may contact Library Administration by phone at (562) 570-7500 to inform them of the desire to file an appeal.

The appeal will be reviewed by the City Manager or their designee. Notice of the hearing date will be served to the person subject to suspension at least five (5) business days before the hearing. If the Library does not have access to the person’s mailing address, the scheduled time for their appeal hearing will be available at the first-floor security desk at Billie Jean King Main Library. The suspension of library privileges will remain in effect during the appeal process. The decision on whether to uphold the suspension will be made within thirty (30) days. If the patron wishes to appeal the decision of the City Manager or their designee, they may file an appeal to the City Council within ten (10) business days.