Patron Conduct Policy

The Law Library is a place for the public to conduct legal research and writing. Patrons are to engage in behavior that is respectful and does not interfere with the rights of other patrons to use the Law Library and its resources. By entering the library, patrons agree to comply with the Patron Conduct Policy and all applicable laws, codes, and policies.

Prohibited Behavior

1. Any behavior that directly or indirectly violates or restricts the rights of other patrons to use the law library or the ability of law library personnel to serve the public.
2. Disturbing other patrons by inappropriate behavior, including but not limited to, harassing other patrons or staff, unwanted physical contact, causing the discomfort of another person, engaging in noisy or boisterous activities, making gestures at others, playing audio equipment so that others can hear it, and singing or talking loudly.
3. Combative or threatening behavior towards other patrons or staff.
4. Any behavior that could compromise the safety of themselves or others.
5. Lying down, dozing, or sleeping.
6. Damaging library materials, furniture, equipment, or other property.
7. Possessing a weapon in the law library.
8. The sale or possession of alcoholic beverages or drugs.
9. Soliciting donations of money or anything of value, and/or selling or taking orders for anything of value (prohibited by Washoe County Code 80.520).
10. Using skateboards, bicycles, scooters, roller shoes, roller skates or rollerblades. Bicycles shall be parked outside of the courthouse. Law enforcement officers may be exempt from this rule.
11. Bringing shopping carts, bedrolls, multiple or cumbersome carrying cases into the law library.
12. Patrons shall not enter the library without appropriate clothing, including shoes.
13. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive shall be required to leave the law library.
14. Patrons must be courteous when using a cell phone. Law Library personnel may request any patron discontinue use of their cell phone or step outside the library for the duration of the call, with or without reason.
15. No child under fourteen years of age may be left unattended in any area of the library. Children under fourteen must be supervised by a caregiver who is able to attend to the child’s safety and ensure appropriate behavior. Exceptions may be made in individual cases at the discretion of library management. The Washoe County Law Library and the library staff do not have custodial responsibility, and cannot assume liability, for unattended children. If a child under fourteen is found to be unattended in the library, staff will attempt to find the child’s parent/guardian. If the staff cannot locate a parent/guardian, law enforcement officials will be notified.

Policy Enforcement

Law Library personnel may exclude any patron at any time for violation of this policy.

Violation of these regulations may result in the suspension of Library privileges and/or intervention by Law Enforcement.