Patron Behavior and Library Usage
To protect all library users’ right to access library facilities, to ensure the safety of patrons and staff, and to protect library resources and facilities from damage, reasonable restrictions and appropriate safeguards to library access are outlined below. All visitors to the library are expected to follow local, state, and federal laws. Any violations of the law will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
We ask for your cooperation in maintaining an atmosphere that is conducive to study and pleasant use of the library. Any person found to be in violation of one or more of the library rules and regulations may be asked to leave the library and could be banned from future library use. Failure to comply with a request to leave the premises will result in the filing of trespassing charges with local law enforcement.
The following prohibited activities, conduct, and conditions are for the protection and comfort of library visitors and staff:
- Harassment - physical, sexual or verbal abuse of other library users or staff
- Abuse or destruction of library facilities, equipment or materials
- Noisy, unruly, or offensive behavior - including excessively loud cellphone conversations or ring tones
- Intoxicated behavior
- Possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs
- Loitering
- Soliciting, panhandling, begging
- Stalking
- Use of tobacco (including Electronic Vapor and e-cigarettes) within the building or on city property
- Inappropriate displays of affection
- Sleeping
- Excessive body odor or extremely unclean clothing
- Bathing, washing clothes, shaving, or cutting hair
- Wearing skates, cleats, or other inappropriate attire (Shoes and shirts are required.)
- Using wheels on shoes (such as with Heelys)
- All other offenses which are subject to prosecution under criminal or civil code of law.
The following may not be brought into the library:
- Open containers of drinks and food
- Oversized bags, backpacks, bedrolls, suitcases, or other containers; stacked luggage or excessive number of bags
- Pets (except service animals)
- Weapons (except by law enforcement officers)
- Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards
COVERED drinks and snack foods may be allowed in some parts of the library as long as no damage is incurred. Lids must have screw tops and food must leave minimal mess. No food or drink will be allowed in the stacks, Genealogy, or around computers.
Unattended Children
Library staff cannot assume responsibility for children left unattended in the library.
- For safety reasons and the child’s protection, children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older at all times.
- If a child is still on library premises when the library closes for the day, an attempt will be made to contact a parent or guardian.
- If a parent or guardian has not been located within twenty minutes, the Miami Police Department will be contacted.
- A police officer will take the unattended child to the police station, and a J.S.U. worker will be contacted to come and pick up the child.
Services offered at Miami Public Library
Printing/Copies:
- Black & White - $0.10
- Color - $0.25
Faxing:
- $1.00 per page
- $1.00 per call for Long-Distance
- $1.00 for cover sheet
Notary:
- $5.00 per Notary (By appointment)
Free Online Services
Computer & Laptop Use & Wi-Fi - computers turn off 15 minutes before close
By using the library computer/Wi-Fi, you are agreeing to our Computer Use Policy
Services Included with an Active MPL Card
Circulation Materials - Books, Audiobooks, DVDs, Health-to-go (Health Literacy), Hotspots, Games, CD Players, and more
Genealogy - Research local history and begin your family tree research
Electronic Resources - Access eBooks, eAudio, magazines, newspapers, reading challenges, and more!
