It is a patron’s responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior to protect his/her individual rights and the rights and privileges of other patrons.  If a patron creates a public nuisance, that patron may be restricted from the library and from the use of the library facilities.  Those who are unwilling to leave or do not leave within a reasonable amount of time, after being instructed to do so by the staff, will be subject to the law.

Failure to comply with proper standards of behavior will result in:

1st offense: Loss of library privileges for 60 days. Parents/guardians of minors will be notified, and if the offender is an adult and the Wisconsin Statutes have been violated, the proper authorities will be notified.

2nd offense: Loss of library privileges for 6 months. Parents/guardians of minors will be notified, and if the offender is an adult and the Wisconsin Statutes have been violated, the proper authorities will be notified.

Any further violations: May lead to permanent loss of library privileges, including the right to visit the building and grounds. Repeat offenders or persons ordered from the premises who do not comply may be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespassing.

Young children

The Mercer Public Library encourages visits by young children and it is our desire to make this important visit both memorable and enjoyable for the child.  Library staff is not expected to assume the responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the library.  Therefore, it is library policy that all children under age six must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the library.  Also, if the young child is attending a library program, we require the parent/responsible person to remain in the library throughout the program.  Parents, whether present or absent, are ultimately responsible for the behavior of the child.

Disruptive children

Children of all ages are encouraged to use the library for homework, recreational reading, and program attendance.  The library staff realizes that the library will be noisier at busy times and that children by nature can cause more commotion.  However, children (whether with parents or not) who are being continually disruptive will be given a warning that they must settle down or will be asked to leave the library.  If after a second warning a child continues to be disruptive, he/she will be asked to leave the library.  If the child needs to contact a parent, he/she may do so and then wait with a staff person until the parent arrives.