Code of Conduct

Last Updated: 05/10/2024

The City of Denison staff is committed to providing the best possible customer service in an open and inviting atmosphere and the City of Denison Library Code of Conduct is designed to ensure this atmosphere is maintained at all times.

Violations of the City of Denison Library Code of Conduct may result in the expulsion of individuals from City premises, criminal prosecution, or both.

In keeping with the City's commitment to customer service and the provision of a safe and inviting atmosphere, the following guidelines are set forth to define those activities that are inappropriate for our users and are prohibited. City staff will enforce these guidelines in a consistent and impartial manner.

The following are expressly prohibited:

Prohibited behaviors under the Texas Penal Code:

• Recklessly damaging or destroying City property, including any personal property of the building (Texas Penal Code §28.04)
• Gambling in any form on City property. (Texas Penal Code § 47.02)
• Making offensive gestures, cursing or using obscene, abusive, profane or threatening language. (Texas Penal Code § 42.01)
• Displaying or distributing obscene material. (Texas Penal Code § 43.22 and § 43.24)
• Engaging in acts of sexual misconduct, including, but not limited to, indecent exposure, sexual contact and sexual intercourse. (Texas Penal Code § 21.07 and 21.08)
• Stalking other customers or staff including looking into an area, such as a restroom, that is designed to provide privacy to a person using the area. (Texas Penal Code § 42.01 and § 42.072)
• Exhibiting signs of being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. (Texas Penal Code § 49.02)
• Displaying firearms or other deadly weapons on City property in a manner calculated to alarm. Exemptions from this prohibition are recognized for Law Enforcement Officers and individuals licensed to carry handguns in accordance with state law. (Texas Penal Code § 42.01 and § 30.06e)
• Engaging in physical altercations including assaults and fighting. (Texas Penal Code § 22.01)

Prohibited behaviors under the Denison City Code

• Smoking, including but not limited to, the use of a lighted pipe, cigar or electronic cigarettes, or using tobacco products of any kind in City buildings. (Denison City Ordinance  §11-11 and §11-27)
• Littering. (Denison City Ordinance §13-26.)
• Sleeping in public buildings, alley ways, doorways, vehicles or sidewalks. (Denison City Ordinance  § 11-9)
• Consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages on City property. (Denison City Code § 21-125)

The following behaviors are prohibited if in the clear judgment of City staff, on a case-by-case basis, they disrupt the environment for other users of the facilities:

• Conversing, laughing, or otherwise talking or shouting in a loud and disruptive manner, banging on computer keyboards or disruptively using devices, including cell phones, CD players, MP3 players, walkie-talkies, PDAs, laptop computers or any other instruments. (Making sounds that are considered loud or disruptive when they are clearly audible from a distance of 3 feet by any other building user or staff member.) Sound generating, or amplification devices employed by building staff or used by persons with the authorization of building staff for authorized events are exempt from this prohibition.
• Using City buildings for other than their intended purpose, including: loitering, sleeping, changing clothes, bathing (except for washing hands or face), shampooing, shaving, washing clothes or utensils, preparing meals or food, or personal grooming unless it is considered appropriate for an approved activity. Changing clothes in building bathrooms and applying makeup is permitted in preparation for a city-approved program or event with express permission of City staff.
• Bare feet and bathing suits or clothing that does not cover both upper and lower torso is prohibited in public areas unless it is considered appropriate for an approved activity.
• Introducing any animals, insects or other living organisms into City buildings without express permission of the City staff, with the exception of service animals, such as seeing-eye dogs or other guide-trained animals.
• Using wheeled recreational devices such as skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, bicycles, and scooters in or on City property, except in designated areas.
• Entering, or attempting to enter City buildings possessing such defects of bodily hygiene as impairs a clean and sanitary environment, as it is intended for enjoyment of the building. This includes individuals whose neglect of bodily hygiene gives offense and therefore constitutes a nuisance to others and staff.
• Entering into or remaining in City buildings while emitting odors (including bodily odors or perfumes), which interfere with the use of services by other users or the work of staff.
• Entering into City buildings with large framed backpacks, bedrolls, blanket rolls, or more than three grocery-sized paper or plastic bags or parcels. Personal belongings including purses or cell phones must not impede access to doors, services or materials. Customers must keep personal belongings with them at all times. The City is not responsible for unattended personal belongings.
• No soliciting or proselytizing on City property, except as authorized. No panhandling at any time.
• Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children.
• Using areas for any activities, other than their intended purpose.
• Physically blocking aisles, exits, or entrances, including sitting or lying down in them.
• Moving, altering, or rearranging furniture or equipment; altering the configuration or settings of electronic equipment without the authorization of staff; or otherwise using furniture or equipment for other than its intended purpose.
• Using electronic equipment in excess of posted duration limits if other customers or staff are waiting to use the equipment.
• Assembling more than two people around a computer if it creates a disturbance to others.
• Use of parking lot before or after hours of operation or for performing non-emergency automotive repairs or maintenance at any time.
• Engaging in any other activity that disturbs normal activities and/or the environment for other users and City staff.
• Entering or remaining in a City building before or after posted hours of operation without the express permission of the Department Director or Director's designee.
• Entering into staff work areas not open to the public.

City Ordinance 11-22, 11-23

The Denison Public Library is required to follow city ordinance 11-22, 11-23 regarding sex offender prohibitions, which states it is unlawful and an offense for a sex offender to go in, or within 1,000 feet of a school, child care facility, child care institution, park or playground, or other places defined as a child safety zone (which is what the Denison Public Library is defined as).  Check out privileges are not affected; however, they must be performed online or by phone.  The materials will be delivered through our curbside service.  Card renewals or payment for damaged or lost materials may be done inside the library building at the help desk but no lingering inside the building is allowed after your business has concluded.  You may also use the online services we offer through our website.