Hayward Public Library provides diverse programming and resources, supports personal and educational growth, inspires creativity, and contributes to the health and success of a thriving Hayward. The Library provides a welcoming environment and a wide array of resources, services, and community learning spaces. The Code of Conduct protects the safety and rights of library patrons, staff, and volunteers, while ensuring the preservation of library materials and facilities. Library staff have been authorized to enforce this Code of Conduct in all Hayward Library facilities, parking areas, and surrounding grounds.

Behavior or conduct that disrupts or prevents the normal and intended use of the Library, or that threatens the safety of any person, is prohibited by adults and minors, regardless of whether the behavior is in-person, over the phone, or via electronic communication. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to:

Threatening, violent, or illegal behavior: Any person who violates one or more of these rules will be asked to leave immediately and will be excluded from all Hayward Public Library premises for a minimum of 6 months. Any illegal activity will be immediately reported to law enforcement.

1. Bringing firearms or other weapons into the Library in violation of California Penal Code Section 171b, which prohibits bringing weapons including firearms, knives with blade length in excess of four inches, stun guns/tasers, tear gas, and other metallic projectile instruments into any state or local public buildings, including public libraries. Exemptions from this prohibition are recognized for Law Enforcement.

2. Engaging in physical altercations including fighting, challenging others to fights, or using offensive words which are inherently likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction. California Penal Code Section 415.

3. Engaging in acts of sexual misconduct, including indecent exposure, sexual contact and sexual intercourse, and/or exhibiting lewd or lascivious behavior. California Penal Code section 314. California Penal Code Section 647.

Disruptive or unsafe behavior: Any person who violates one or more of these rules will be asked to leave the library for a minimum of 30 days and may be excluded from all Hayward Public Library premises for an extended period.  

1. Using obscene or threatening language or words otherwise likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction. California Penal Code Section 415. California Penal Code Section 422. 

2. Destroying, defacing, damaging, altering or soiling library property, furniture, equipment or materials, or the property of library patrons. California Penal Code Section 594.

3. Theft of library property or the property of library patrons. To prevent the theft of Library materials, state law authorizes the detention for a reasonable period of any person using these facilities when there is probable cause to believe that the person being detained is unlawfully removing Library materials from the premises. Staff has legal authority to conduct a limited and reasonable search of purses, bags, parcels, briefcases and other packages if a patron does not voluntarily surrender unlawfully removed Library materials. California Penal Code Section 490.5.

4. Creating a health and safety hazard through depositing bodily fluids on library collections, equipment, or furnishings or through introducing pests including but not limited to bedbugs, cockroaches, fleas, or other pests in library materials, personal belongings, clothing, or service animals. California Penal Code Section 370.

5. Use of illegal or recreational drugs including alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis, including smoking, vaping, or use of e-cigarettes. California Government Code Section 7597(a). California Health and Safety Code Section 11375.

6. Entering staff areas without authorization, refusing to leave library premises when asked, or entering or remaining inside library facilities before or after posted hours of operation. California Penal Code Section 602.1.

Behavior that interferes with library operations: Any person who violates one or more of these rules will be given the chance to correct their behavior. If the behavior is not changed, person will be asked to leave the library and may be excluded from all Hayward Public Library premises for an extended period.

1. Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children and dependent adults. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure their children's safety, welfare, and appropriate behavior while in the Library and on Library grounds. Library staff does not act in loco parentis and is not responsible for the direct supervision, safety or welfare of any child.

2. An adult being in an area designated for children or teens if not accompanied by a child or teen or not appropriately using the collection. While everyone is welcome to browse for materials, seating in the Children’s area is reserved for children and families, and seating in the Teen room is limited to teens aged 13-17 and accompanying adults.

3. Viewing or displaying inappropriate or sexually explicit material that is visible to other patrons or staff, on Library or personal computers or devices. Use of Library computers and Wi-Fi is further subject to the Computer Use Policy.

4. Bringing bicycles, scooters, or other similar devices into the library, except for wheelchairs or walkers that are actively being used to assist persons with disabilities and strollers that are actively being used to transport children or infants. Motorized mobility devices must not travel faster than typical pedestrian speeds. Skateboards, roller blades, or other similar devices are permitted inside library facilities if they are carried, not ridden.

5. Bringing in excessive, over-sized or bulky personal items such as 4-wheeled carts, large suitcases or luggage, large duffle bags or trash bags.

6. Presenting offensive and pervasive odors, including but not limited to food, scented body products or excessive perfume, smoke, and personal property.

7. Creating any unreasonable noise which disturbs other patrons or staff. Please use headphones set at a reasonable level when listening to audio on electronic devices.

8. Failing to follow the reasonable direction of a Library staff member, intentionally monopolizing staff time to the exclusion of others, or engaging in any other behavior or activity that prevents or hinders Library employees in the performance of their duties.

9. Harassing behavior toward any person in the library, including but not limited to staring, stalking, lurking, or repeated unwanted personal and/or embarrassing questions or attention, or photographing or recording without consent.

10. Soliciting or asking for money, donations, or signatures, or the distribution or posting of any printed materials except at authorized Library fundraising events or through authorized library procedures subject to the Community Information Board Policy.

11. Consuming or possessing food or beverages outside of designated areas or not in approved containers. 

12. Using another patron’s library card and/or account number for any purpose, including to access Library computers or services.

13. Failing to wear adequate clothing, including top, bottom and shoes.

14. Lying down or sleeping on Library premises.

15. Storing personal belongings on Library property or leaving personal belongings unattended. Library staff will not monitor unattended property and is not responsible for lost or stolen property.

16. Bringing animals, other than service animals assisting people with disabilities, inside library facilities or within 10 feet of any door. Service animals recognized under Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and under California laws protecting the use of service dogs are permitted in the library. Emotional support animals and other pets are not permitted.

Any repetition of offences beyond the 3rd time, or of an assortment of more than 3 offences by one individual within a period of 18 months may result in an indefinite or even permanent suspension of Library-use privileges which will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Suspension periods for minors may be adjusted at the discretion of Library staff.

Suspensions of privileges may be appealed by contacting the Library Director as explained in the suspension of privileges notice, though it will continue to be enforced during the appeal process.

Updated 10/27/25