The Boulder Public Library: Creating a Comfortable Environment for Everyone

Boulder police begin patrolling library to address criminal activity, disruptive behavior.  (Boulder Daily Camera, 1/20/2015)

Among the issues:

• Library officials said people smoking outside the main library refused to leave or stop smoking when asked by staff members. 
• There were physical altercations between patrons, and, in one instance, a library staff member was physically assaulted by a patron. 
• Bathing in the bathroom, drug and alcohol use and other generally disruptive behaviors were common this winter. 

Many times, people violating library rules or potentially breaking the law escalated the situation. 

"My staff is really very kind," said David Farnan, library and arts director. "We want to be welcoming to everybody. But an issue where you say, 'I'm sorry, you're disturbing other patrons by doing this. Could you please stop it?' immediately escalated to where the person is challenging the rules, challenging the person and becoming belligerent."

Boulder Public Library Rules of Conduct.  (Latest revision:  October 8, 2014)

Related post:
New rules of conduct go into effect.  (12/31/2012)
Walking it back.  (1/11/2013)