Harris County Public Library (“HCPL,” the “Library,” or the “Libraries”) serves as your pathway to knowledge. The Library’s Mission is to enrich lives to strengthen communities. As a space for all, we treat each other with courtesy and respect. To achieve this, a Library Use Policy (the “Policy”) was established to ensure the safety and rights of all our customers. Customers not in compliance with this Policy will be asked to leave the Library premises for a period of time set by Library staff, and, when appropriate, staff members will contact local law enforcement.
Patrons are expected to respect the privacy of others while using the Library, including public computers, WiFi, technology, or equipment, and should avoid viewing or interfering with another person's use.
Disruptive Behavior
Disruptive behavior is defined as behavior that inhibits the welcoming and comfortable use and operations of the Library. Examples of disruptive behavior include excessive noise, the odor of a customer and/or their belongings causing a nuisance to others, stalking, unapproved physical activity, offensive language or behavior based on bias or prejudice, or interactions that impede on another person’s use of the Library.
Viewing or accessing illegal, explicit, or otherwise inappropriate content on Library computers is strictly prohibited. Such content includes, but is not limited to, materials deemed obscene, pornographic, or discriminatory. Violations may result in immediate termination of the session and potential suspension of library privileges.
Due to potential hazards, appropriate clothing and shoes must be worn within Library buildings at all times. Clothing must be appropriate for a public environment.
Illegal Behavior
Violations of Federal or Texas law or local municipal ordinances are absolutely prohibited, including, but not limited to: fighting, obscene behavior, viewing pornography in public, harassment or abuse of staff or customers, disorderly conduct, theft, property damage or destruction, public indecency, public intoxication, displaying a weapon out of holster, or intentionally failing to pay a Library fee or return Library property.
Customers must keep building areas open to accommodate needs related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Any activity on the Library premises must fall within the Harris County Fire Code.
The State of Texas prohibits smoking and vaping in public buildings, including libraries.
All applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations of municipalities where a building is located shall be adhered to during its use. Members of the Library staff will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of violations.
Building Regulations
Harris County regulations govern the use of space in Library buildings. These include but are not limited to the following prohibitions: smoking, interference with the free ingress and egress to the building, and the solicitation or sale of goods or services (other than sales initiated and approved by the Library, foreclosure, sheriffs, and constable's sales or invited vendors). Solicitation, such as advertising or enlisting clients on Library premises, is prohibited unless the entity receives the prior written approval of Harris County Commissioners Court.
The full text of Harris County Building Regulations may be downloaded here.
Children in the Library
Children are welcome in our Libraries and have the same rights as adults. They must also follow the Policy. If they transgress any of the above rules, their parent or guardian will be called to intercede. If a child's behavior necessitates them leaving the Library, and if this leaving could pose a risk to the child, law enforcement may be called as well as the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
The Library does not serve in place of the parent and recommends that children be accompanied by another person responsible for their well-being and behavior.
Sudden emergencies or irregular closures do occur, and in such cases, the Library assumes no responsibility for an unattended child. Parents/caregivers should be sure their children know what to do or where to go when the Library closes. Members of the Library staff will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency for children left unattended after the Library closes. If an unattended child has a medical emergency, the library staff cannot take legal responsibility, other than to call 911.
Suspected child abuse or neglect will be reported to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Animals in the Library
Only service animals are allowed in the Library. Service animals are defined by the ADA as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the service animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls. All service animals must be well-behaved and housebroken. Animals that are disruptive, aggressive, uncontrolled, or pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others may be asked to leave the premises.
The handler is responsible for cleaning up after the animal and for any damage it causes to library property or facilities.
Except as provided above, no animals are permitted in library facilities, other than service animals assisting individuals with disabilities.
Suspension of Privileges
Short Term Suspension (1 Day – 3 months) - For Disruptive Behavior
Disruptive behavior by customers will result in a verbal warning and a request to correct the behavior. Examples of disruptive behavior include but are not limited to harassing others, excessive noise or odor, misuse of Library property, and selling/soliciting.
Continued disruptive behavior will result in a short-term suspension and can lead to long term suspension or permanent suspension.
Long Term Suspension (6 months – Permanent) - For Illegal Behavior
Illegal behavior or conduct that threatens the life or safety of any person or that is damaging to Library property, equipment, or facilities may result in an immediate long term or permanent suspension from the Library premises. Failure to comply with library personnel instructions may result in an immediate suspension from the Library.
A permanent suspension may apply to one or all HCPL Branches depending on the severity of the offense. Examples of illegal behavior include, but are not limited to, abuse/harassment of others, public intoxication, fighting, and refusal to comply with short term suspension.
Examples of behavior that may result in a systemwide suspension include, but are not limited to, threatening language or behavior towards others, using or threatening with a weapon, physical assault, public lewdness, vandalism of library property, and refusal to comply with previous suspensions.
Customers may appeal their suspension of privileges by either submitting a request through the Ask Us page of the HCPL website or through mail to Harris County Public Library Administrative Offices, Attn: Branch Administrative Services, 5749 South Loop East, Houston, TX 77033.
If the customer is a minor, their parent/caregiver will be part of the appeal process. Harris County Public Library administration will respond to the request.