[Libs-Or] Loitering at public libraries

[Cindy Gibbon]

People have a constitutional right to come to public libraries (we're a
limited public forum), so during open hours,  it would be tough to defend
any kind of no-loitering policy.  Ideally, you'd figure out how to engage
these teens in some kind of library programming, volunteer work, something
positive.  That takes resources, of course, so its a longer-term solution.
Maybe your Friends group could figure out how to help support that.  A
community that has no place for its teens after school is a community with
a big problem that needs a community solution.

Is the issue that the teens are blocking access to the building or engaging
in some kind of problematic behavior?  Those issues can be managed with
behavior rules if that is really the problem, but just making and enforcing
new rules will simply set up an adversarial relationship that won't be good
for the library or for these kids. Can you work with them to find a way for
them to hang out at the library without keeping other people from getting
in?

Are some of your Friends members just plain uncomfortable with teens?
Perhaps there's a way to set up options for positive inter-generational
interactions?

Just brainstorming here in hopes of coming up with some ideas that might
help....
*Cindy*

*Cindy Gibbon*
*Director of Policy and Special Projects*
My schedule: Monday through Friday
Multnomah County Library
503.988.5496
multcolib.org

Pronouns:  She, her, hers





On Mon, Jun 17, 2019 at 1:16 PM Erickson, Doug <derickson at westlinnoregon.gov>
wrote:

> Dear Kathy,
>
> It may depend on if you have an ordinance in your city code that pertains
> to loitering in public places. It looks like you City ( see below-*9.16.040
> - Immoral practices*.)  does not have one specifically addresses “public
> places” – It looks like the code only addresses taverns, nightclubs, and
> cabaret’s, and drinking. You might check with your local law enforcement
> agency for clarification. I hope this helps in some small way.
>
> Best,
>
> -Doug
>
> *9.16.040 - Immoral practices.*
>
> A.
>
> Peeping. No person shall go upon the premises of another at night and peer
> through a door or window.
>
> B.
>
> No person shall frequent, loiter, or be employed in any tavern, cabaret,
> or nightclub for the purpose of soliciting a person to purchase drinks. No
> proprietor of any such establishment shall allow the presence in such
> establishment of any person who violates the provisions of this subsection.
> This subsection shall not apply to persons regularly employed as bartenders
> and waiters.
>
>
> https://library.municode.com/or/boardman/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CD_ORD_TIT9PUPEMOWE_CH9.16OFAGPUPEDE_9.16.040IMPR
>
>
>
> *From: *Libs-Or <libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us> on behalf of "
> kstreet at otld.org" <kstreet at otld.org>
> *Date: *Monday, June 17, 2019 at 12:59 PM
> *To: *"libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us" <
> libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>
> *Subject: *[Libs-Or] Loitering at public libraries
>
>
>
> Please help me out with this disagreement with my Friends group. The
> Friends group would like us to post a No Loitering sign on the front steps
> of the library. We have kids gathering and using it as an outdoor teen
> area. Since we have no room in the building. My question: I told them we
> are not allowed to post no loitering since we are a public building. Am I
> incorrect in this?
>
>
>
> Kathy Street
>
> kstreet at otld.org
>
> Library Director
>
> Oregon Trail Library District
>
> 200 S Main St
>
> Boardman, OR 97818
>
> 541-481-3365
>
> Website: oregontrail.ploud.net
>
> Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/OTLDlibraries
>
>
>
> PUBLIC RECORDS LAW DISCLOSURE: This e-mail is subject to the State
> Retention Schedule and may be made available to the public.
>
> [image: cid:image003.jpg at 01D5250C.65202B60]
>
>
>
> *Doug Erickson*
> *Library Director*
> Library
>
> 1595 Burns St.
> West Linn, Oregon 97068
> derickson at westlinnoregon.gov
> westlinnoregon.gov
> 503-742-6165
> <http://westlinnoregon.gov>
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>
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