The Long Beach Public Library has codified its rules, which include behaviors that may result in suspension, the city council unanimously approved Tuesday night.
Long Beach public libraries have longstanding codes of conduct, like many other library systems in the nation. The City Library rules were last updated in 2019, and this most recent update includes a process to appeal a suspension.
The ordinance at Tuesday night’s city council meeting only had two residents speak during public comment. Both residents said they were opposed to the update, arguing that the rules “criminalize homelessness” due to rules surrounding odors and items brought into the library.
“… I don’t believe we should keep the public library as an institution that can only be used by people that are not poor,” a resident who did not state her name said to the council. “Poverty is not a moral failing, poverty is not violence and poverty does not threaten.”
The City Library rules include:
- Disruptive behavior
- Noise
- Offensive odors
- Health and sanitation hazards
- Bringing possessions
- Bringing possessions, materials or objects into the library or facility which are likely to interfere with the library’s use by others
“Suspending privileges of visitation is only something we do as a last resort,” said Cathy De Leon, director of library services. “It’s necessary because ultimately we need to protect our patrons and staff.”
In 2023, Long Beach libraries reported 446 “incidents” through its internal reporting system, and suspended 131 people from entering various libraries throughout the city.
Consequences for rule violations vary depending on the severity of the situation, with a minimum of one day and a maximum of one year. A person can appeal their suspension to the City Manager, and if the City Manager upholds the suspension, they can appeal the case to the City Council.
In September 2022, the City closed the Billie Jean King Main Library, the largest library in the city, due to safety and security concerns from the staff. The library was shut down for multiple weeks. The Mark Twain Neighborhood Library also shut down in July to address mental health and safety issues regarding the staff.
The rules state that they may not “unreasonably or unfairly restrict access to libraries or facilities by any person or group.”
People who owe $20 or more in library fines will have their borrowing privileges suspended, but can still access the library and all other services, though they can appeal a borrowing suspension with the library director.
“To me this is not about limiting folks from being able to go to our libraries, I think it’s about making sure that anyone can have free access in our libraries in a way that’s safe,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in support of the ordinance.
