Board hears overhaul of DC Public Library code of conduct; vote slated for July

Monique and Martha Sacocho, who led the revisions, presented a drafted Code of Conduct that reorganizes the library’s rules of behavior into four categories of severity and spells out consequences and a two-part rollout plan.

"These rules are not intended to be punitive measures," Monique said, describing the goal of a safe, healthy, kind, inclusive and welcoming environment. Martha Sacocho, director of community engagement, said the process included broad staff and community input: "we did a lot of staff engagement late last summer and into the fall," and "If all goes as planned, we will be training staff in September and rolling this out to the public in October."

The proposed code refines many existing rules for clarity and enforceability. Examples: footwear and covering requirements remain but are specified more clearly; a 36-inch maximum dimension is proposed for large bags (with MLK Memorial Library allowed two large bags because of the building’s size); explicit prohibitions include leaving personal items unattended, disruptive noise or electronic-device use without headphones, and new language addressing intentionally depositing bodily fluids outside toilets and possessing or distributing controlled substances on premises.

Consequences follow a graded matrix: category 1 infractions (e.g., uncovered feet, unattended items, personal-electronics courtesy) are non-barring; category 2 and 3 violations allow escalating discretionary barring with staff guidance and age-appropriate considerations for youth; category 4 violations (threats, assault, weapons, sexual assault) require law-enforcement referral.

Staff and trustees discussed enforcement and implementation. Trustees emphasized the importance of consistent staff training, clear customer-facing signage and visual aids, and coordination with the Office of Public Safety. The executive director noted the mayor’s FY26 budget added six FTEs to the library’s Office of Public Safety and said staff will work closely with public-safety leadership to ensure alignment.

The board was told the revised code will return for a formal vote at the July board meeting and must be published in the D.C. Register before taking effect; staff materials including translated, simplified customer-facing language and training resources will accompany the rollout.