Library Advisory Commission adopts updated patron code of conduct, adds vaping and harassment language

Murrieta — The Library Advisory Commission unanimously adopted a revised patron code of conduct on Feb. 10 that updates behavior expectations, enforcement procedures and several items the city said reflect modern library usage and safety concerns.

Library staff member Melvin Rosales (referred to as library manager in the meeting) reviewed the revisions and said the city attorney’s office had reviewed the draft for legal and regulatory compliance. Rosales summarized key changes: the age threshold for unattended children was clarified to “under the age of 13,” food remains prohibited while drinks with spill-proof lids are allowed, vaping was added to the smoking prohibition, and language was added prohibiting harassment, bullying and threatening behavior as well as offensive odors that interfere with other patrons.

Rosales also said the code clarifies enforcement and progressive disciplinary steps and adds a provision that media or commercial filming requires prior approval. Commissioners heard there were no public comments on the draft.

The commission voted to approve the revised code by voice vote. The motion to adopt the patron code of conduct passed unanimously, 5–0. The adoption followed staff review and discussion and commissioners asked staff to confirm where offensive language and harassment concerns appear in the document (Rosales pointed to harassment/bullying language and general conduct provisions in the draft).

Why it matters: staff said the updates are intended to ensure consistent, fair enforcement and to reflect new behaviors and technologies (vaping, personal audio devices, filming) that were not explicit in the prior code.

Next steps: the adopted code will be used in daily library operations and enforcement; staff said they will return with implementation questions or further edits if legal review suggests changes.