Manatee County Public Library is open for specific and designated civic, educational, and cultural uses, including reading, studying, writing, participating in scheduled Library programs, and using Library materials. To provide resources and services to all people who visit Library facilities (inside and outside) in an atmosphere of courtesy, respect, and excellent service, the Library has adopted this policy. 

To ensure a safe and positive library experience for all, library users must not: 

• Remove library materials from the building without checking them out.
• Leave a child under the age of 12 or vulnerable adult unattended.
• Engage in any activity prohibited by law.
• Bring weapons of any kind into the library unless authorized by Florida law. Open or concealed carry must be lawful and non-threatening at all times.
• Bring in animals, including emotional support animals, other than service animals as defined by Fla. Stat. 413.08.
• Block aisles, shelves, or entrances or leave personal items unattended at any time.
• Enter non-public or staff-only areas.
• Use library computers, areas, or attend programs that are designated for children or teens without a need to access those collections or when not accompanying a minor.
• Engage in disruptive or unsafe behavior, including interfering with the use or operations of the library by other users or staff, including loud, abusive, or profane language or gestures.
• Take photographs or videos of library users without their permission unless authorized by law.
• Use bicycles, skates, scooters, skateboards, large equipment, or similar inside Library buildings or inappropriately on Library property (bicycles, scooters, recreational or large equipment must remain outside).
• Enter the library with unsanitary hygiene conditions, nuisance odors, or belongings that interfere with the use of the library by other patrons or staff.
• Eat or drink outside of designated areas (except for tightly covered beverages).
• Enter the library while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Sleep, bathe, shave, or wash clothes. Move or climb on furniture. Sleep on or use furniture/floors in unintended ways.
• Enter the library unless fully clothed and wearing shoes: clothing and shoes must not be removed while inside the library.
• Harass library users or staff verbally or physically, including intimidating, threatening, arguing, stalking, following, or staring.
• Panhandle, solicit, or conduct unauthorized sales in or on Library property.
• Use another person's library card or card number without that person's permission.

We ask library users to follow all policies, abide by any reasonable request from staff or security, and to refrain from disorderly or disruptive behavior. Violations of policies may result in removal from the facility and/or suspension of library privileges. Any suspension of privileges or trespass applies to all Library facilities. Illegal activity or violation of a trespass may result in arrest. The full Library Use Policy is available by request: [email protected]

The Manatee Library Use Policy was reviewed and approved by the Library Advisory Board at its September 17, 2025, meeting. Adopted in open session with a quorum present and voting the 6th day of January, 2026 by BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA