Public Conduct

Public Conduct

Authorized by: HCML Board of Trustees                      Effective Date: September 25, 1997

Relevant Forms: None                                                     Revised Date: March 24, 2022

 PURPOSE

This Code of Conduct is for the purpose of ensuring that the use of the facilities of the Museum and L.W. Paul Living History Farm and the Horry County libraries is a safe and enjoyable experience for patrons, employees, and guests.

Horry County is committed to providing a safe environment throughout all properties in the Museum and Library system, where patrons, visitors, employees, and guests can all expect to be treated with dignity and respect. Therefore, behavior or conduct of a verbal, written, or physical nature that interferes with an employee’s work environment, or the ability of a patron, visitor, or guest to make use of available materials or services, or creates an unsafe, intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, is prohibited. The prohibition applies to all areas of any Museum or Library premises.

Violations of this policy shall result in penalties which may include restrictions on the individual’s ability to enter Library and Museum premises. Any entrance restriction that is imposed shall apply to all properties within both the Museum and Library system.

USE OF FACILITIES AND CODE OF CONDUCT

Unattended Children

Museum: The Museum welcomes children of all ages to use its facilities and services. However, visits should be positive, enjoyable experiences for children. Their safety and well-being is of the utmost importance. Therefore, children under the age of 15 years must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.

Library: The Library also welcomes children to access and enjoy the facilities and services it offers. Recognizing that the Library staff availability and ability to supervise differ from the Museum, the Library allows children to attend the Library, with the following guidelines:

Children under the age of 13 years must be accompanied at all times by an individual over the age of 16.

Exception: During times when school is in session, children between the ages of 10 through 12 may utilize the Library for appropriate purposes. Children entering under this exception must act appropriately at all times or parental supervision will be required for further entry. The Library is not staffed or equipped to provide childcare services.

Loitering by students in or around the Library is not allowed. Loitering is defined as lingering idly or aimlessly in an area or around the Library without purpose, or hanging around in clusters and causing unusually loud or disturbing noises.

Responsibility for the behavior and well-being of children using the Museum or Library facilities rests with the parent/guardian, not with Museum or Library staff. Children who are left unattended may be vulnerable, endangered, or unruly. The Museum and Library staff are not responsible for the safety, care, supervision, or entertainment of unattended children. Children under the age of 15 visiting the Museum and children under the age of 13 visiting the Library must be supervised at all times. An adult accompanying a child must be responsible for the conduct of the child while in the Museum or Library and may not leave the child alone in another part of the facility. These rules and guidelines are for the protection of all who use the Museum and Library facilities.

The Museum or Library Staff will require unattended children who do not meet the age requirements to leave the premises. If it is necessary to remove an unattended child on more than one occasion, authorities may be contacted or the parent/guardian patron’s privilege to enter the Museum or Library may be suspended or revoked for non-compliance.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Controlled Substances

·       Possession, use, or distribution of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs or controlled or dangerous substances is strictly prohibited on Museum or Library properties.

·       Use of tobacco products, vaping, or e-cigarettes are allowed only in designated areas.

Littering, Dumping, and Storage

·       No persons may deposit, leave, or spill refuse or other substances on Museum or Library properties.

·       Private refuse may not be deposited into Museum or Library properties.

·       All trash must be deposited into appropriate receptacles in the course of ordinary use of Museum or Library properties.

Domesticated or Wild Animals

·       No animal may be brought into Museum or Library properties except for authorized service animals, or in the event of a sanctioned Living History Farm demonstration or event. Animals displaying behavior which constitutes a disruption or safety concern will be removed from the premises.

·       Unauthorized domesticated or wild animals on Museum or Library properties may be impounded or removed in accordance with applicable laws.

·       No feeding of Farm animals or livestock is permitted without staff authorization.

Wildlife, Plants, Fossils, or Minerals

No person shall catch, injure, destroy, interfere, or collect any wildlife, plants, fossils, or minerals that may be present on Museum or Library properties.

This includes the use of metal detectors and/or digging into the surface of any Museum or Library property.

Prohibited Uses of Museum and Library Properties

·       Attaching, posting, or carrying any signs, notices, or other similar objects on any property or structure, including picketing, parades, or assembly is prohibited except where allowed by law or approved by the Museum or Library Board.

·       No soliciting of any business, trade, or occupation including but not limited to taking photos or videos for commercial use is allowed. Selling, soliciting, surveying, distributing written materials, panhandling, or canvassing for any political, charitable, or religious purposes without prior authorization.

·       No structures whatsoever may be erected or inflated on Museum or Library properties, including but not limited to tents, inflatable games, or nets unless allowed by law and approved by the Museum or Library Board.

·       Gambling is prohibited.

·       No powered model airplanes, rockets, boats, or cars will be flown or launched. Golf carts operated by licensed drivers which are permitted by SC DMV are allowed. All-terrain vehicles operated in a safe manner and Mopeds with license plates are permitted on Library or Museum properties.

·       No tampering or handling of displays at the Museum or Library properties is permitted.

·       No fishing or swimming, or other water recreational activities is allowed in any body of water located on Museum or Library properties.

·       Discharge of fireworks or other explosive devices or pyrotechnics is not allowed without express authority of the Museum or Library Board.

·       Except for law enforcement officials, no weapon of any kind including bow and arrow, darts, firearms, or pocket knives with a blade of 3 inches or longer is allowed on any Museum or Library properties. This includes permitted concealed weapons.

·       Medical exams and procedures are not permitted on Museum or Library properties.

Personal Conduct

No individual may engage in inappropriate conduct while on the premises of properties of the Horry County Museum or within the Horry County Memorial Library system, whether utilizing Museum or Library facilities or participating in Museum or Library programs. Inappropriate conduct includes any individual or group activity which is unreasonably disturbing to other patrons, visitors, employees, or guests, or otherwise interferes or creates an unsafe, intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

Examples of inappropriate behavior include the following:

·       Engaging or attempting to engage in any activity that is in violation of any Federal, State, County, or municipal law or ordinance

·       Engaging in any physically intimidating or assaultive behavior or threats of violence

·       Engaging in any disruptive, harassing, or unwanted behavior, whether directed towards members of the public or staff, including stalking, following, prolonged staring, or other behavior that may annoy or disturb others

·       Sleeping, napping, or dozing in or on Museum or Library premises

·       Loitering: defined as lingering idly or aimlessly in any area in or around the Library or Museum without purpose, or hanging around in clusters and causing unusually loud or disturbing noises

·       Consuming food or beverages outside of designated areas

·       Engaging in any sexual or sexually provocative contact, activities, or conduct

·       Inadequate attire (shoes, pants, and shirts required)

·       Bodily hygiene that is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to the public or staff

·       Use of Museum or Library materials, equipment, furniture, or property in any manner inconsistent with the intended and/or customary use thereof, including taking any Museum or Library materials into restrooms

·       Theft, damage, or destruction of Museum or Library materials, equipment, furniture, or property

·       Using restroom facilities inappropriately (including bathing, shaving, or washing clothes)

·       Failing to adequately supervise children or individuals requiring care

·       Boisterous, rude, or obnoxious behavior, engaging in excessive or disruptive conversations, using personal electronic equipment at such volume or in such manner so as to disturb others, or otherwise disturbing others in their reasonable use of the facilities

·       Intrusive use of photographic, video recording, or electronic equipment, or in any use of such equipment in prohibited areas. The use of tripods, monopod, light kits, or selfie sticks is not permitted.

·       Leaving children under the age of 15 unattended visiting the Museum and children under the age of 13 visiting the Library

·       Violating any applicable rules or policies for acceptable use of the internet on public computers

·       Entering non-public areas without permission

·       Refusing to follow the reasonable directions of staff

Any person who violates these rules and regulations is subject to expulsion from the premises, and any such expulsion shall apply to all Museum and Library properties. Access to Museum and Library facilities may be limited, suspended, or revoked for a period of time, up to a year, if the rules of conduct are not observed. Employees may ask for assistance from local law authorities if necessary.

Suspension or Ban from Facilities

·       Patrons violating rules of conduct will be first provided with a verbal warning if the conduct is not severe or dangerous.

·       If a patron refuses to stop inappropriate behavior, the patron may be expelled for the day from any Museum or Library premises. Law enforcement may be contacted if the patron refuses to leave the premises.

·       After staff has determined that a person has engaged in severe or repeated misconduct and their use of facilities may be suspended or banned for a period of time to be determined by the Director.

·       If the violation by the patron is perceived as a threat to, or actually causes, personal or property damage, harm, or loss, then that patron’s right to enter Library or Museum properties will be suspended or banned. Law enforcement will be called to assist staff.

·       If a suspension or ban is deemed necessary, the suspension or ban will apply to both Museum and Library properties. Staff will issue a letter to the patron notifying the individual that they are suspended or banned from all Museum and Library properties. The letter shall indicate the reasons for the ban and the time period of the ban.

·       An individual banned from the premises may submit a written request for a hearing if made within 5 days of the receipt of the ban letter. If a timely written request for appeal is made, the Library or Museum Director will schedule a hearing within 10 business days of the request for appeal. At the hearing, the Director may review and reconsider the decision to ban the individual, and may uphold, decrease, or terminate the banned period as they deem appropriate. In the event that an individual wishes to appeal the decision of the Library Director, an appeal of the Library Director’s decision may be made to the Library Board of Trustees within 5 days of receipt of the Library Director’s decision. The patron will receive a decision in writing after hearing as to the determination of the Board or Directors. During the pending appeal, the suspension or ban remains in full force and effect.

·       If a banned individual enters any Museum or Library property prior to the return date listed in the ban letter and without authorization from the Director, staff shall contact law enforcement.

The Library Director is responsible for the establishment and administration of this policy.