Unattended Items

For purposes of this Policy, the term “personal property” includes, but is not limited to, backpacks and bags, bedding materials, containers and dishware, articles of clothing, toys, food, textbooks, documents, wallets, personal technology, and all similar personal property. The term “unattended personal property” means personal property in which the owner of the personal property is not visibly present.

The Faulkner County Library is not responsible for the security of personal items brought onto Library Premises or for personal items accidentally returned to the Library. Unattended personal items are managed in accordance with the following guidelines:

To provide a safe and welcoming environment for all Library Users, unattended personal property may be tagged for removal. If a Library Staff member observes unattended personal property on Library Premises, they should tag the personal property and note the time/date immediately. Library Staff should then follow up regarding the unattended personal property at least 30 minutes later.

If, after at least 30 minutes, the personal property continues to be unattended, the following procedures shall apply:

· Library Staff will be notified immediately

· Library Staff will move the personal property to the Lost and Found area or dispose of it immediately, if necessary. Staff may use gloves and rolling carts or put items in clear plastic bags for transport as needed.

No additional notice of the removal of the unattended personal property shall be required based upon the posting of a notice at Library exterior doors – advising that unattended personal property is in violation of the Library Rules and is subject to immediate removal.

Unattended personal property considered General Items (such as clothing, cords, glasses/sunglasses, flash drive, pens, or notebooks) will be tagged by Library Staff and communicated to all Staff. After 30 minutes, the unattended personal property will be collected by Library Staff and stored in the appropriate Lost and Found area. After 15 days, the items may be turned over to local Police or disposed of properly.

Unattended personal property considered Essential Items (such as keys, wallets, laptops, phones, jewelry, or personal information documents) will be immediately collected by Library Staff and stored in the appropriate Lost and Found area. After 30 days, the items may be turned over to local Police or disposed of properly.

If the owner of unattended or found items identifies the items to Library Staff, and the items are still in the building, they will be returned to the owner.

Other Unattended Personal Property

· Perishable items such as food or drinks, including containers, will be discarded immediately.

· Hazardous items, including any items with blood or other biohazards, or personal care items will be discarded immediately.

· Suspicious items, including abandoned bags, may be immediately reported to the local Police Department or disposed.

· Unclaimed books, videos, CDs or DVDs in good condition will be donated to the Friends of the Library for their book sale.

Library Staff shall refer to The Library’s Code of Conduct for enforcement procedures in connection with this Policy. When a Library User comes to collect their personal property, Library Staff will give the user a verbal warning that if they leave their items unattended again, they may be asked to vacate the premises for failing to comply with the FCL Code of Conduct.