This past weekend, my family traveled to Olathe to celebrate my in-laws' 50th wedding anniversary. It was a low-key affair -- just dinner out at a nice restaurant with their children and grandchildren. I have great admiration for my mother-in-law and father-in-law and it was sweet to watch them acknowledge the hard work that goes into staying together for 50 years. It's really a matter of respect, when it comes right down to it.

Respect for each other as people feels like it's a diminishing intangible these days -- in part due to the overuse of cell phones, in my humble opinion. The Marshall Public Library Board of Trustees made the decision to return respect to the library, particularly for the interaction between library staff and customers, in the form of a Code of Conduct Policy. This policy, presented below, is now in effect at the library.

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Marshall Public Library Code of Conduct Policy

The Board of Trustees has established this Code of Conduct in order to make everyone's use of the library as pleasant and productive as possible. The Board and staff enthusiastically support the library's role as a public institution open to all people. We strive to offer high quality service free of bias and favoritism. These rules and guidelines are for the protection of all who use the Marshall Public Library. Adherence to these guidelines will enable everyone to use the library building, services, and materials in a safe and enjoyable environment.

The following rules are required of everyone using the library:

1. Civility and respect for the rights and feelings of others

2. Adherence to library policies, procedures, rules, and guidelines

3. Cooperation with reasonable requests by library employees and volunteers

The rules of the Code of Conduct Policy are as follows:

1. No drinks, food, tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs are permitted in the Marshall Public Library.

2. No weapons of any kind are permitted in the Marshall Public Library.

3. Patrons must adhere to the Marshall Public Library's Internet and Computer Use Policy.

4. Patrons must adhere to the Marshall Public Library's Unattended Child Policy. Young children should be attended and adequately supervised by a parent, guardian, or caregiver who is a responsible person of at least twelve years of age.

5. Cell phone use is not permitted in the library. Cell phones should be placed on silent or vibrate mode.

6. Appropriate clothing is required while in the library. This means shirts and shoes must be worn in the library.

7. Noise levels:

a. The Board of Trustees and library staff are committed to providing an atmosphere where people of all ages may come to read, browse, do research, study, or engaging in library-sponsored activities. This policy does not prohibit quiet conversation between customers and/or staff members or conversations required to carry on library programs or business.

8. Inappropriate behavior includes any activity that disturbs others, interferes with library operations, damages the building or its furnishings, as well as rudeness, profanity, or any other behavior generally considered unacceptable in a public place.

This includes abusive behavior directed at library staff members or volunteers.

9. Theft/Damage to property: Intentional damage and/or defacement of materials, furnishings, equipment or premises, or attempts at theft will be prosecuted according to Missouri Revised Statutes 570.210 (Library theft, penalty). Clipping coupons, cutting articles out of magazines, removing pages from any books or magazines, hacking or altering computer settings, writing on, scratching or in any way damaging materials, furniture, or premises are included in this policy.

10. All bicycles must be placed in the bike rack before entering the library.

11. Skateboard use is not permitted on library property.

New materials

Fiction

"Invisible Prey" by John Sandford

"Lying With Strangers" by James Grippando

"Free Fire" by C.J. Box

Non-fiction

"Watching Baseball Smarter" by Jack Hample

"Taste of Home's Fast Fixes With Mixes"

"True Grace: Life and Times of an American Princess" by Wendy Leigh

"The Libraries We Love," Karen Christensen, Editor

Audiobooks

"Invisible Prey" by John Sanford

"6th Target" by James Patterson

Library events

Preschool Story Time -- each Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. Games, stories, crafts. Appropriate for children approximately 3 to 7 years old.

Pajama Story Time -- each Monday at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Wear your jammies or come as you are. Games, crafts, stories.

Wee Ones Lap Time Story Time -- for babies up to 24 months old, each Wednesday at 10 a.m. Interactive finger play and song time for mothers and babies.

How can I support the Marshall Public Library?

Bring your receipts from Patricia's into the library when you're returning or checking out books. Each month, Patricia's Foods will donate a portion of the collected receipts to the library.

When purchasing items from Amazon.com, use the link to Amazon that appears on the Marshall Public Library's website: www.marshallpublib.org. A portion of your purchase will go to support the library.

Consider joining Friends of the Marshall Libraries. Membership forms are available at the library.

Honor a mentor. Celebrate a friend. Commemorate an event. A gift to the Marshall Public Library is a unique and enduring way to pay tribute to friends and family. Your generosity will be a lasting source of joy.

and enrichment for the community.

For additional information, please call (660) 886-3391 with any questions.