Five people banned from Frankston Library due to threatening behaviour and accessing inappropriate material online
WE’VE heard of road rage, but what about book rage? Five people have been banned from using this Melbourne library or its PCs last year.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
BEHAVE yourself at Frankston Library.
That’s the message from civic officials, who told the Leader council had banned five people from using the library or its PCs last year.
Mayor James Dooley said the bans varied from one to 12 months.
“These bans are not taken lightly and are only implemented for serious reasons such as threatening behaviour towards staff/patrons or attending the library while affected by alcohol or other substances,” he said.
“Temporary PC bans have been implemented for patrons who have accessed inappropriate material online.”
Cr Dooley said the safety of staff and other patrons was a priority.
“These bans will generally result in a positive change of behaviour,” he said.
“However, every effort is made to avoid reaching this point and staff will issue warnings before banning patrons from using the facilities.”
Public Libraries Victoria Network president John Murrell said it was not uncommon for people to be banned from libraries.
“Behavioural issues in libraries have been around since Methuselah was a pup,” he said.
But Mr Murrell stressed that banning patrons from libraries was only taken as a last result and usually came after at least one warning.
“I am aware that libraries do use that method (banning patrons) to manage behaviour across the state,” he said.
“From my experience they are short-term bans that are reviewed at the end of an agreed period.”
Mr Murrell said the bans generally resulted in a change towards positive behaviour.
He said it was essential libraries provided a safe environment for staff and patrons, particularly children.