The Broome County Public Library is committed to providing a welcoming and safe environment for all patrons. In accordance with our Patron Code of Conduct, individuals who commit serious violations may be temporarily or indefinitely banned from library premises by the Library Director (or designee).
The Broome County Public Library Board of Trustees provides a formal process for patrons to appeal these decisions.
How to File an Appeal
Any patron who believes their library privileges have been unjustly restricted is encouraged to appeal the decision. Appeals must be submitted within fourteen (14) days of receiving notice of the ban.
To submit an appeal:
- Complete the official Ban Appeal Form, available online at [Insert Website Link] or in print at the library's circulation desk.
Submit the completed form by email to: Library.Trustees@broomecountyny.gov - If you do not have access to a computer, you may call Library Administration at (607) 778-6407 to request assistance with submitting your appeal. Please note that in-person pickup or drop-off of forms may require an appointment.
- Incomplete or anonymous submissions will not be considered.
Review Process
- Initial Review
- Upon receipt of a completed appeal form, the President of the Board of Trustees (or their designee) will review the appeal.
- This review will focus on procedural adherence, appropriateness of ban length, and alignment with the Patron Code of Conduct. The underlying facts of the incident will generally not be re-investigated unless new, relevant information is provided.
- The President (or designee) will:
- Review the evidence related to the incident and the ban
- Consider any documentation submitted with the appeal
- Evaluate whether the stated reasons for the ban are consistent with the Patron Code of Conduct
- Assess whether the ban’s duration is reasonable in light of the incident
- Issue a preliminary response to the Board within fourteen (14) days of receiving the completed appeal (this may include a request for additional time up to thirty (30) days
- Issue a recommendation to the Board
- Board Decision
- At the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board following the receipt of the preliminary response from the Board President (or designee), the Board will review the decision of the President (or designee) and supporting documents.
- The Board will issue a written decision within thirty (30) days of the Board meeting at which the ban appeal is reviewed and voted on.
- Possible outcomes:
- Uphold the ban
- Adjust the term of the ban
- Remove the ban
- A two-thirds vote of the full Board is required to remove an indefinite ban.
- Post-Appeal Conditions
- If the appeal is successful, the patron may be subject to a probationary period, during which further infractions may result in escalated consequences.
Limitations
- Repeat Appeals: If an appeal is denied, the patron may not submit another appeal for the same violation for a period of twelve (12) months.
Scope of Review: Appeals are not opportunities to contest the facts of the case unless substantive new information is presented. The Board focuses on whether due process was followed and whether the ban is proportionate.
Broome County Public Library – Ban Appeal Form
Submit within 14 days of receiving notice of your ban.
SECTION 1: PATRON INFORMATION
Full Name: ____________________________________________
Phone Number: _________________________________________
Email Address: __________________________________________
Mailing Address:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
SECTION 2: BAN DETAILS
Date you were notified of your ban: __________________________
Method of notification (check one):
☐ In-person ☐ Phone ☐ Email ☐ Mail
Duration of ban: ________________________________
SECTION 3: REASON FOR APPEAL
Please explain why you believe your ban should be reconsidered. Focus on whether:
- You believe the process was not followed properly
- The length of the ban is disproportionate
- You have new, relevant information to provide
Use the space below or attach additional pages if needed.
*Note: This is not an opportunity to contest the facts unless you have new, relevant information.*
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
SECTION 4: SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Please list and attach any documents you wish the Board to review (e.g., witness statements, personal statements, correspondence).
If you are appealing an indefinite ban, please include documentation demonstrating that you have taken meaningful steps to address the underlying circumstances that led to the ban. Appeals of indefinite bans will not be considered without such supporting evidence.
1. __________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________
SECTION 5: PATRON DECLARATION
I affirm that the information provided in this appeal is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that:
- Incomplete or anonymous appeals will not be considered
- The Board of Trustees will focus its review on whether the ban process was followed correctly and whether the ban is proportionate
- If appealing an indefinite ban, I am required to provide documentation of steps I’ve taken to address the issues that led to the ban
- I may not submit another appeal for the same violation for 12 months if this appeal is denied
Signature: _____________________________________
Date: ________________________
Submit completed form by email to: Library.Trustees@broomecountyny.gov
If you need help completing or submitting this form, please call Library Administration at (607) 778-6407.
In-person drop-off or pickup will require an appointment.