The

Peachtree City Library has banned cell phones and beepers

from all areas except the front lobby due to complaints

from citizens.

The cell

phone and beeper restrictions are part of a new conduct

policy the library will begin enforcing Monday, July 17.

All the ringing and beeping has brought complaints from

other library patrons, said library technology and

training manager Jill Kuhns.

"Our

patrons have long complained about excessive noise in the

library, and rightfully so," Kuhns said. "They

should expect to find an environment free of disruptive

activity at their public library."

Cell phones

and pagers are only a part of the problem, Kuhns said,

adding that patrons and library staff need to keep their

voices down also.

The new

conduct policy also covers issues such as mutilation of

library materials and removing items without checking

them out. Both offenses are considered misdemeanors under

Georgia law, punishable by fines up to $1,000.

The conduct

policy also requires that patrons refrain from the

following actions:

Leaving children under 10

years old unattended;

Consumption of food or

beverages within the public service areas of the library;

Any disturbance or behavior

which interferes with normal use of the library;

Smoking or using smokeless

tobacco;

Harassment of others,

including library staff;

Putting feet on tables or

chairs.

The conduct

policy states that library staff can request violators of

the policy "to stop the particular behavior, leave

the building and, when necessary, call police for

assistance in restoring order."