The first rule of any library is “shhhh!” — but it’s not the only rule.

Revised administrative rules that went into effect this week at the Eugene Public Library, and its two branch libraries, try to delineate what’s OK — coffee and other lidded beverages — and what’s not OK — a biscuit, a bagel, a banana. Or an e-cigarette.

The updates are intended to make the library’s rules more straightforward and current. For example, the library’s list of devices to be kept at low volume now includes “mobile devices” and no longer includes “stereos,” because mobile stereos have become relatively obsolete over the past decade.

“We’re trying to be transparent and really clear that the language matches what we do,” library Director Connie Bennett said.

The three library locations — downtown and the Bethel and Sheldon branch libraries — get about 1.2 million visits each year. That’s an average of more than 3,000 visits per day.

Part of the library’s policies center on procedures for dealing with a patron who may be violating a rule. Library employees’ first step in such circumstances is to talk with the person and make sure they understand the rule and its purpose.

Normally, patrons respond politely and change their behavior, Bennett said.

But if a visitor responds loudly or with threatening language, or if they ignore the warning and continue breaking the rules, Bennett said, the library will ask the visitor to leave.

Employees also provide paperwork explaining the reason for the restriction, how long the patron will be banned from the library and how they can appeal through a reconsideration hearing.

Last year, 208 users were restricted from the library for violating behavior policies in one way or another.

Of those restricted patrons, 38 percent displayed disruptive behavior, 16 percent were deemed under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances, and 16 percent broke the law or were attempting to break the law through theft, buying or selling drugs or stolen property, or fighting.

An additional 13 percent were violating other library rules by misusing equipment or refusing to leave at closing time; 10 percent were cited for trespassing because they returned to the library during their restriction period; 8 percent were repeatedly sleeping on library premises; and less than 1 percent were restricted for inappropriate sexual conduct.

Informal restrictions may be as simple as asking an unruly patron to go home for the day, Bennett said.

Formal filings generally restrict patrons for at least one month. Serious offenders — such as someone selling heroin on library grounds, Bennett said — may receive a permanent restriction from the buildings.

As a result of the recent changes in the library’s administrative order, restricted patrons now have seven days — instead of 48 hours — to appeal any restriction from library grounds.

The reconsideration hearings are informal, Bennett said, and are an opportunity for library workers to further explain rules as well as learn more about the restricted individual’s circumstances.

Last year, 33 people scheduled appeal hearings — although only 13 showed up on the day of their appointment. Of those who came, nine had their restriction rescinded or reduced.

Bennett said that with longer appeal periods, the library hopes that more restricted patrons will take advantage of the appeal process.

“We’re really reluctant to issue restrictions, because the whole purpose of being here is to be a public place,” she said. But at the same time, she added, “The intent of the building is to provide library service.

“It’s not a place to live or sleep or eat.”

It is, however, a place where some residents — especially those who are homeless — regularly find shelter and access computer services.

Matthew Kennedy, who lives at the Eugene Mission, said he visits the downtown library nearly every day to watch movies and surf the Web during the afternoon hours when the Mission is closed.

While he would like to be able to have a snack during his three- to six-hour trips to the library, he said he understands why rules, such as those restricting eating in the library, are in place.

“Imagine yourself at home. When was the last time you spilled your Reuben sandwich into your magazine?” he said, adding that he dislikes finding other people’s mustard stains in checked-out books.

“If the library had unlimited funds — sure, let them eat cake,” he said. “But I agree with the restrictions.”

Follow Kelsey on Twitter @kelseythalhofer. Email kelsey.thalhofer@registerguard.com.