Registered Sex Offender (Against a Minor) Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the library is in compliance with Iowa Code Chapter 692A, which restricts the presence of registered sex offenders convicted of an offense against a minor at public libraries.
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 Definitions
•    “Library property” means the real property and buildings owned or leased by the library and under the library’s control.
•    “Loiter” has the meaning given in Iowa Code §692A.101(17): remaining in a place or circulating around under circumstances that would warrant a reasonable person to believe the purpose or effect is to enable a sex offender to become familiar with a location where a potential victim may be found, or to satisfy an unlawful sexual desire, or to locate, lure or harass a potential victim.
•    “Registered sex offender convicted of a sex offense against a minor” means an individual required to register under Iowa Code Chapter 692A whose conviction is for a sex offense against a minor victim as defined in that statute.
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Policy
•    In accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 692A (particularly §692A.113), a registered sex offender convicted of a sex offense against a minor shall not be present upon or loiter within three hundred (300) feet of the real property boundary of the library.
•    The issuance of a library card does not constitute written permission for the individual to enter library property.
•    Such individuals will not be eligible for home-bound delivery or on-site programs requiring their physical presence on library property.
•    Registered sex offenders convicted of sex offenses against minors may not be employed by the library, act as volunteers, contractors, or staff, unless otherwise permitted under the law and library policy.
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Procedure
•    If staff suspect a patron may be a registered sex offender convicted of an offense against a minor, they shall notify the library director for verification using the Iowa Sex Offender Registry, or if the director is not present, staff may themselves check the Iowa Sex Offender Registry.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
•    If a person subject to exclusion appears on library property staff will ask them to leave and notify law enforcement.
•    If eligible for limited service, the individual may apply for a library card remotely and designate a proxy to check out and return materials. The individual remains responsible for all activity on the card.
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Appeals
An individual denied permission under this policy may appeal the decision in writing to the Library Board of Trustees. The board will review the appeal at its next regular meeting and issue a final decision.
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 Legal Basis
This policy is based on Iowa Code Chapter 692A (Subtitle 1, Title 16) — specifically §692A.113, which sets exclusion zones and prohibits presence on certain premises (including public libraries) of sex offenders convicted of offenses against minors.

(Adopted November 2025)