A Wisconsin man has been banned from 'all libraries on the face of the earth' after being charged with misdemeanor counts of lewd behaviour and disorderly conduct.

Tyree Carter was in court to answer the charges, and is accused of openly committing a sexual act in the Racine Public Library.

An employee who was a witness told investigators that he was on the second floor, "standing in the open, not trying to conceal the act". Police were called to the scene and when an officer approached him, he was sat at a table reading a book. According to court records seen by Racine Journal Times, Carter initially denied that he knew why the police had been called. When the officer explained the situation, Carter allegedly apologised and said it was his first time doing it in public.

Download the new Independent Premium app Sharing the full story, not just the headlines

Carter, who had been staying at the Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization of Racine, was taken to Racine County Jail - and his bond was set at $1,000. His order to "stay away from all libraries on the face of the earth" was reportedly a condition of his bond.

If convicted of the charges, he could face up to $11,000 in fines, and a year in prison.