[Publib] Food and Drink Policies?

[James Casey]

When Oak Lawn Public Library opened a Café on premises, our Board agreed to allow covered drinks in the Library except for our computer areas.  No food is allowed in the Library outside of the Café, however.  This change was agreed upon in 2004 and we haven't had any problems despite prior warnings of disaster from many of our staff.  Some of the staff who were most adamant against the Café and innovation of covered drinks became some of its biggest advocates.

I tend to agree with the notion of allowing more freedom to our patrons and a more relaxed environment similar to that many of us find in academic libraries.  Patrons come and stay at the Library longer than in the past.  Having some kind of freedom to snack and sip a coffee, etc. can make going to the Library less of a chore and the environment more "user friendly".  More and more patrons bring their own laptop computers and pick up the wireless internet which we have throughout the building.  While using their own laptops, patrons can sip their coffee and both eat and drink while using the laptop in our Café.

James B. Casey --- My own views.
Director, Oak Lawn Public Library
ALA Council Member

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Sarah Booth
Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 11:30 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Food and Drink Policies?

Hi Everyone,

I know this is a hot topic but we are considering revising our current policy to allow food and drink in the library. I am excited about this opportunity! I have worked at other locations where food and drink was allowed and there was minimal-if any-problems.

My question is about policies and signs. Do you have any policies/signs that say covered drinks are allowed but not by the computers? How are your signs and polices worded? If you can send examples, they would be appreciated!
Thanks for your help!
Sarah


Sarah Booth
Assistant Director
Montgomery County Memorial Library System
104 I 45 North
Conroe TX 77301
936-788-8377 ext 236
www.countylibrary.org