Food and Drink Policy FAQ

Why do you have a Food & Drink Policy?
 If I'm not eating it right now, why can't I have food in the library?
 Can I just put food/drink in my pocket or my bag?
 Is there a place I can leave my food/drink while I quickly search for library materials?
 I'm hungry. Where can I go to have a snack?

Why do you have a Food & Drink Policy? 

• Leftover food attracts mice, ants, and cockroaches. Not only are the pests unwanted company, they feed on book glues, leather bindings, and starch-filled book covers

• Debris left behind from food and drink creates an unpleasant environment and limits desirable seating and studying space. Most library users prefer not to sit at a table or carrel littered with someone else's empty cups and discarded wrappers. With the large number of people using the library each day, the time and cost of cleaning up the litter is considerable.

• For the rights and comfort of all library users and for the protection of library materials and equipment, please adhere to the Food & Drink Policy that has been established. We appreciate your cooperation and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

If I'm not eating it right now, why can't I have food in the library?

• We have no way of knowing whether or not you were, are or will be eating the food you are carrying into the library. Also, if another patron sees your food, it gives the impression that food in the library is acceptable. Therefore NO FOOD is allowed in the library.

Can I just put my food back in my pocket or in my bag?

• No. Believe it or not, we've had patrons pull food out again and continue eating once a Librarian has left. All patrons with food must leave the library immediately.

Is there a place I can leave my food/drink while I quickly search for materials?

• Not really.  Please plan in advance.  Order your salad and banana after you checked your email. Or, you can finish your snack in the Coffee Shop before you access library materials. And please, don’t ask the circulation desk to babysit your food.  
  
• If you know you have food/drink, but will not be using it while in the library, tuck it away in your bag and don't bring it out while in the building. We understand that patrons carry food/drink with them to get them through their day. We just need to make sure it isn't used while in the library.

I'm hungry. Where can I go to have a snack? 

• The Coffee Shop is the perfect place to go to have a snack while visiting the library. Patrons can either purchase food or bring in their own food and eat it there.

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