PASCO COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM POLICY MANUAL

 

Acceptance Statement:

The Pasco County Library System considers use of the library to constitute acceptance of the Food and Beverage Policy.

Philosophy:

The Pasco County Library System strives to create a welcoming, clean and comfortable environment for the public. At the same time, the Library has a responsibility to protect the resources of the building including, but not limited to, the furniture, library materials, flooring, and computers. Consistent with both these goals, the Library has adopted the following guidelines for the consumption of food and beverages in the public area.

Members of the Library staff have been entrusted to courteously but firmly enforce the Food and Beverage Policy set forth herein. Other policies of the Pasco County Library System, including but not limited to, Patron Conduct Policy, and the Meeting Room Policy, also apply to the actions of library patrons in regard to food and beverage consumption in the Library. 

Statement of Policy:

Patrons are expected to clean up after themselves and to keep the noise levels and odors associated with the consumption of food and beverages to a minimum. No food or beverage of any type is allowed in the computer labs, makerspaces, or near Library- owned computers and equipment.

Beverages:

Only beverages in covered containers are allowed in the library. This includes:

• Coffee and other drinks with lids

• Bottles of water, juice, etc. with caps

• Beverages, including soft drinks in pop-top cans

• Take-out drinks in paper or Styrofoam cups with lids.

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited unless otherwise authorized by the branch manager or designee in conjunction with a Library Event.

All cups, cans, and bottles associated with beverages must be properly disposed of by the patron.

Food: 

Consumption of food is allowed in the library except in designated food free zones. Each branch has designated food free zones, please check with the branch manager or designee to find out where the designated food free zones are located. 

Violations of Policy:

Patrons who violate the Library’s Food and Beverage Policy will be made aware of the violation. Patrons who do not correct the behavior immediately will be asked to leave the building and prohibited from returning for a specific amount of time as determined by the Branch Manager or their designee. Failure to leave the building when asked to do so will be considered trespassing, and may result in the Sheriff or local police being contacted. 

Repeated violations of the Food and Beverage Policy could result in suspension of library privileges and/or being permanently barred from all County Libraries.

The consumption of beverages in the Library and the consumption of food in Library sponsored programs, meetings, events, and activities are privileges which may be revoked under certain circumstances as determined by library staff. 

Patrons consuming beverages or food in the Library may be financially responsible for damage resulting from spills or stains.