It is the responsibility of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library to maintain a healthy and clean environment for all library patrons and to protect taxpayers’ investment in library collections, equipment, and property. In order to fulfill this responsibility BLRL may restrict a patron’s ability to borrow physical materials and/or visit library facilities when such use may jeopardize the health and safety of library facilities, collections, and patrons.
An example of a situation where borrowing of physical materials may be suspended includes, but is not limited to:
· Evidence that items on loan to a patron may have been returned with insects that are known to be damaging to library materials, or that can result in pest infestations in library facilities, for example roaches, silverfish, bed bugs, and some types of beetles.
Examples of situations where access to library facilities may be suspended include, but are not limited to:
· Patrons or patron possessions with fleas, lice, or bed bugs.
· Patrons with clothing stained with urine or feces.
First Offense
The first time evidence of an insect issue is noted:
· Staff will talk with the patron about what was found and put a note on the patron record.
· The patron will be shown the evidence whenever possible.
· Staff will quarantine and then treat items (if possible). The Supervisor may discard the library material(s) after consulting with the Regional Office.
· Staff will suggest ways the patron can address the issue, giving at least two (2) solutions (keep materials in closed containers or Ziploc bags when not being used, inspect them before being returned, talk with landlord or pest control company).
· The patron will be limited to checking out two (2) items at a time for three (3) months and given a Ziploc bag. They must return their items in the Ziploc bag during the three (3) month period.
· Staff will notify the patron that if additional material(s) are returned with evidence of a bug infestation, library privileges will be suspended for six (6) months.
· The Supervisor in consultation with the Regional Office will determine if the patron will be billed for the damaged item(s).
Second Offense
The second time evidence of an insect issue is noted:
· Staff will notify the patron of what was found and put a note on the patron record.
· The patron will be shown the evidence whenever possible.
· Staff will quarantine and then treat items (if possible). The Supervisor may discard the library material(s) after consulting with the Regional Office.
· Borrowing privileges of physical materials will be suspended for six (6) months. If the patron can provide evidence that the pest issue is resolved, the suspension will be lifted prior to the six (6) month period.
· The Supervisor in consultation with the Regional Office will determine if the patron will be billed for the damaged item(s).
Any patron who has privileges suspended under the terms of this policy may request to have privileges reinstated when evidence showing that the address in question has been inspected with no sign of infestation or that the residence has been treated. Confirming information may include copies of receipts for treatment, a letter from a licensed pest control company, or a written statement from the owner or property manager of a multi-family residence. In some instances, proof of a change of residential address may also be accepted.
For patrons who come to the Library with bugs on their person or belongings, the procedure is the same: patrons will be given a warning, given suggestions, and then banned until they can prove treatment.
Policy Addition Approved by the Board of Trustees, August 22, 2019
