Disruptive Behavior:
Eating and Drinking

Eating and drinking in a library environment can cause several types of problems: deterioration of materials, equipment, and furniture at a faster rate; dirty/sticky work surfaces and surroundings for Library users and staff; loss of concentration for users who are distracted by noise, odors, and activity connected with consuming food and drink; small disasters from spilled liquids; growth of insect and rodent problems (insects and rodents will eat paper and bindings, not just garbage from food).

• Approach the person and identify yourself as a staff member and inform the person that food and drink are not allowed.
• Ask the person to stop eating/drinking or to go out of the Library to finish the food/drink.
• Check back in a few minutes. If the person hasn't complied, get support from a colleague and again explain the request.
• Stress again that you are asking the person to eat/drink outside of the Library.
• If the person still refuses:
  Branch Libraries: notify Public Safety immediately at 8-1000.
  Firestone Library: notify Library Security immediately at 8-3221.