|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
August 2, 2004Bathers, nappers, vandals: Take it outside the libraryRegulations come after six monthsByRecord-Eagle staff writer TRAVERSE CITY - Once upon a time, before libraries offered Internet or video rentals, the only sternly enforced library rule was "Shhh!" The utterance still applies at Traverse Area District Library, where "boisterous conduct" is strictly prohibited. Now, add a litany of other laws. No drugs. No theft. No bathing. No sleeping. And "personal hygiene" ruled offensive to others is very much not allowed. The anti-sleeping rule caused Mike Courtade, a "semi-frequent" library visitor, to straighten in his comfortable armchair. "If you hear me snoring, wake me up so the vigilantes don't get me," he said. The rules are listed in a new library behavior policy, recently approved after six months of study by the seven-member board. "Society is changing. We still want to have some peace and quiet and calm, a place that is comfortable for everyone to use," executive director Michael McGuire said. The policy will be displayed so library rules can be followed by the book. Malodorous patrons, those caught bathing in the bathroom or those committing another of the sundry lesser crimes will be warned. The patron will be escorted out for the day if the problem persists. Those guilty of major infractions such as vandalism, theft, using or selling drugs or alcohol must leave immediately and may have library privileges revoked for as long as a year. The wordsmiths and attorneys on the board made codifying the library policies a lengthy process. Consider the road to adopting the rule that states, rather simply: "Sleeping is not permitted in the library." In an earlier version, quietly dozing was permissible, but board member Albert Quick quickly pointed out the difficulties of such wording. What, he asked at one meeting, was the definition of dozing? "Is it ... sleeping, daydreaming?" Quick queried. How would librarians determine if the sleeper-in-question was indulging in behavior identified as inappropriate, he wondered. "We would probably wake them up to ask if they are sleeping or dozing," McGuire responded. And so, the no-sleeping rule was changed to its present form, despite an attempt by David Maxson to advocate for leniency toward those "caught napping in a chair." Neither Ashley Kivell, nor her mother, Janet Kivell, have cat-napped among the bookcases or been bothered by those who have. Weekly visitors reported no desire to do laundry or to bathe in the restroom. "That is funny," patron Liz Felver said. "Who would wash clothes in the sink? That's weird." Police said they've received few complaints of vagrancy from the library. McGuire said the rules are an attempt to be "more specific" about the library's expectations for patrons. The rules are "more preventative than anything else," he said. So, shhh.
|
|
