Food, Drink, and Tobacco Policy

Policy

• Eating is prohibited in the Libraries except in Suzzallo Espresso and in other specifically designated locations.

• Drinking beverages is allowed only from covered, spill-proof, reusable containers, except in the following units that prohibit all food and drink.

• Smoking and chewing tobacco are prohibited.

Acceptable & Unacceptable Beverage Containers

Acceptable containers are covered, spill-proof, reusable containers designed to minimize spills. Travel mugs with lids and sports bottles with screw-on or pop-up tops are examples of preferred containers. The "Keep a Lid on Library Damage" mug pictured above can be purchased for $3 at Suzzallo Espresso, Etc. in the HUB, By George, and at Odegaard and Balmer Copy Centers.

Unacceptable containers include aluminum cans, paper cups (including those with plastic lids), and containers without lids.

Rationale

It is the policy of the University Libraries to maintain an environment appropriate for the protection of library materials and conducive to study. Food, beverages, and tobacco attract rodents, cockroaches, silverfish and other unwanted pests that damage library materials. By complying with the policy, users and staff will help maintain a clean work environment, pest-free buildings, and aid in the preservation of our collections for future generations.

Cooperation

Libraries staff will ask those who do not respect this policy to comply. Repeated violators will face appropriate University disciplinary action, or other legal actions, as described in the Libraries' Code of Conduct. We appreciate your cooperation in protecting the library environment.

Preservation

For more information about preservation of the Libraries' collections, see http://www.lib.washington.edu/Preservation/.

Policy last updated 10/02.