PURPOSE:
To maintain a safe and welcoming environment, OPL requires patrons to comply with the following rules regarding food and drink in or on library premises.
POLICY:
Eating food or consuming beverages in the library is permitted in designated areas.
Drinking non-alcoholic beverages and other liquids from spill-proof cups, cans, or screw-top containers is allowed. Open containers are not allowed.
Alcoholic beverages or other intoxicants such as THC drinks are not allowed in or on OPL premises. Exceptions may be made for authorized library functions only.
The use of tobacco products, all vaping products, and smoking in any form is not allowed inside OPL premises. They are only allowed in designated outdoor areas away from public entrances. Tobacco products should be disposed of in the receptacles provided.
Patrons are expected to take responsibility for maintaining a clean and pleasant environment by removing crumbs, wiping off sticky surfaces, and cleaning up after themselves. Disposing of trash in proper receptacles or removing trash from the building is required.
Patrons who cannot adequately remove the food or drink spills should report incidents to library staff so that prompt action can be taken to minimize the damage.
Unattended food or drink may be removed and discarded at the staff's discretion.
IMPLEMENTATION
OPL staff are responsible for enforcing this policy and reserve the right to ask anyone who disregards the above conditions to immediately remove their food or drink from the OPL building or to leave the building.
Approved by the Board of Trustees
of the Omaha Public Library
August 20, 2025
Download a PDF of this policy