NO SLEEPING OR STINKINESS
Library outlines code of conduct at new branch
The Windsor Public Library is testing out some new rules, including a ban on sleeping, vaping and emitting an “offensive odour,” to make life more civilized at its downsized downtown location.
“We’ve had a code of conduct for many years at the Windsor Public Library, but moving from 60,000 square feet in the old library to 11,000, it became obvious very quickly that we just didn’t have the luxury of space that we previously had,” said library CEO Kitty Pope. “So that’s why we added a few new elements to the code.”
The library’s Central Branch moved earlier this month from its large former home at 850 Ouellette Ave. to a much smaller temporary location at the Paul Martin Building in the heart of downtown.
The organization occupies two floors of the Paul Martin annex. The first floor houses books and other library materials. Administration offices and auxiliary services are on the second floor.
A change to the library’s digs also brought some rule changes, which will take effect on March 2. Library officials will try out the new rules for 10 months. After the trial run, Pope will report back to the library board.
Under the updated Code of Conduct, “emitting (an) offensive odour” is not acceptable, and sleeping on library property is no longer allowed. Smoking and vaping are banned, as is using, possessing or selling any intoxicating substances including alcohol.
Unruly cellphone use will also not be tolerated.
“Lots of libraries ban cellphone use totally,” said Pope. “Well, I don’t know about you but I can’t live without my cellphone. So we recognize that people have their cellphone, but you can’t be screaming into it in the library and disrupting everybody.
“You’re texting, you’re talking quietly, no problem we’re glad to have you. But if you’re disrupting other people, we’ll ask you twice. Third time, we’ll ask you to leave. So three strikes and you’re out.”
Every person will also be limited to bringing three personal items inside the building. This includes bags, suitcases, backpacks or boxes.
“We just don’t have the room,” said Pope. “So that’s why we’re down to three personal items just to try and accommodate everybody.”
The shortage of real estate to accommodate people, books and furniture is also the reason sleeping in the library is no longer allowed.
“That’s one of the new issues,” said Pope. “For many years, public libraries had no problem with people sleeping in the library. You’re studying, end of the evening, and you put your head down for a little nap. We never bothered anybody.
“But libraries across Canada have changed in the last couple of years. Toronto Public, Hamilton Public are not allowing sleeping anymore. When we saw that, and we saw what was happening here, we thought this is a great opportunity to test it.”
Pope stressed customers are still allowed to spend as much time as they want in the library when it’s open. Many of the people hanging out there are homeless or have stopped in to escape the weather.
“Unlike most other places, we encourage loitering,” said Pope. “We’re a public library.
“We have regular wonderful customers who are here seven, eight, nine hours a day. We love them. They’re respectful. We want them to continue to come and enjoy the library and read newspapers and use the computers and all that kind of stuff.
“It’s when you start to push the boundaries and you’re taking up so much room that there isn’t room for somebody else that we wanted to step in and say we need to be a little more respectful.”