Sault libraries crack down on napping, cannabis use

Sleeping is no longer allowed in Sault Ste. Marie's public libraries.

And smoking or vaping cannabis are now prohibited in any library location or within three metres of any door, according to changes made this week to rules of conduct governing library staff, volunteers and patrons. 

Products containing nicotine were previously controlled, but the library's board agreed to add cannabis since the federal Cannabis Act came into effect on Oct. 17.

Here's the new rule, as approved Monday by the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library board:

The following is not permitted.... smoking, vaping or other methods to inhale or administer products containing nicotine, cannabis, or other substances in library locations or within three metres of any door.

SooToday notes that this is only the library's rule. Additional restrictions on use of nicotine or cannabis may also exist in provincial statutes and regulations, municipal bylaws, lease agreements, workplace policies and property-owner prohibitions.

For example, changes made last month to the province's Smoke-Free Ontario Act generally require recreational cannabis smokers and vapers to follow the same rules as tobacco smokers.

The library's earlier rules on smoking and vaping referred to "products containing nicotine or other stimulants" but the final word of that phrase was changed to "substances" in the revisions approved this week.

Snoozyheads

"Sleeping" was quietly added to the list of prohibited library activities, without discussion, at Monday night's board meeting.

"Public intoxication" was also added, with board members told that term is not restricted to alcohol abuse, but can apply to other drugs as well.

Other standing library rules you might not have known about:

• no use of sports equipment
• no weapons of any kind
• no animals except registered service animals
• no loitering on library property before or after library hours
• no entering non-public areas of the library
• no canvassing, soliciting or unauthorized distributing or posting materials
• appropriate attire is required, including shirts and footwear
• library users may be required to make available for inspection all bags, purses, carrying cases and briefcases when leaving library locations
• consumption of beverages and light snacks is allowed throughout all library locations but refuse must be deposited in waste baskets
• photography, video or audio recording is permitted only with prior permission from library staff
• cellular phones may not be used in designated quiet study areas or in washrooms
• individuals using cell phone in other parts of the library are expected to speak quietly

Hooray Huckson!

In other library news, digital creator intern Katie Huckson is one of the nominees for the 2018 Youth of the Year award, to be presented at today's Sault Ste. Marie Advanced Research Technology (SSMARt) awards.

Huckson and colleagues at the digital creator space at the James L. McIntyre Centennial Library were recognized with an Award of Excellence in Innovation and Technology presented at the Ontario Library Services North banquet on Sept. 26.

Penthouse problems

The downtown library's air-handling system has surpassed its expected life expectancy and could fail within the next year or two.

City Council will be asked in 2019 for $250,000 from the asset management budget to cover the costs of replacing the system, which is awkwardly located in a penthouse.

Part of the penthouse roof and ductwork must be removed to allow the project.

Please stop whacking the asbestos!

Library staff are concerned about the existence of asbestos on low-ceiling areas of the upper level.

"This is an area which can be reached by the public and has been vandalized in a number of places," Matthew MacDonald, acting chief executive officer and director of public libraries, says in a report to the library board.

"Asbestos removal on the upper-level corner low-ceiling areas should take top priority for capital repairs/renovations once air handling systems have been replaced. If the asbestos cannot be removed within the next couple of years then the areas should be sealed," MacDonald said.