The Oldsmar Public Library strives to create a welcoming, clean and comfortable environment for the public. At the same time, the Library has a responsibility to protect the resources of the building including, but not limited to, the furniture, library materials, flooring, and computers. Consistent with both these goals, the Library has adopted the following guidelines for the consumption of food and beverages in the public area.

Members of the Library staff have been entrusted to courteously but firmly enforce the Food and Beverage Policy set forth herein.

• Foods are limited to pre-packaged snacks, finger foods, or wrapped items that are odor-free and unlikely to leave stains, such as granola bars, nuts, and pretzels.
• Hot, smelly, greasy, messy, or sticky foods like pizza, burgers, and fries, which might disturb others, are not allowed.
• Group meals and food delivery are not allowed in public areas except for pre-arranged and approved meetings in public meeting rooms.
• Food consumption may not be disruptive to other Library patrons.
• Beverages are allowed in a spill-proof cup, a can, or screw-top container. No open containers allowed.
• No alcoholic beverages allowed.
• Patrons must report spills immediately to staff and discard all trash after eating or drinking.
• Unattended food will be discarded.

Patrons are expected to clean up after themselves and to keep the noise levels associated with the consumption of food and beverages to a minimum.

Patrons consuming beverages or food in the library may be financially responsible for damage resulting from spills or stains.

Patrons who violate the Library's Food and Beverage Policy will be made aware of the violation. Patrons who do not correct the behavior immediately will be asked to leave the building and prohibited from returning for a specific amount of time as determined by the Library Director or designee. Failure to leave the building when asked to do so will be considered trespassing, and may result in the Sheriff being contacted.

Repeated violations of the Food and Beverage Policy could result in suspension of library privileges and/or being permanently barred from the Oldsmar Public Library.