or, No, we don't allow pizza parties in the stacks. Why do you ask?

True or False: The Preservation Department has received:
a). a book with pages stained purple by grape juice. b). a book with a chunk of dried-up chicken stuck to the spine. c). a book riddled with beetle holes, reminiscent of Swiss cheese. d). complaints about the noise of a pizza party in the stacks. Click here for answers!

Food and drink attract vermin.

Where there is food, then rats, mice, cockroaches, and silverfish may follow. These pests can literally chew up books. Their feces can even pose a health hazard to library users and staff.

 

Food and drink are accidents waiting to happen.

Spills cause permanent stains, and moisture on coated (shiny) pages can cause them to stick together irreparably. One wet book can introduce mold into an entire collection, and the clean-up costs can be horrendous. Mold and mildew are known to be significant health hazards to some people.

 

Cleanup is costly.

Most libraries are experiencing significant budgetary shortfalls these days, and custodial service is not high on the list of priorities. With fewer staff, trash pickup may occur less frequently and housekeeping may be minimal. Thus, vermin have more time to settle in and wreak havoc before they are discovered. Extermination can be expensive and may require chemical treatment. Removing a damaged book from circulation, temporarily or permanently, can be an inconvenience for library users.

Prevention is the most effective and least toxic method of pest control.
Wouldn't you rather have your library spend its money on books and services?

Please respect our mission and assist us in pursuing it.
Take care of library materials while they are in your possession.

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