[Libs-Or] Body Odor Policy

[Melissa Kelly]

Hi Ted,

Canby's Behavior Rules Policy addresses disruptive body odor.  Our policy is attached-see item 21.

We do currently have an exclusion on file for a patron with disruptive body odor.  The individual's body order disrupted others and also permeated the books she checked out.  When the odorous materials were returned to the library, they had to be discarded-and the rest of the bookdrop had to be quarantined while it "aired out."  Canby's previous director met with the patron to point out the behavior and explain the policy, giving the patron an opportunity to address the issue.  The disruptive body odor continued, so the patron was presented with an exclusion notice and asked to sign it.  Although the exclusion notice threatens a police response if the patron returns to the library, staff have been trained to remind the patron of the exclusion and escort her to the door, instead of involving the police.  However, to my knowledge the patron has not returned to the library.

Hope this helps,
Melissa



Melissa J. Kelly, MLIS
Library Director
Canby Public Library
292 N. Holly Street
PO Box 930
Canby, OR 97013
503-266-0655

   www.canbylibrary.org<http://www.canbylibrary.org>
[storytime_img]



From: Libs-Or [mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of Ted Smith
Sent: Monday, January 05, 2015 2:05 PM
To: libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
Subject: [Libs-Or] Body Odor Policy

Do any of you have a policy I can use that covers 1) horrible (to say the least) body odor and 2) the library as a fragrance free zone.  Please don't tell me we can't ban/bar/exclude patrons from our libraries because of excessive body odor (see attached link).  I'm just wondering if any libraries have policies, or any cities have codified an ordinance that covers this issue.

Are any of your libraries fragrance free?  Policies?

As a side note: I talked to this patron and he "solved" the problem by dousing himself with AXE cologne.  I have one of the strongest stomachs known to mankind.  This guy could gag a corpse.  Patrons are complaining, staff are in a quandary as to how to proceed.  Yes, he has an apartment with a working shower - I know because I offered to purchase passes to our rec center so he could shower.  He told me he didn't need them.  I'm open to ideas.

http://articles.latimes.com/2005/mar/05/local/me-smell5




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