Library Rules: No Loud Yells, No Bad Smells

Homeless advocates get into lather over hygiene policies
By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 13, 2009 9:31 AM CDT
Library Rules: No Loud Yells, No Bad Smells
At the Chicago Public Library, patrons have never been allowed to run, talk loudly, or have open drink containers. Now, they also can't exude powerful aromas.   (©Serge Melki)

Even if you haven’t been to a public library in a while you probably know the major rules: no shouting, no running, no food or drink near the books. But a rash of complaints from patrons have driven some Chicago-area libraries to institute a new prohibition: no offensive body odors. Predictably, some people are indignant, the Tribune reports.

Although the rule applies just as much to over-perfumed patrons as to those with a more natural pungency, some say the rules unfairly single out homeless people. But librarians say they would only kick someone out if other patrons are bothered by the smell—in Joliet, for example, an especially powerful body odor caused someone to vomit. (More library stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X