HOUSTON -- Shhh! No talking or stinking in the library!
The Houston City Council has passed new regulations that allow librarians to kick out patrons whose "offensive bodily hygiene" is a nuisance to others.
Houston's public libraries have a new set of rules that bans body odor, bathing in library restrooms, eating packaged food, sleeping and shaving in the city facilities. Houston Mayor Bill White said there have been many complaints about abuse of library facilities. Critics say the regulations are aimed at keeping the homeless out of the libraries.
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New Rules
Could Keep Homeless Out Of Libraries
Houston City Council passed the regulations Wednesday, which some consider a veiled attempt at prohibiting homeless people from using the libraries.
The new rules grant librarians the authority to remove offending patrons.
"What we've done is updated, expanded and made some modifications to (the old rules)," Houston Public Library spokeswoman Sandra Fernandez said. "We take all complaints seriously enough to look into them, but we do ultimately use judgment and discretion as to whether or not there is a basis for the complaint."
Fernandez said the library wants the city to reflect changes in society by updating its rules for customers. The goal is to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for those who visit the library.
With the help of the city's legal department, the library came up with the following new rules:
- Patrons with offensive bodily hygiene that constitutes a nuisance to others will not be allowed inside the library.
- People sleeping or putting their head, feet or legs on tables will be asked to leave.
- Visitors will no longer be allowed to use restrooms to change clothes, bathe or shave.
- Customers viewing obscene material on the Internet could be asked to leave.
- Blankets and backpacks that are too big are prohibited.
City councilwoman Addie Wiseman voted against the new rules.
"When we have heat waves, they encourage people, including the homeless, to go into public buildings, including our libraries. What is the plan now?" Wiseman said.
Some patrons also did not approve of the list.
"Some of them are kind of weird because when you're tired and do your work, of course you want to rest your head on the table, or you have a headache and just want to let go," library patron Duelce Ramirez said.
Others agreed.
"They shave (in library bathrooms)? No, I didn't know that," library patron Connie Babeneaux said. "Hygiene is very important to me and people (near me) that smell bad kind of offend me. I'd be uncomfortable."
Library patron Josh Lorenz said he understands why the library would want to institute the new decency rules.
"I can see that … for people who are homeless. Of course I do not like it, but where else can they do it?" Lorenz asked.
Lorenz said he has come across a few smelly strangers in the library but feels it is their place to learn just as much as it is his.
"You're taking their opportunity away from them to better themselves, if that's in fact what they're coming here to do," he said.
Library officials insist they are not just targeting the homeless, but anyone else who engages in offensive behavior in the library.
The new rules take effect immediately.