Food and Beverage

Approved May 5, 2020

(Merged with Alcoholic Beverage Policy, April 19, 2023)

For definitions and other information relevant to understanding Library Policies, please see Introduction to Library Policies.

The Library does not permit food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages, to be consumed in the Library, other than (i) water within a sealable container, or (ii) in areas specifically designated by the Library Director for such use, including the Library’s meeting rooms (which may be used in accordance with the Library’s Meeting Facilities Policy) or the café referred to below.

The Library may provide, through a concessionaire, a food and beverage service area (the “café”) for the convenience of the Library’s staff, patrons and visitors.  The café shall be operated (a) pursuant to a contract between the Library and the concessionaire that has been approved by the Library’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), and (b) under the supervision of the Library administration and the Board’s Buildings and Grounds Committee.  The café shall be primarily financed by the concessionaire and privately donated funds, and shall not receive any material funding from the Library’s operating budget.

Beer and wine may be served in Library meeting rooms only if the sponsoring organization, sponsoring individual or a licensed catering/serving vendor obtains liquor liability or host liquor liability insurance coverage satisfactory to the Library.  Such insurance shall provide coverage in an amount of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and statutory workers’ compensation coverage for the sponsoring organization or individual and/or catering/serving vendors.  A certificate of insurance or other satisfactory evidence of such insurance must be provided to the Library at least one month prior to the proposed date of beer and wine service.  Any sponsoring organization or individual that elects to serve beer and wine on Library Premises shall be solely responsible for complying with all applicable laws, including laws prohibiting the provision of alcohol to minors.  Under no circumstances may individuals attending an event at the Library bring alcoholic beverages to a Library meeting room, and it shall be the responsibility of the sponsoring organization or individual to enforce this policy.