The staff of the Whatcom Commnunity College library seeks to make the library an inviting and comfortable environment for study and research. We also want to maintain the value of the collections, equipment, and furnishings. In an effort to achieve a balance between students’ social needs and the need to preserve and protect our collections, we are defining the following policy with respect to food and drink.

Food and beverages of any kind are not permitted in the following areas:

• Computer workstations
  
• Instruction Room HNR201B
  
• Special Collections/Archives
  
• Printers and photocopiers
  
• Media equipment
  
• Other areas posted “No food or drink”

If you do bring food or drinks into the library in areas where it is allowed, please be respectful of fellow library users and help us protect the collection by following these guidelines:

• Please use sturdy, spill-proof containers for beverages, such as travel mugs or sports bottles
  
• Please avoid items that are likely to damage library materials. We suggest non-messy snacks, preferably pre-packaged items such as energy bars, nuts, pretzels, etc.
  
• Avoid snacks that disturb those around you (i.e. aromatic or noisy foods)
  
• Report any spills that may occur to the library staff immediately
  
• Dispose of any food and drink-related trash before you leave

Consequences
Those who violate this policy will be asked to remove food/drink from the area and may be asked to leave the library.

Policy Modifications/ Suspensions
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure that collections and other resources in the WCC Library remain unaffected by food and drink. These rules may be suspended or modified when the library holds events such as “Late Nights at the Library.”