Unattended Belongings & Packages Policy

Introduction

To maintain a safe environment in the Library and at all Library sponsored events, Library staff will monitor unattended belongings/packages left in the Library, on Library premises or at library sponsored events.

Regulations

1. Patrons are advised not to leave belongings unattended on library premises.
2. Unattended belongings are subject to removal at the discretion of library staff.
3. If patrons must leave belongings for a short period of time, they shall place a note on belongings with their name, location and intended time of return, not to exceed 30 minutes.

Procedures

A. Unattended belongings (backpacks, purses, wallets, personal items)

1. Library staff will approach all unattended items with caution.
2. Library staff are not to open any suspicious or threatening package, letter or personal belonging found in the Library.
3. Library staff will alert the senior staff member on site and call 911 if any unattended belongings appear to be suspicious or threatening.
4. If library staff are reasonably confident the item is safe, two staff members, acting together, may examine the item solely to identify and notify its owner.
5. If items do not appear to be suspicious or threatening, the owner has not been identified, and items are not claimed within 2 hours, the items will be placed in the Library’s Lost & Found. If the items are perishable, they will be thrown in the trash. Soiled food containers may be thrown in the trash at the staff members’ discretion.

B. Unexpected items found in or delivered to the Library (sealed boxes, mail, packages):

1. Approach with caution
2. Check item for following:
   • Foreign mail, air mail and special delivery markings
   • Restrictive markings such as “confidential” or “personal”
   • Excessive postage
   • Handwritten or poorly typed address
   • Incorrect titles
   • Misspelling of common words
   • Oily stains or discoloration on package
   • Excessive tape or string
   • Visual distractions
   • No return address
   • Leaking fluids, powders, or granular substances
   • Unusual odors
   • Unusual sounds
3. If the item is open, or if the circumstances in which the item is found are unusual or suspicious, or if a threat is suspected or identified:
   • Limit exposure –vacate and close the area and do not handle the item.
   • Immediately call 911 then notify the senior staff member on site, the Executive Director and the Director of Marketing & Communications.
   • If you handled the package, wash your hands with soap and warm water.
4. If the item is an unopened letter or package addressed to Library staff, Library staff will place the item(s) in the staff member’s mail slot with a note that the item(s) was found unattended in the Library. However, if staff is concerned about the item, it should be treated as per paragraph 3, above.
5. If the item is an unopened letter or package addressed to a member of the public, Library staff will place the item in the Lost & Found. However, if staff is concerned about the item it should be treated as per paragraph 3, above.

Guidelines:

A. Library staff will be aware of the public and their belongings while in the Library.

B. Library staff will use common sense, experience and informed judgment when characterizing an item as suspicious or threatening.

 

Approved 6/25/19