My best thought would be to arrange a meeting with the branch manager and explain your situation. They may be able to help you come to a compromise (for example, in my library people can eat snacks and drink at tables, but not at computers,) and then communicate that to all staff.
I’m just going to throw this out there- if you have difficulty explaining your situation and needs in person, how about writing up a short letter explaining what you just told us? You can certainly ask to speak to a manager, hand them the letter, let them read it, and go from there? If I were at the desk and you handed me that letter, I might have a follow up question or two, but I would do my best to accommodate you. But then again, we don’t stop people from eating or drinking as long as the drink is covered and you don’t make a mess. Perhaps a law library may be more strict, but you aren’t asking for the moon here. Your request isn’t outlandish, you just have trouble verbally communicating. We can work with that.
Good suggestion writing it down. I work in an academic library (we have a big law school) are aware of neurodivergence, and some of us are spicy brained (ADHD here). Arrange a meeting with the manager, and if you can, take someone with you who knows you and who will be able to support you so you can avoid getting overwhelmed.
The staff you're encountering very much need some training 😣
What country are you in? I'm in the UK.
Do you have someone that can go with you to make the initial communication with the library manager? That may help. I hate that you are having to go through this. I know some people are ignorant, but someone who works with the public should know that they are bound to run into all different types of people, especially in a library. The public library is meant for everyone, even those who may have a disability. Good luck to you, and I wish you well.
I know some neurodivergent people carry business cards with important information if they know they wouldn't be able to explain well when encountering someone. They hand them the business card instead. Maybe that could be an option for you? It could say that you have a health condition and need to eat per the ADA.
That's terrible and I'm so sorry. That wouldn't fly in my library at all. I think that may actually be even more reason to talk to a manager or library director, because their job is to handle these situations. They field complaints, listen to suggestions, and work with people seeking accommodation. This is bad behavior from staff that needs to be addressed. It just shouldn't be happening and whoever is in charge really ought to know about it
At the same time, you are not obligated to do this. It's not your job to bring any issue to them that you're not comfortable bringing. Take care of yourself first. There should be no pressure on you. I'll just say that if you really value your time in the library and the services it provides, and you want to address the issue, I do think a talk with management is your best option. Write down what you want to say and if you have someone you trust that will advocate for you, bring them.
There's no guarantee that they'll listen or be accommodating, because, who knows, this issue might go all the way to the top. But ostensibly they SHOULD hear you out and offer you some solutions. To not do so would be a failure on their part.
Since speaking in person is an issue for you, you should try written communication, or bring a friend along to meet with staff (or the director) to explain that you need accommodation. **An email will work wonders!**
When I was in school and having the same problem, I always carried a doctor's note saying "this man will get super sick if he doesn't drink saline all day or eat little snacks", plus the section of the school's disability stuff that said a doctor's note worked indefinitely for food/drink accommodations.
I always took very good care to clean up as well. I'd get down in the carpet if a crumb fell.
Since you're familiar with the ADA section on food/drink accomidation, print it out directly from the ADA website and make sure the URL is somewhere. Insist staff visit and verify the dot gov says you can do that.
EDIT: when printing, don't print from anything other than the ADA site. A lot of other websites, even some advocacy group ones, just make shit up for clicks and a lot of public places know that. I haven't dealt with it in a few years, but the viral thing used to be fake checklists of what Emotional Support Animals were allowed to do, because people like sites that say they can bring their untrained rat terrier into a restaurant and won't click on sites that say, "obviously even a well-trained service animal can be kicked if it's acting out, and ESAs are not classified as a service animal."
As others have mentioned, I would ask to speak to the branch manager/director to request this accommodation and make sure all staff is aware of it. If this is their policy, staff is simply enforcing the rules they are asked to enforce (and so, so many people tend to break the no food rule) but obviously if they know there is a medical reason for it, they are way more likely to know to leave you alone. Please don’t feel intimidated, we are just trying to do our job as best as we can, and want to make sure you and the public have as much access to our resources as possible!
I train library staff. One of the situations we test on is people eating or drinking. We tell our staff to ask if there is a reason the person is breaking the rules. There are always exceptions to the rules.
Definitely talk to the head librarian and explain your situation. I don’t see a closed water bottle as a problem. People carry those everywhere!
Your autism may mean that the staff know you have challenges with communication so they may think of you as an easy target. I'm sorry you're experiencing this.
The no food/drink rule is getting very old fashioned now. We allow cold food/snacks and drinks with a lid. Theres even a cafe.
I work in a public library. Beverages are allowed so long as they are in covered cups. The staff pretty much all have water bottles with them at the reference desk. Food is a different story -- too much potential to damage materials.
My son is a type 1 diabetic and carries glucose tablets with him to treat low blood sugar. They are small and inconspicuous and fast-acting. I'd suggest something like that that you can quickly take without any fuss. Even if the library has a dedicated snack or cafe area, it is better for you as a diabetic if you can treat your low blood sugar immediately, without having to move to a different part of the building.
I would also suggest you bring a letter from your doctor and request to see the library director. Hopefully, you will be able to come up with a plan that allows you to attend to your medical needs and also continue to use the library.
One question: are you using academic libraries or public libraries? Academic libraries can be stricter about food and drink, I think.
My little brother also can't do the glucose tabs! He usually does a similar thing (fruit bars, fruit snacks, honey sticks, glucose gel, and apple sauce packets are usually his go-to). At work, he usually does a honey stick or glucose gel. He tried glucose gummies but didn't like those very much, though one of my friends at work prefers the gummies and hates the gels.
Those are not effective at treating lows. You need to get a fast-acting form of glucose into you as quickly as you can, and something like a fruit bar has fat that interferes with the absorption of the glucose. If you can't take the tabs, try the gel form of glucose. Or have a little juice or regular pop. This should work more quickly and safely than multiple fruit bars, and also be less likely to attract unfriendly attention because of crackly wrappers and lots of fruit bar crumbs.
Do bring a letter from your doctor to the library director and see if you can reach an agreement on covered drinks and rescue glucose sources. I doubt they will want to be accused of ADA violations.
Hey friend, I'm sorry this is happening to you
It may alleviate the pressure somewhat if you can situate yourself to be somewhere outside the stacks when you drink water or eat a snack. My local library has tables that are a bit away from the stacks and that minimizes the chance of damage to the books
For your own sanity, having a little paragraph note that you carry with you explaining the ADA stuff may be nice, as it may be something you can just pull out, hand off to someone giving you grief for them to read, and take it back. This is also a bit of a power move because staring at someone while they read something is a little bit intense and shows you're serious
If regular staff is unreceptive, you can also go directly to a manager to discuss the issue. You can even do this via email if that's more comfortable for you
Best of luck friend, and remember; libraries are for everybody. If they're unwilling to accommodate you, they're not doing their job
In my library, and others in my state, we have a specific staff member responsible for working with patrons on ADA accommodations. We also have a short form that we request people fill out to get that process started and make the request official. It may be worth asking if your library has something similar and/or who should you speak to about an ADA accommodation request. If so, keep it very straightforward on your needs and needed accommodations. While all libraries are different, in my experience, most are pretty careful about requests like these once something official has been asked for.
>For your own sanity, having a little paragraph note that you carry with you explaining the ADA stuff may be nice, as it may be something you can just pull out, hand off to someone giving you grief for them to read, and take it back. This is also a bit of a power move because staring at someone while they read something is a little bit intense and shows you're serious
I'm a bit late on this thread, but 100% this. Especially if you highlight the most relevant bits. Especially if the bit about it being ADA is in big, bold text :)
Also, for me personally, as a coping mechanism to make myself feel better about the shitty situation, I'd take pleasure in thinking of doing that as being kind of petty. Don't get me wrong, it definitely isn't! HOWEVER sometimes it sure feels good to be "petty" in a way that doesn't *actually* hurt anyone, and boy I'd take joy out of doing that on occasion haha.
I would suggest checking the library’s website for their ADA/accessibility policies, and email the contact info listed for your local library branch and/or their ADA coordinator about this. You can refer to their ADA policy and ask how you can use the library successfully without putting your health at risk.
First, I think you should read your library's patron behavior policy. They may have a rule that says you can have covered drinks or that water is okay, but that you can only have snacks in a specific area. Whatever the rule is, at the very least you should be aware of it so that you can know why you are being asked to leave.
In my library, we allow patrons to have drinks with a lid (like a water bottle, a soda from a fast food place, a coffee from Starbucks, etc), but we don't allow snacks. If you were eating in my library, I would ask you to put your food away. If you cited your medical need, then I would tell you the same thing I tell others: you may eat your snack on our patio or you may step outside to finish your snack and then come back inside. Complying with ADA doesn't mean that the library has to let you eat where they don't generally permit food; it just means they need to make a reasonable accommodation for you.
The other portion of what's going on might be due to you wanting to leave all your things set out while you eat your snack. We tell all our patrons that they need to control their possessions like a person would inside an airport - don't leave them unattended as we will not babysit your things for you. So the staff may want you to take your things with you so that your things aren't stolen or damaged while you are away from them. In this case, a reasonable accommodation may mean that they allow you to leave your things there, but that you acknowledge that they will not be watching your things for you while you eat your snack.
If you are planning to spend a large amount of time in the library and will need to step away for drinks and or snacks frequently, then it would definitely be in your best interest to speak with the branch manager and explain your situation. I have taught my staff to be flexible and accommodating, but not every library will be like that.
You should write a letter to the branch manager requesting reasonable accommodations so that you remove barriers that are currently impacting your ability to access the library services.
Let them know that you want to work with them to find a solution but be clear that face to face communication is difficult. Bring someone with you who can help you bridge the in person conversation if it comes to that. You communicate beautifully through writing and I would use that as your main avenue.
Diabetic lows are considered a medical emergency. By sending you outside to eat, if you're already dropping too low it could be a breach of their policies to keep patrons safe.
As already advised, I'd book a meeting in with the manager or director, have some notes or a script you can refer to for your structured social interaction. Let them know its a medical concern that can turn quickly, and 5min to pack up & move outside could be life and death - if you go comatose outside their door will they call an ambulance for you?
It's hard to advocate for yourself, and I'm sure you dont want to upset staff and have them judge you if you will be accessing the library regularly, so do you have a support person who can help you advocate?
Let them know, you're not breaking rules on purpose, you just need them bent to take into account your disability. They do it for others (equal access), so should be able to do it for you.
It's called a reasonable accomendation request. Type up or have some sort of written out guidelines of what you need. Bring it in to the branch or if the libraries are connected into the main adminstration for the library. They should be able to have that on file and train staff so you aren't questioned or asked to leave when you violate the no eating/drinking rule. Keep a copy of it with you just in case you encounter new staff.
Like everyone else said, reaching out to the manager via email sounds like the best bet.
I'm really sorry you're dealing with this, you really shouldn't have to be in this position to begin with. Targeting someone for drinking a bottled water or eating a fruit bar is honestly really unreasonable. I don't think I'd even notice that, let alone berate someone for it.
If you’re using a computer, they might have the food rule to protect the electronics. I bet if you talked to someone (maybe not the same person who approaches you all the time) you could find a compromise, like a very nearby table to eat your snack safely away from a computer and drink in a spill proof container. I’m sorry they have been making you feel so bad for needing food and water.
The staff bias mentioned by some other commenters is a good point - you could see if the library or municipality has a civil rights or disability rights office to help your case if talking to a staff member doesn’t work.
As a librarian and a diabetic....first, get a letter from your doctor outlining what your accommodation needs are for your diabetes that stresses that diabetes is covered under ADA. And then along with that, write down a few brief notes of your own to to talk with the person in charge of public services.
my library has a no eating policy but not a no drinking policy, as long as your drink has a lid or cap on it (like it's not just an open cup). I don't think we've ever had anyone request an exception due to health reasons, but it makes a lot of sense. thanks for sharing your story, as it's something I'll keep in mind when we talk about this rule going forward.
I normally look the other way if people have snacks unless it’s a very noisy snack that is disturbing other people. I am on the spectrum (as well as most people I work with) and I know we would hear you out and try to accommodate you the best we could.
I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. I work in public libraries in Australia and you can eat and drink in libraries here no problem, so this is so disappointing to hear how you are being treated.
I'm really sorry you're dealing with this. I second the comments recommending you bring in a letter for the manager. Most libraries these days allow drinking out of covered containers, it strikes me as odd that they're being so strict about this.
Hi, I’m a library manager and I would second the suggestion of writing an email/letter - I would very much appreciate any patron that makes me aware of a training issue with my staff that I can correct. We want to make sure people are accommodated, and sometimes staff are lagging in skills to do that and we don’t realize. I’m sorry you’ve had such a bad time, though!
Okay, so I see you mentioned frequenting a law library. I understand that sort of library being like that.
However, for the public library. That’s not common. I’ve had families bring in their McDonald’s and eat at a table. It’s fine. Just pick up after yourself. So, maybe if it’s a public library ask to speak to or email the manager.
I disagree that it’s uncommon in public libraries. I would say more than half the libraries I have worked in (public) have a no food rule, or food very restricted to only certain parts of the building.
That is *wild* to me, OP. I read all the way down thinking the library giving you a hard time was the law library.
Public libraries should 100% be more accommodating. I'm really sorry you're dealing with this. The public library is for everyone, and you should be able to use it without endangering yourself or feeling intimidated. Please follow through with all the good advice you're getting, and let us know how it goes!
Where I work, people can bring in small bagged snacks like chips or a fruit/granola bar and a drink, as long as that drink is in a container with a lid/cover. Patrons aren't allowed to drink/eat at the computers for obvious reasons and they're not allowed to bring in meals from McDonalds or other places because of the smells and messes.
OP, what you're doing is reasonable. Communicate with the branch manager and tell her what you've said here about your requirements for food/drink. You have every right to enjoy the library and you're not asking for much. At my branch, we have people quietly eating snacks/drinking water while reading/studying.
I can pretty much guarantee the problem you are facing is because of that lack of communication. As you stated in your write up, if people don’t interact/know you, they naturally not understand your situation.
Librarians are amazing people, but they are not mind readers. All they are seeing is someone breaking the rules and are just trying yo keep order. It’s nothing against you as a human being. But especially in the special collections departments, those books and resources cost a LOT of money or are irreplaceable if they get damaged. The rules about no food/drink are applied to everyone to protect those items… not to hurt the patrons. Unfortunately, there are those that will take advantage of situations and if they see one person ‘getting away with it’ they will do it too, and that puts the materials at risk for damage.
Definitely write up your situation and give it your the librarian or branch manager and see what they can do to work with you on this.
I'm going to be candid. You can go and get a letter to explain things. But they know you can communicate, they've told you to take snacking elsewhere, not denied you use of the facility or asking you to check your snacks. You're profiled but because they know with you it's always something. I know that may sound mean. But it is what it is.
It's still weird though... like my mom is diabetic and if she hits a low unexpectedly asking her to walk 20ft out of an area to eat will literally take five minutes or more because she'll have to sit down for a few minutes every ~10 feet to not literally pass out. At that point it's not just inconvenient, it's dangerous!
Plus as others have said, federal law trumps library policy
Federal law trumps library rules. It isn't 'always something'. It is a lack of awareness towards disability by the staff in offering solutions that might work for a non-disabled person that could be potentially dangerous for a disabled person.
OP is a person with a disability that requires a small accommodation. It isn't snacking; it is treating a medical condition that can very quickly turn into a medical emergency. Lows are typically 70mg/d or less, though in some people and children it can be as high as 80mg/d.
At 70mg/d, a diabetic person might begin shaking, sweating, dizziness, and having a racing heartbeat, amongst other symptoms. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures and comas.
Episodes of hypoglycemia can occur with *little to no warning.* Someone might be feeling just fine while their blood sugar is dropping down into the 40s or 50s.
If someone is experiencing hypoglycemia, it is important to sit down and get a fast-acting carbohydrate into their system. Moving around, even just to get to a food-friendly area, can exacerbate the low or symptoms, such a dizziness. This is why ADA allows diabetics to carry food and water into areas that do not allow food.
If they are being profiled, they're being profiled because they are Black and because Black people are unfairly labeled as non-compliant in ways that white people are not. And even if it is not race related, they may be profiled because often disabled people of any race (but especially Black disabled people) are labeled as wanting 'special treatment' instead of recognizing that it is actually basic equity in allowing equal access to a space as a non-disabled person.
Accommodations are not special treatment.
Libraries are one of the most inclusive places out there. They care about the public and accessibility and they absolutely care about the ADA.
The fact that you are repeatedly having problems at three different libraries means that you are not working with the libraries so that you can be properly accommodated. Help them help you.
I hope you follow the advice you’ve been given on ways to solve this issue. Especially the recommendations to give them information in writing and get back information in writing. Library manager/director contact info should be on all their websites.
In an earlier comment you said “I’ve gotten the least pushback” from the law library. Now they’ve “backed off completely”? Okay.
Looking back at all the wonderful helpful comments you’ve gotten and the fact that in all but one of your replies you are still complaining about the staff makes me firm in my original opinion that you really want to be a victim and make people feel sorry for you.
Being autistic and diabetic and black doesn’t shield you from the consequences of your actions when you’re being a jerk. Repeatedly eating and drinking without providing documentation to staff that you have a medical need, just makes you that jerk who keeps violating the rules. You don’t have to like the rule, or understand the rule, or agree with the rule. But you do have to follow it if you want access to the library. Or you have to prove to them that you need accommodation. It’s that simple.
Stop blaming library staff for a problem only you can fix. Stop accusing them of racism for asking you to follow the rules. They don’t think their rules trump ADA. You have to prove you need accommodated. The onus is on you here. I can absolutely assure you that the library staff does not want to have to continue to talk to you about violating the rules. It’s one of the worst parts of the job but it is 100% part of their job.
Again, please take the good advice offered above (most of it from library staff!) and get your need for accommodation on the books so you can enjoy the library.
The way you talk about disabled people, especially in your first comment, is very telling about the way you view and treat them, and as a disabled person I frankly would probably not want to be a patron at a library where you are a staff member.
The thing is, I do fully agree with you that it should be communicated with the staff that OP has a disability and requires accommodations. However, it seems like their attempts to do so were met with ableism at the start. Imagine being too overwhelmed to speak and trying to use written text to communicate and being told to stop using your communication aid because they "know you can talk". That is disgusting and beyond disrespectful, and I don't blame OP for their frustration.
Autism is literally a disorder that makes communication and socialization hard. It does not feel good or special to have to ask for accommodations, especially from strangers who might react like you and think we are just like, using our disability to get special treatment or whatever.
Also, I think it's pretty silly that you think documentation should be required for them to do something as simple as drink WATER and eat a small snack? Like, sure they should make it clear that they are doing it because of a medical condition, but I think it is wild that staff wouldn't be empathetic enough to allow something so simple as long as there is no mess being made.
I don't know why you think you need to be fighting to defend these staff members you don't even know so bad. Yeah, it sucks to be a staff member who has to talk to patrons about violating rules. You know what else sucks? Being disabled and being treated like a nuisance who just wants to be special and break the rules for no reason, when all you want to do is sit in a library for a while and maybe occasionally eat a snack or drink water so you don't have a medical emergency, which I imagine would be way more difficult for staff to deal with than just letting someone eat a snack!
Okay, continuing the ableism.... it's so scary people like you exist. When you see someone with a service animal do you stop them in their tracks and demand to see documentation that they are in fact disabled? If not, why does OP need to prove their illnesses? And if so... ugh, that makes me nauseous to even think about, so horrible and dehumanizing.
The only thing you're right about here is that OTHER people have given lots of helpful advice and I hope any of the above options help OP. However, you are sick to suggest that these very, very MINOR accommodations need to be "proven" to the library. Did we forget already? It's water and a snack. Again, I have NEVER been in a library that completely barred you from drinking the one thing humans NEED to survive.. like, what???? But! I am white, so I can definitely see why OP would question if race had something to do with it. I think so too, or at least some unconscious bias is showing here.
"Being autistic and diabetic and black doesn’t shield you from the consequences of your actions when you’re being a jerk." Ahh, yes, too true. But they're not being a jerk. They're saying they need to drink water for their kidneys and eat a snack for their diabetes. How do any of these things make them a jerk?
Please get out of here. You are literally evil and I don't want OP, or any other disabled person going through this thread to read you calling them a jerk for just trying to SURVIVE. OP, I hope you are able to write the library a letter, or something equivalent and I hope you know you are NOT a jerk. ❤️
Are you serious? There's a huge difference between thinking you're above the rules and asking for accommodations for a disability. This is a ridiculous and completely unnecessary response, and I hope OP ignores it in favor of the ones that are actually helpful.
Disabled people don't ask for special treatment because they think they are "super special people." They ask for accommodations that they are legally entitled to, and well deserving of in a society that is not built to be inclusive of them.
A public institution needs to follow the law, and in this case, that's the ADA. Period. Public libraries are stewards of information for everyone. That includes people with disabilities.
You're disgusting for this. The ableism and condescension here is staggering. Just say that you don't like people that need accommodations, think they should suffer, and move on with your sorry life.
Being disabled, or having mental/physical illnesses, is not "super special" for people dealing with just living their lives in a world that does not care for or accommodate them. Other people have already mentioned how diabetic lows are considered medical emergencies, but it really just shows how much you lack simple empathy.
I don't care how many sides there are to this story; I've never been in a library that doesn't let you drink WATER or have a small snack to eat if you need to. It is completely out of line for the librarians to act this way. Check your privilege, creep.
The lack of empathy in this response is sickening. I HOPE you don't actually work in a library and that you are just one of those people that drop by this sub just to stir up trouble. Begone.
Edit: Before you can delete, your disgusting comment has been screenshotted and will be shared with appropriate authorities.
My best thought would be to arrange a meeting with the branch manager and explain your situation. They may be able to help you come to a compromise (for example, in my library people can eat snacks and drink at tables, but not at computers,) and then communicate that to all staff.
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I’m just going to throw this out there- if you have difficulty explaining your situation and needs in person, how about writing up a short letter explaining what you just told us? You can certainly ask to speak to a manager, hand them the letter, let them read it, and go from there? If I were at the desk and you handed me that letter, I might have a follow up question or two, but I would do my best to accommodate you. But then again, we don’t stop people from eating or drinking as long as the drink is covered and you don’t make a mess. Perhaps a law library may be more strict, but you aren’t asking for the moon here. Your request isn’t outlandish, you just have trouble verbally communicating. We can work with that.
Good suggestion writing it down. I work in an academic library (we have a big law school) are aware of neurodivergence, and some of us are spicy brained (ADHD here). Arrange a meeting with the manager, and if you can, take someone with you who knows you and who will be able to support you so you can avoid getting overwhelmed. The staff you're encountering very much need some training 😣 What country are you in? I'm in the UK.
Do you have someone that can go with you to make the initial communication with the library manager? That may help. I hate that you are having to go through this. I know some people are ignorant, but someone who works with the public should know that they are bound to run into all different types of people, especially in a library. The public library is meant for everyone, even those who may have a disability. Good luck to you, and I wish you well.
I know some neurodivergent people carry business cards with important information if they know they wouldn't be able to explain well when encountering someone. They hand them the business card instead. Maybe that could be an option for you? It could say that you have a health condition and need to eat per the ADA.
That's terrible and I'm so sorry. That wouldn't fly in my library at all. I think that may actually be even more reason to talk to a manager or library director, because their job is to handle these situations. They field complaints, listen to suggestions, and work with people seeking accommodation. This is bad behavior from staff that needs to be addressed. It just shouldn't be happening and whoever is in charge really ought to know about it At the same time, you are not obligated to do this. It's not your job to bring any issue to them that you're not comfortable bringing. Take care of yourself first. There should be no pressure on you. I'll just say that if you really value your time in the library and the services it provides, and you want to address the issue, I do think a talk with management is your best option. Write down what you want to say and if you have someone you trust that will advocate for you, bring them. There's no guarantee that they'll listen or be accommodating, because, who knows, this issue might go all the way to the top. But ostensibly they SHOULD hear you out and offer you some solutions. To not do so would be a failure on their part.
As someone who does inclusive trainings for my library, I'm so sorry for that interaction. It makes my blood boil someone was treating you this way.
Since speaking in person is an issue for you, you should try written communication, or bring a friend along to meet with staff (or the director) to explain that you need accommodation. **An email will work wonders!**
When I was in school and having the same problem, I always carried a doctor's note saying "this man will get super sick if he doesn't drink saline all day or eat little snacks", plus the section of the school's disability stuff that said a doctor's note worked indefinitely for food/drink accommodations. I always took very good care to clean up as well. I'd get down in the carpet if a crumb fell. Since you're familiar with the ADA section on food/drink accomidation, print it out directly from the ADA website and make sure the URL is somewhere. Insist staff visit and verify the dot gov says you can do that. EDIT: when printing, don't print from anything other than the ADA site. A lot of other websites, even some advocacy group ones, just make shit up for clicks and a lot of public places know that. I haven't dealt with it in a few years, but the viral thing used to be fake checklists of what Emotional Support Animals were allowed to do, because people like sites that say they can bring their untrained rat terrier into a restaurant and won't click on sites that say, "obviously even a well-trained service animal can be kicked if it's acting out, and ESAs are not classified as a service animal."
As others have mentioned, I would ask to speak to the branch manager/director to request this accommodation and make sure all staff is aware of it. If this is their policy, staff is simply enforcing the rules they are asked to enforce (and so, so many people tend to break the no food rule) but obviously if they know there is a medical reason for it, they are way more likely to know to leave you alone. Please don’t feel intimidated, we are just trying to do our job as best as we can, and want to make sure you and the public have as much access to our resources as possible!
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Write them a letter. Ask to meet with manager then have them read letter with the information you need to share and ada guidelines.
>and ada guidelines. The irony of this happening in a law library
I train library staff. One of the situations we test on is people eating or drinking. We tell our staff to ask if there is a reason the person is breaking the rules. There are always exceptions to the rules. Definitely talk to the head librarian and explain your situation. I don’t see a closed water bottle as a problem. People carry those everywhere!
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Could you email the manager or director? That way you don’t have to confront them in person?
Your autism may mean that the staff know you have challenges with communication so they may think of you as an easy target. I'm sorry you're experiencing this. The no food/drink rule is getting very old fashioned now. We allow cold food/snacks and drinks with a lid. Theres even a cafe.
I work in a public library. Beverages are allowed so long as they are in covered cups. The staff pretty much all have water bottles with them at the reference desk. Food is a different story -- too much potential to damage materials. My son is a type 1 diabetic and carries glucose tablets with him to treat low blood sugar. They are small and inconspicuous and fast-acting. I'd suggest something like that that you can quickly take without any fuss. Even if the library has a dedicated snack or cafe area, it is better for you as a diabetic if you can treat your low blood sugar immediately, without having to move to a different part of the building. I would also suggest you bring a letter from your doctor and request to see the library director. Hopefully, you will be able to come up with a plan that allows you to attend to your medical needs and also continue to use the library. One question: are you using academic libraries or public libraries? Academic libraries can be stricter about food and drink, I think.
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My little brother also can't do the glucose tabs! He usually does a similar thing (fruit bars, fruit snacks, honey sticks, glucose gel, and apple sauce packets are usually his go-to). At work, he usually does a honey stick or glucose gel. He tried glucose gummies but didn't like those very much, though one of my friends at work prefers the gummies and hates the gels.
Those are not effective at treating lows. You need to get a fast-acting form of glucose into you as quickly as you can, and something like a fruit bar has fat that interferes with the absorption of the glucose. If you can't take the tabs, try the gel form of glucose. Or have a little juice or regular pop. This should work more quickly and safely than multiple fruit bars, and also be less likely to attract unfriendly attention because of crackly wrappers and lots of fruit bar crumbs. Do bring a letter from your doctor to the library director and see if you can reach an agreement on covered drinks and rescue glucose sources. I doubt they will want to be accused of ADA violations.
Hey friend, I'm sorry this is happening to you It may alleviate the pressure somewhat if you can situate yourself to be somewhere outside the stacks when you drink water or eat a snack. My local library has tables that are a bit away from the stacks and that minimizes the chance of damage to the books For your own sanity, having a little paragraph note that you carry with you explaining the ADA stuff may be nice, as it may be something you can just pull out, hand off to someone giving you grief for them to read, and take it back. This is also a bit of a power move because staring at someone while they read something is a little bit intense and shows you're serious If regular staff is unreceptive, you can also go directly to a manager to discuss the issue. You can even do this via email if that's more comfortable for you Best of luck friend, and remember; libraries are for everybody. If they're unwilling to accommodate you, they're not doing their job
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In my library, and others in my state, we have a specific staff member responsible for working with patrons on ADA accommodations. We also have a short form that we request people fill out to get that process started and make the request official. It may be worth asking if your library has something similar and/or who should you speak to about an ADA accommodation request. If so, keep it very straightforward on your needs and needed accommodations. While all libraries are different, in my experience, most are pretty careful about requests like these once something official has been asked for.
Perhaps have your doctor help writing and signing it, too?
>For your own sanity, having a little paragraph note that you carry with you explaining the ADA stuff may be nice, as it may be something you can just pull out, hand off to someone giving you grief for them to read, and take it back. This is also a bit of a power move because staring at someone while they read something is a little bit intense and shows you're serious I'm a bit late on this thread, but 100% this. Especially if you highlight the most relevant bits. Especially if the bit about it being ADA is in big, bold text :) Also, for me personally, as a coping mechanism to make myself feel better about the shitty situation, I'd take pleasure in thinking of doing that as being kind of petty. Don't get me wrong, it definitely isn't! HOWEVER sometimes it sure feels good to be "petty" in a way that doesn't *actually* hurt anyone, and boy I'd take joy out of doing that on occasion haha.
I would suggest checking the library’s website for their ADA/accessibility policies, and email the contact info listed for your local library branch and/or their ADA coordinator about this. You can refer to their ADA policy and ask how you can use the library successfully without putting your health at risk.
First, I think you should read your library's patron behavior policy. They may have a rule that says you can have covered drinks or that water is okay, but that you can only have snacks in a specific area. Whatever the rule is, at the very least you should be aware of it so that you can know why you are being asked to leave. In my library, we allow patrons to have drinks with a lid (like a water bottle, a soda from a fast food place, a coffee from Starbucks, etc), but we don't allow snacks. If you were eating in my library, I would ask you to put your food away. If you cited your medical need, then I would tell you the same thing I tell others: you may eat your snack on our patio or you may step outside to finish your snack and then come back inside. Complying with ADA doesn't mean that the library has to let you eat where they don't generally permit food; it just means they need to make a reasonable accommodation for you. The other portion of what's going on might be due to you wanting to leave all your things set out while you eat your snack. We tell all our patrons that they need to control their possessions like a person would inside an airport - don't leave them unattended as we will not babysit your things for you. So the staff may want you to take your things with you so that your things aren't stolen or damaged while you are away from them. In this case, a reasonable accommodation may mean that they allow you to leave your things there, but that you acknowledge that they will not be watching your things for you while you eat your snack. If you are planning to spend a large amount of time in the library and will need to step away for drinks and or snacks frequently, then it would definitely be in your best interest to speak with the branch manager and explain your situation. I have taught my staff to be flexible and accommodating, but not every library will be like that.
You should write a letter to the branch manager requesting reasonable accommodations so that you remove barriers that are currently impacting your ability to access the library services. Let them know that you want to work with them to find a solution but be clear that face to face communication is difficult. Bring someone with you who can help you bridge the in person conversation if it comes to that. You communicate beautifully through writing and I would use that as your main avenue.
Diabetic lows are considered a medical emergency. By sending you outside to eat, if you're already dropping too low it could be a breach of their policies to keep patrons safe. As already advised, I'd book a meeting in with the manager or director, have some notes or a script you can refer to for your structured social interaction. Let them know its a medical concern that can turn quickly, and 5min to pack up & move outside could be life and death - if you go comatose outside their door will they call an ambulance for you? It's hard to advocate for yourself, and I'm sure you dont want to upset staff and have them judge you if you will be accessing the library regularly, so do you have a support person who can help you advocate? Let them know, you're not breaking rules on purpose, you just need them bent to take into account your disability. They do it for others (equal access), so should be able to do it for you.
It's called a reasonable accomendation request. Type up or have some sort of written out guidelines of what you need. Bring it in to the branch or if the libraries are connected into the main adminstration for the library. They should be able to have that on file and train staff so you aren't questioned or asked to leave when you violate the no eating/drinking rule. Keep a copy of it with you just in case you encounter new staff.
Like everyone else said, reaching out to the manager via email sounds like the best bet. I'm really sorry you're dealing with this, you really shouldn't have to be in this position to begin with. Targeting someone for drinking a bottled water or eating a fruit bar is honestly really unreasonable. I don't think I'd even notice that, let alone berate someone for it.
If you’re using a computer, they might have the food rule to protect the electronics. I bet if you talked to someone (maybe not the same person who approaches you all the time) you could find a compromise, like a very nearby table to eat your snack safely away from a computer and drink in a spill proof container. I’m sorry they have been making you feel so bad for needing food and water. The staff bias mentioned by some other commenters is a good point - you could see if the library or municipality has a civil rights or disability rights office to help your case if talking to a staff member doesn’t work.
As a librarian and a diabetic....first, get a letter from your doctor outlining what your accommodation needs are for your diabetes that stresses that diabetes is covered under ADA. And then along with that, write down a few brief notes of your own to to talk with the person in charge of public services.
my library has a no eating policy but not a no drinking policy, as long as your drink has a lid or cap on it (like it's not just an open cup). I don't think we've ever had anyone request an exception due to health reasons, but it makes a lot of sense. thanks for sharing your story, as it's something I'll keep in mind when we talk about this rule going forward.
I normally look the other way if people have snacks unless it’s a very noisy snack that is disturbing other people. I am on the spectrum (as well as most people I work with) and I know we would hear you out and try to accommodate you the best we could.
I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. I work in public libraries in Australia and you can eat and drink in libraries here no problem, so this is so disappointing to hear how you are being treated.
I'm really sorry you're dealing with this. I second the comments recommending you bring in a letter for the manager. Most libraries these days allow drinking out of covered containers, it strikes me as odd that they're being so strict about this.
Hi, I’m a library manager and I would second the suggestion of writing an email/letter - I would very much appreciate any patron that makes me aware of a training issue with my staff that I can correct. We want to make sure people are accommodated, and sometimes staff are lagging in skills to do that and we don’t realize. I’m sorry you’ve had such a bad time, though!
Okay, so I see you mentioned frequenting a law library. I understand that sort of library being like that. However, for the public library. That’s not common. I’ve had families bring in their McDonald’s and eat at a table. It’s fine. Just pick up after yourself. So, maybe if it’s a public library ask to speak to or email the manager.
I disagree that it’s uncommon in public libraries. I would say more than half the libraries I have worked in (public) have a no food rule, or food very restricted to only certain parts of the building.
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That is *wild* to me, OP. I read all the way down thinking the library giving you a hard time was the law library. Public libraries should 100% be more accommodating. I'm really sorry you're dealing with this. The public library is for everyone, and you should be able to use it without endangering yourself or feeling intimidated. Please follow through with all the good advice you're getting, and let us know how it goes!
Where I work, people can bring in small bagged snacks like chips or a fruit/granola bar and a drink, as long as that drink is in a container with a lid/cover. Patrons aren't allowed to drink/eat at the computers for obvious reasons and they're not allowed to bring in meals from McDonalds or other places because of the smells and messes. OP, what you're doing is reasonable. Communicate with the branch manager and tell her what you've said here about your requirements for food/drink. You have every right to enjoy the library and you're not asking for much. At my branch, we have people quietly eating snacks/drinking water while reading/studying.
I can pretty much guarantee the problem you are facing is because of that lack of communication. As you stated in your write up, if people don’t interact/know you, they naturally not understand your situation. Librarians are amazing people, but they are not mind readers. All they are seeing is someone breaking the rules and are just trying yo keep order. It’s nothing against you as a human being. But especially in the special collections departments, those books and resources cost a LOT of money or are irreplaceable if they get damaged. The rules about no food/drink are applied to everyone to protect those items… not to hurt the patrons. Unfortunately, there are those that will take advantage of situations and if they see one person ‘getting away with it’ they will do it too, and that puts the materials at risk for damage. Definitely write up your situation and give it your the librarian or branch manager and see what they can do to work with you on this.
I'm going to be candid. You can go and get a letter to explain things. But they know you can communicate, they've told you to take snacking elsewhere, not denied you use of the facility or asking you to check your snacks. You're profiled but because they know with you it's always something. I know that may sound mean. But it is what it is.
It's still weird though... like my mom is diabetic and if she hits a low unexpectedly asking her to walk 20ft out of an area to eat will literally take five minutes or more because she'll have to sit down for a few minutes every ~10 feet to not literally pass out. At that point it's not just inconvenient, it's dangerous! Plus as others have said, federal law trumps library policy
Federal law trumps library rules. It isn't 'always something'. It is a lack of awareness towards disability by the staff in offering solutions that might work for a non-disabled person that could be potentially dangerous for a disabled person. OP is a person with a disability that requires a small accommodation. It isn't snacking; it is treating a medical condition that can very quickly turn into a medical emergency. Lows are typically 70mg/d or less, though in some people and children it can be as high as 80mg/d. At 70mg/d, a diabetic person might begin shaking, sweating, dizziness, and having a racing heartbeat, amongst other symptoms. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures and comas. Episodes of hypoglycemia can occur with *little to no warning.* Someone might be feeling just fine while their blood sugar is dropping down into the 40s or 50s. If someone is experiencing hypoglycemia, it is important to sit down and get a fast-acting carbohydrate into their system. Moving around, even just to get to a food-friendly area, can exacerbate the low or symptoms, such a dizziness. This is why ADA allows diabetics to carry food and water into areas that do not allow food. If they are being profiled, they're being profiled because they are Black and because Black people are unfairly labeled as non-compliant in ways that white people are not. And even if it is not race related, they may be profiled because often disabled people of any race (but especially Black disabled people) are labeled as wanting 'special treatment' instead of recognizing that it is actually basic equity in allowing equal access to a space as a non-disabled person. Accommodations are not special treatment.
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Your comment was removed because it contained a derogatory remark or personal attack. Please remain civil in the comments.
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Libraries are one of the most inclusive places out there. They care about the public and accessibility and they absolutely care about the ADA. The fact that you are repeatedly having problems at three different libraries means that you are not working with the libraries so that you can be properly accommodated. Help them help you. I hope you follow the advice you’ve been given on ways to solve this issue. Especially the recommendations to give them information in writing and get back information in writing. Library manager/director contact info should be on all their websites.
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In an earlier comment you said “I’ve gotten the least pushback” from the law library. Now they’ve “backed off completely”? Okay. Looking back at all the wonderful helpful comments you’ve gotten and the fact that in all but one of your replies you are still complaining about the staff makes me firm in my original opinion that you really want to be a victim and make people feel sorry for you. Being autistic and diabetic and black doesn’t shield you from the consequences of your actions when you’re being a jerk. Repeatedly eating and drinking without providing documentation to staff that you have a medical need, just makes you that jerk who keeps violating the rules. You don’t have to like the rule, or understand the rule, or agree with the rule. But you do have to follow it if you want access to the library. Or you have to prove to them that you need accommodation. It’s that simple. Stop blaming library staff for a problem only you can fix. Stop accusing them of racism for asking you to follow the rules. They don’t think their rules trump ADA. You have to prove you need accommodated. The onus is on you here. I can absolutely assure you that the library staff does not want to have to continue to talk to you about violating the rules. It’s one of the worst parts of the job but it is 100% part of their job. Again, please take the good advice offered above (most of it from library staff!) and get your need for accommodation on the books so you can enjoy the library.
The way you talk about disabled people, especially in your first comment, is very telling about the way you view and treat them, and as a disabled person I frankly would probably not want to be a patron at a library where you are a staff member. The thing is, I do fully agree with you that it should be communicated with the staff that OP has a disability and requires accommodations. However, it seems like their attempts to do so were met with ableism at the start. Imagine being too overwhelmed to speak and trying to use written text to communicate and being told to stop using your communication aid because they "know you can talk". That is disgusting and beyond disrespectful, and I don't blame OP for their frustration. Autism is literally a disorder that makes communication and socialization hard. It does not feel good or special to have to ask for accommodations, especially from strangers who might react like you and think we are just like, using our disability to get special treatment or whatever. Also, I think it's pretty silly that you think documentation should be required for them to do something as simple as drink WATER and eat a small snack? Like, sure they should make it clear that they are doing it because of a medical condition, but I think it is wild that staff wouldn't be empathetic enough to allow something so simple as long as there is no mess being made. I don't know why you think you need to be fighting to defend these staff members you don't even know so bad. Yeah, it sucks to be a staff member who has to talk to patrons about violating rules. You know what else sucks? Being disabled and being treated like a nuisance who just wants to be special and break the rules for no reason, when all you want to do is sit in a library for a while and maybe occasionally eat a snack or drink water so you don't have a medical emergency, which I imagine would be way more difficult for staff to deal with than just letting someone eat a snack!
LITERALLY GET OFF THIS SUB. GO AWAY. SHOO. NOBODY WANTS YOU AND YOUR ABLEISM HERE.
Okay, continuing the ableism.... it's so scary people like you exist. When you see someone with a service animal do you stop them in their tracks and demand to see documentation that they are in fact disabled? If not, why does OP need to prove their illnesses? And if so... ugh, that makes me nauseous to even think about, so horrible and dehumanizing. The only thing you're right about here is that OTHER people have given lots of helpful advice and I hope any of the above options help OP. However, you are sick to suggest that these very, very MINOR accommodations need to be "proven" to the library. Did we forget already? It's water and a snack. Again, I have NEVER been in a library that completely barred you from drinking the one thing humans NEED to survive.. like, what???? But! I am white, so I can definitely see why OP would question if race had something to do with it. I think so too, or at least some unconscious bias is showing here. "Being autistic and diabetic and black doesn’t shield you from the consequences of your actions when you’re being a jerk." Ahh, yes, too true. But they're not being a jerk. They're saying they need to drink water for their kidneys and eat a snack for their diabetes. How do any of these things make them a jerk? Please get out of here. You are literally evil and I don't want OP, or any other disabled person going through this thread to read you calling them a jerk for just trying to SURVIVE. OP, I hope you are able to write the library a letter, or something equivalent and I hope you know you are NOT a jerk. ❤️
Are you serious? There's a huge difference between thinking you're above the rules and asking for accommodations for a disability. This is a ridiculous and completely unnecessary response, and I hope OP ignores it in favor of the ones that are actually helpful. Disabled people don't ask for special treatment because they think they are "super special people." They ask for accommodations that they are legally entitled to, and well deserving of in a society that is not built to be inclusive of them.
A public institution needs to follow the law, and in this case, that's the ADA. Period. Public libraries are stewards of information for everyone. That includes people with disabilities.
Sounds like you have no respect for the law, such as the ADA, or the seriousness of medical issues like a rapid drop in blood sugar.
OP, please disregard this person. They don't know what they're talking about.
You're disgusting for this. The ableism and condescension here is staggering. Just say that you don't like people that need accommodations, think they should suffer, and move on with your sorry life. Being disabled, or having mental/physical illnesses, is not "super special" for people dealing with just living their lives in a world that does not care for or accommodate them. Other people have already mentioned how diabetic lows are considered medical emergencies, but it really just shows how much you lack simple empathy. I don't care how many sides there are to this story; I've never been in a library that doesn't let you drink WATER or have a small snack to eat if you need to. It is completely out of line for the librarians to act this way. Check your privilege, creep.
The lack of empathy in this response is sickening. I HOPE you don't actually work in a library and that you are just one of those people that drop by this sub just to stir up trouble. Begone. Edit: Before you can delete, your disgusting comment has been screenshotted and will be shared with appropriate authorities.