Kent Free Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming, healthy, clean, and safe environment for our visitors and staff. Due to the acknowledged hazards of the effects of secondhand smoke, and the library’s desire to protect nonsmokers from such hazards, smoking and tobacco use is prohibited at Kent Free Library. This includes all buildings, entrances, exits, outdoor spaces, parking lots, and grounds.
‘Smoking’ for the purposes of this policy includes inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated product intended for inhalation in any manner or form. This includes the use of an apparatus including but not limited to any electronic smoking device, e-cigarette, vaping product, or electronic nicotine delivery system that creates an aerosol or vapor in any manner or form or the use of any smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this policy.
‘Tobacco Use’ for the purposes of this policy includes the use of nicotine, tobacco-derived or containing products, and plant based products including products intended to mimic tobacco products, oral tobacco or other similar products.
FDA approved nicotine replacement therapy will be permitted (e.g. patches, gum, inhalers, and lozenges).
Appropriate signage shall be placed on entrances and exits of the library building to notify visitors and employees of the library’s smoke-free, tobacco-free policy.
The success of this policy relies on thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of smokers and nonsmokers alike. Any library visitor who refuses to abide by this policy while on library property will be considered in violation of the library’s Behavior Policy and warned to change their behavior. Repeat offenders may be asked to leave the library and risk suspension of library privileges. Violations by library employees are subject to disciplinary action.
Approved by the Board of Trustees: October 21, 2021