The staff of the York University Libraries want you to feel comfortable while pursuing your studies in our buildings. We recognize that sometimes food and drink play a role in studying and learning. However, food and drink can also damage library material, equipment and furnishings, and it may disturb other library users.

The following policy is intended to balance the needs of the library with the convenience of our users.

1. NO Hot Food: Please note that hot food (pizza, fries, pasta, etc.) is not allowed in any of the York Libraries.

   Why?

   • Hot food tends to be messy. Oils, sauces, etc. can damage library property.
   • Hot food tends to produce odours that disturb others.
2. NO Meals: Please eat your meals outside the libraries. The libraries are not cafeterias or food courts.

   Why?

   • Full meals tend to produce more garbage and more mess.
     
   • A cafeteria or food court atmosphere is not conducive to study and learning.
     
3. NO Garbage: Library users are responsible for picking up after themselves. If you have garbage, dispose of it in garbage bins, or pack it out!

   Why?

   • Garbage disturbs other library users and creates an unpleasant atmosphere that is not conducive to study and learning.
   • Food debris may damage library property and may attract rodents and insects.
4. Drink & Snacks: Policies concerning drink and cold food differ depending on library location. Please see below:

**Examples of cold snacks: cold sandwiches, fruit, cookies, chocolate bars. This does not include whole meals, food in styrofoam containers or anything hot. If we can smell it or if it can easily make a mess, you should probably take it outside the libraries.

Enforcement: Library users in violation of the Libraries’ food and drink policies will be asked to discard their food, store it out of sight (eg. in a bag or knapsack) or leave the library.