Wheeled Devices, Bags and Personal Items Policy

Wheeled Devices, Bags, and Personal Items Policy for Kanawha County Public Library

Kanawha County Public Library is committed to providing the best possible customer service in an open, inviting, pleasant, and uncluttered environment. The Library cannot be held responsible for the personal property of patrons brought upon Library premises. Excessive or bulky personal possessions of patrons are disruptive to library access and use. Accordingly, for the health, safety, and comfort of our patrons and staff and to ensure full access to Library collections and services, the following policy and limits are placed on wheeled devices, bags, and other personal items that may be brought into the library and onto Library property.

All wheeled devices are prohibited inside the library and on library property, EXCEPT for the following:

• Wheelchairs, walkers, and similar devices including ancillary or accessory medical equipment to assist those with medical needs or physical limitations
• Strollers for use in transporting babies and toddlers who accompany an adult
• Wheeled musical instrument cases that are actively used to transport a musical instrument
• Wheeled cases or devices needed to transport equipment, publications, or materials of people presenting programs in reserved Library meeting spaces
• Wheeled laptop cases, backpacks, or briefcases used for transport of personal electronic equipment, books, or documents and which do not exceed 35 liters
• Other wheeled devices that are reasonably needed by the patron for transport or safekeeping of items for personal use which do not exceed 35 liters and that have received approval of Library staff

Patrons may not bring more than three (3) bags of any sort into the Library including any allowed wheeled devices. Each bag must be 35 liters or less (see illustration). All bags must be transportable solely by and under the control of the patron by handle, strap, or other carrying method without the assistance of other persons. Acceptable bags permitted inside the library include backpacks, briefcases, purses, diaper bags, and courier bags. Exceptions may be made for additional bags reasonably needed by the patron for personal use that have received approval from staff. Bags needed to transport equipment, publications, or materials of people presenting programs in reserved Library meeting spaces are approved, including wheeled bags or devices.

Please refrain from entering Library property with any objects or tangible items prohibited by local, state, or federal law that are unsafe, harmful, dangerous, unhealthy, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate and may cause harm or disruption.

Patrons must always keep personal belongings with them. The Library is not responsible for the security of personal items brought into any library facility. Unattended items will be collected by Library staff and may be taken into custody at the conclusion of the business day. The Library will refer to the “Lost and Found Policy” for handling of all personal belongings.

Approved by Board August 8, 2022