7/23/2014

The following came today from Dr. Lawson:

Suzanne

Mayor Annise Parker announced today that smoking and the use of other tobacco products will be banned at all Houston Public Library and Houston Parks and Recreation Department properties.  This new policy will build upon existing City regulations banning smoking indoors, and is an expansion of action taken previously by the Houston Department of Health and Human Services.

For HPL, this is a move that continues our efforts to provide library spaces that are safe, healthy, family-friendly and welcoming environments in all communities and for all customers.

Currently, smoking is not permitted inside Library facilities and within 25 feet of any Library entrance. The establishment of No Smoking Zones extends the existing rule to include all HPL premises and mobile units including any plaza, walkway or green space around a Library building. Today’s announcement designates all HPL locations and mobile units as No Smoking Zones.

For HPL, the No Smoking Zone rule goes into effect on Thursday, July 24, 2014 at our downtown properties -  the Central Library and the Julia Ideson Building.  Signs will go up on the downtown properties tomorrow. All other HPL properties will become smoke and tobacco-free by Tuesday, September 2, 2014 (the day after Labor Day).  Signage announcing the change to our customers will be posted as required by City ordinance, during the month of August.

Customers and staff who wish to smoke should move to areas off of library premises, which in most cases is the sidewalk portion of the property.