Food and drink in public areas
This page outlines the Library's policy for the consumption of food and drink by visitors in the reading rooms and other public areas of the Library.
Medications are exempt and covered by the policy Visitor access to and use of medications and other personal medical equipment in the Library.
Our aim is to balance the safety and security of the rare, unique and valuable collections of the Library with the wellbeing of readers and visitors.
This policy provides guidance to readers and visitors to the Library and to Library staff, including Authorised Officers of the Library, as to what food and drink may be consumed in the reading rooms and public areas.
Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Food and drink | Any substance that can be consumed, including (but not limited to) chewing gum, lollies, vegetables and all liquids and beverages other than bottled water as defined below |
| Bottled water | Water in a container with a tightly secured lid |
| Permitted areas for bottled water | Areas where bottled water may be brought and consumed. These include the Main Reading Room, Newspapers and Family History Zone, Petherick Reading Room, Theatre, Friends Lounge, Central Foyer and other areas as signed in the Library building |
| Prohibited areas for bottled water | Areas where bottled water may not be brought or consumed. These are the Special Collections Reading Room and exhibition galleries |
| Permitted areas for food and drink | Areas that are designated for bringing in or consuming food and drink. These are: Ground Floor café, Lower Ground One café, Lower Ground One public area, the foyer, the Friends Lounge, the Library podium and surrounds, or elsewhere as allowed by special events |
| Prohibited areas for food and drink | Areas that are not designated for bringing in or consuming food and drink. These are the Main Reading Room, Newspapers and Family History zone, Special Collections Reading Room, Petherick Reading Room, Central Foyer, exhibition galleries, Bookshop and Theatre |
Policy statement
The Library is committed to providing a respectful, safe, and peaceful environment for research, study and learning balanced with ensuring the care and security of Australia’s national collections. Adherence to this policy ensures the ongoing care of the Library’s collections. In order to protect the Library’s collections and in accordance with the National Library Regulations 2018 (Regulations) (see section 29), visitors are not permitted to bring or consume food and drink to or in the Library building except in defined areas (see ‘Definitions’). Further, this policy requires that bottled water is also only permitted in defined areas (see ‘Definitions’).
Spillages should be reported to Library staff immediately.
Where Library staff identify visitors bringing or consuming food or drink in areas where this is not permitted, staff will:
- Remind the visitor of the Code of Conduct for Library Visitors and this policy
- Direct the visitor to move the food and drink to a defined area (see ‘Definitions’) or to store it in the lockers on Lower Ground 1
If visitors refuse to comply with the policy, Library staff may seek support from a Library Security Officer or an Authorised Officer in accordance with National Library Regulations 2018.
Review
This policy will be reviewed in 2029.
References and related documents
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