HANDLING
LIBRARY MATERIAL

Why can't I eat in the Library?

The Library makes a considerable effort to retain its collections in good condition so that they are available to be used by generations of readers. Preservation activities focus on reducing risks and hazards which threaten the welfare of collections. Allowing food and drink into areas where library material is consulted and kept dramatically increases the chances of books and documents being damaged. Readers are not allowed to bring food and drink into the Library for the following reasons:

The remains of food will eventually attract a variety of pests in the form of rats, mice, birds, beetles, cockroaches, and silverfish. Such pests can directly harm and even destroy library material.

Pests
Rats and mice will destroy books in order to obtain paper for their nests; they can cause fires by gnawing through electrical insulation; they will pare their teeth on library furniture and fittings; rodent and bird droppings are corrosive and can leave permanent stains. Bird nests are also a major source of food for insects.

Insects feed on organic substances such as paper, glues, gelatine sizing, leather, and bookcloth. Their damage is usually irreversible – text and images lost by insects eating and boring through paper and photographs cannot be replaced.

Pest faeces can pose a very significant health hazard to library users and staff. Rodent feces have been identified as a carrier of Hantavirus, which has caused a number of deaths in the western United States within the last few years.

Pest control is extremely expensive running into hundreds and even thousands of pounds. Nobody wants to have rodents scurrying around reading rooms or for reading rooms to be closed while pest control takes place. Prevention is the most effective, least toxic, and cheapest method of pest control.