The Newport Beach Public Library could update its policies to specifically prohibit bathing in restrooms and leering at patrons — an action triggered by things that homeless visitors are said to do at the city’s four libraries. Board of Library Trustees Chairman Paul Watkins said homeless people are welcome to use public libraries and that many do without incident. More specific rules prohibit smoking, sleeping, lying on furniture, eating and drinking, panhandling, making loud noises, having perfume or poor hygiene producing strong odors, and bringing in bedding, large bundles, shopping carts or bicycles. He said the library system works closely with the Newport Beach Police Department’s homeless liaison officer, and a library manager recently took on homelessness coordination efforts based on her work with homeless library users. The trustees will further discuss the possible new rules at their Jan. 21 meeting.

Source: Los Angeles Times December 18, 2019 00:11 UTC