Food & Drink Policy

We recognize that students spend many hours at a time in the Library and enjoy an occasional cup of coffee or candy bar while studying. Since Fall Semester 2001, limited drinking and snacking has been permitted in the Library.

Keep the privilege of having drinks and small snacks, and keep risk of damage to a minimum, so you don't damage library property, or things in your backpack, purse, car, etc. where you carry books & food.

• Beverages: permitted in approved spill-proof containers with secure lids. We have great ones!
  • Not permitted: disposable paper, Styrofoam, aluminum cans, any open containers. They spill, fast!
• Snacks: vending-machine type candy, chips, snacks, etc. permitted.
  • Not permitted: hot food, fast food (greasy), aromatic food, meals.
• Clean it up: wipe up accidents, throw away your wrappers & trash.
  • Spills? All bathrooms have paper towels. Library staff will not clean up after you.

See samples of approved and unapproved beverage containers and snacks for Library use.

Damage is Costly to You--No Drinks or Snacks:

• at or near computers
• in the collections (shelving and aisle areas) and in Special Collections Department
• at photocopiers, printers, microfilm reader/printers
• in classrooms (computers and coffee are not compatible!)
• at or near exhibit cases, in lockers
• Case policy also prohibits alcohol & tobacco products

Our collection is worth millions of dollars. Much of it is irreplaceable at any price.
Please do your part to assure it's still here when your grandkids come to Case!

Why Can't I Eat...?

Greasy foods & crumbs attract book lice, roaches, and rodents...and they eat books. (Besides, you don't want them in your bookbag, car, or room, do you?) Read about why you can't bring in pizzas, salads, burgers, etc., at Why Can't I Eat in the Library?

Best Choices...

Small dry snacks and spill-proof drinks are your best library-friendly choices.
Eat meals before you come in. Thwing's coffee bar & Charlie's next door, the nearby Silver Spartan, and neighborhood cafes still are the best spaces for a la carte meals!

Anyone violating this policy will be asked to leave the library to finish their food/drink. The policy can only be maintained with everyone's cooperation. The policy is subject to revision, and can be revoked at anytime.

Good Snack Approved Snacks -- small, dry, vending-machine type snacks. Dry, relatively crumb-free, and don't infringe on others' rights to clean, quiet spaces: Candy, cookies, chips, carrot sticks Vending-machine type snacks (dry, small, non-messy) Remember to clean up after yourself, wipe up crumbs or spills. Check the policy for places drinks and snacks are not allowed.

Bad Snack Unapproved Snacks -- messy, smelly, noisy, etc. Damaging to the research collection, furniture, and building--NOT approved: Hot food--it's too messy & aromatic for shared space Fast food--burgers, fries, pizza, tacos, chicken, etc. Food with strong aromas--spicy snacks, all of the above Remember to clean up after yourself, wipe up crumbs or spills. Check the policy for places drinks and snacks are not allowed.