Special to the NKyTribune from Carrie Herrmann
Over the last two years, I have received many comments from people who visit our libraries about smoking.
Seven in ten Boone County voters favor smoke-free environments, according to a poll by nkyhealth.org.
Boone County Public Library (BCPL) is dedicated to providing a welcoming, healthy and safe environment for customers and staff. Due to acknowledged health hazards arising from exposure to secondhand smoke, all locations will be Smoke and Tobacco Free properties beginning July 1, 2017.
The BCPL Smoke and Tobacco Free Property Policy can be viewed here.
Here is a list of frequently asked questions about the Boone County Public Library smoke-free policy
Q: When Does the Smoke/Tobacco Free Property Policy go into effect?
A: July 1, 2017
Q: What does “Smoke/Tobacco Free Property” mean?
A: The use of any smoke or tobacco product is prohibited by employees, customers and vendors on property that is owned, operated, leased, occupied, or controlled by BCPL, including company vehicles in these areas.
Q: Can I use smoke/tobacco products in the parking lots?
A: Smoke or tobacco products may be used within private vehicles that are parked 25 feet from an entrance to the building or an air intake vent.
Q: Who is affected by the policy?
A: The policy applies to every person who visits BCPL property, including employees, customers, and vendors.
Q: What does the term “smoking” mean?
A: Inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, or pipe.
Q: What is considered a “tobacco product” and therefore prohibited by this policy?
A: Tobacco products are all forms of tobacco, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes (hookah), electronic cigarettes (vaporizers), and smokeless tobacco products. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) are not considered a tobacco product.
Q: Why is the Library implementing a smoke and tobacco free property policy?
A: Boone County Public Library (BCPL) is dedicated to providing a welcoming, healthy and safe environment for customers and staff. Due to acknowledged health hazards arising from exposure to secondhand smoke, it is the policy of Boone County Public Library to provide a smoke and tobacco free environment for employees, customers and vendors.
Q: Do employees, customers, and vendors have to quit using tobacco?
A: No, the Library is not asking anyone to quit. This policy simply means that no one is allowed to use tobacco products on BCPL property. For anyone interested in quitting they can contact Quit Now Kentucky at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Q: What happens if I violate the policy?
A: You will be asked to stop using the smoke/tobacco product. If you refuse to comply, you will be asked to leave the property.
Carrie Herrmann is the Library Director for Boone County Public Library.
