New York passed a prohibition on smoking on the grounds of libraries which took effect on June 19, 2019. Public Health Law §1399-o was amended by adding a new subdivision 6 to read:
6. Smoking shall not be permitted and no person shall smoke within one hundred feet of the entrances, exits or outdoor areas of any public or association library as defined in subdivision two of section two hundred fifty-three of the education law; provided, however, that the provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to smoking in a residence, or within the real property boundary lines of such residential real property.
NYLA has smoking guidance information available.
Libraries (which includes reading rooms) are required to “prominently post” and “properly maintain” signage where smoking is restricted. The signs should be located approximately where the 100-foot restricted perimeter begins, or as close as possible. Libraries which are co-located in a building with non-library entities should contact the local county department of health to determine what is required to comply with the law. A sign needs to be outside of each door of the building, regardless of whether such door serves as a public entrance or exit.
We recommend that each library adopt a Tobacco Free Policy. Below is a sample that libraries can use and customize for their needs.
