In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are welcomed and permitted in the Brown Library facilities. Per ADA, a service animal is any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability. In other words, the dog must be trained to perform specific tasks. Per ADA regulations “the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition.”
In order to help maintain a pleasant, productive and safe environment for all Library users and staff, the following behavioral guidelines for service animals are to be observed.
Service animals must be in physical proximity with their handler (owner) and under handler control and not left unattended at any time.
Service animals must remain on the floor at all times and not permitted on tables or other furniture.
Service animals must be on a leash or harness at all times unless the use of a leash or harness interferes with the animal’s effective performance of its designated task(s). If the animal cannot be leashed or harnessed, it must be under the handler’s control via voice, signals, or other effective means at all times.
Service animals must not display disruptive behavior such as barking and growling.
Service animals must be housebroken and their handler is responsible for any upkeep or cleanup of the animal.
If a person has allergies or is uncomfortable in the presence of a service animal, that person should seek out a staff member for assistance.
With rare exceptions, service animals are not allowed in the construction/fabrication area of the Library Maker Lab
NOTE: If a service animal's behaviors or actions pose an unreasonable or direct threat to the health or safety of others or do not conform to these guidelines, it may not remain in the Library building. In accordance with ADA guidelines, non-compliance of guidelines can be grounds to ask the person and the service animal to leave the Library building.
