Approver(s):

Academic Council

Authorizes Release:

Vice President for Information Services

Responsible Area:

Blume Library

Review Cycle:

Annually or as required

Last Review:

August 2026

Related Policies and Additional References:

None

Introduction

The Louis J. Blume Library is committed to providing a clean, comfortable, and welcoming space for all. This policy outlines our food and drink guidelines across library floors to support student needs while protecting library materials, furniture, and equipment.

Blume Library Food and Drink Policy 

The Blume Library is committed to providing a clean, comfortable, and welcoming space for all. This policy outlines our food and drink guidelines across library floors to support student needs while protecting Library materials, furniture, and equipment. 

At the heart of this policy is a shared responsibility: please be considerate, clean up after yourself, and respect those studying around you. 

General Guidelines (All Areas) 

Following the Food and Drink Policy helps: 

  • Keep the library clean and pest-free. 
  • Preserve furniture, technology, and materials. 
  • Support housekeeping efforts. 
  • Ensure funding goes toward library improvements, not repairs. 

We ask all patrons to: 

  • Avoid bringing food items that are messy, greasy, likely to spill, or have strong odors. 
  • Use trash and recycling bins. 
  • Clean up after yourself. 
  • Report spills immediately to Library staff at the Circulation area on the 2nd Floor. 
  • Keep food and drink away from university computers and Library resources. 
  • Accept food deliveries outside the building. 
  • Use provided cleaning stations to maintain shared spaces. 

Floor-Specific Guidelines 

The Learning Commons (1st Floor) and 2nd Floor 

These active, collaborative spaces allow a wide variety of food and drinks. We welcome food in these areas, but our main expectation is respect for others and shared responsibility for cleanliness. 

Allowed: 

  • Food and beverages sold on campus. 
  • Other items that do not disturb others with noise, odor, or mess. 
  • Drinks in covered, spill-proof containers or capped bottles. 

Not Allowed: 

  • Alcoholic beverages. 

Expectations: 

  • Be mindful of those studying nearby. 
  • Always clean up after yourself. 
  • Report spills immediately to staff. 

2nd floor (Vinyl Collection, Listening Area, and Public Computer areas) 

These areas contain technology and resources owned by the university that require stricter food and cleanliness policies. For the rest of the floor, food and drink policies follow the general guidelines outlined in this document. 

Allowed:  

  • Drinks with sealable lids 

Not allowed: 

  • Food of any kind 

Expectations:  

  • Spills should be reported immediately to library staff 
  • Beverages and food should be kept away from these areas and placed on designated tables near the area.  

3rd Floor (Quiet Study and Collections) 

The third floor supports quiet study and houses most of the print collection and Special Collections and University Archives. Because of this, stricter rules apply. 

Allowed (General Study Areas): 

  • Prepackaged snacks like granola bars, crackers, pretzels, nuts, or whole fruit.  
  • Covered, spill-proof drinks. 

Not Allowed: 

  • Food or drink in Special Collections and University Archives. 
  • Messy or strongly odorous foods are not permitted on this floor. 
  • Alcoholic beverages. 

Note: Spaces like the Rattler Success Center or Graduate Center for Excellence may have their own food and drink policies. Follow posted guidelines in those areas. 

Employee Areas 

Library staff should eat in designated staff areas to maintain professional workspaces. Food and drink should not be consumed at public-facing service desks during patron hours. 

Policy Enforcement 

We promote this policy through education and mutual respect. Staff at the 2nd Floor Circulation area are available for questions or concerns. 

University Conduct Alignment 

This policy supports the St. Mary’s University Code of Student Conduct by encouraging responsible behavior and respect for shared spaces. Behaviors that disrupt the academic and collaborative environment, such as a disregard for the Blume Food and Drink Policy, may result in further action. For more details, refer to the Code of Student Conduct at https://www.stmarytx.edu/policies/student-development/code-of-student-conduct/.  

Updated August 2026

Back to top