The longer answer to the question is preservation of the library and
its materials, furniture and floors. Even the most careful reader can spill
food or drink on a book or magazine and stain or ruin the pages. Even if
dried carefully, they are never the same as before the spill. It is often
hard to repair or replace materials if they are ruined, and it costs money
that could be going toward new materials.
*Note: The drink policy has changed. You may drink from rigid covered
cups,
(such as the metal cups with lids that the Libraries distributed at one
point) or from bottles with screw caps that can be securely closed. Paper
cups, even with lids, and cups without covers are still not allowed. All
of us will still need to be careful!
Please remember not to eat or drink* in the library. Thanks!
