Animals in the Library Policy
Approved by the Centre County Library & Historical Museum Board of Trustees on July 27, 2023.
Service Animals
In accordance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) service animals are welcomed and permitted in the Library. The ADA defines a service animal as “any animal 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.” The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability. Service animals are working animals, not pets. In order to help maintain a pleasant, productive, and safe environment of all Library customers and Library staff, the following guidelines for service animals must be observed:
Service animals must be in physical proximity with their owner/handler and under the owner/handler’s control at all times.
Service animals may not be left unattended at any time.
Service animals must be on a leash or harness at all times unless the use of the leash or harness interferes with the animal’s effective performance of its designated tasks. If the animal cannot be leashed or harnessed, it must be under the owner/handler’s control at all times via voice, signals, or other effective measures.
Service animals must be housebroken and their owner/handler is solely responsible for the care and cleanup of the animal.
Service animals must not display aggressive or disruptive behavior.* (see note)
Service animals are permitted to accompany their owner/handlers into all areas of the Library where members of the public are normally permitted.
Users of service animals are not required to provide documentation of a disability.
Service animals are not required to be licensed or certified by a state or local government or training program, or be identified by a special harness or collar.
Staff may ask two questions:
Is this animal a service animal required because of a disability, and
What work or tasks has the animal been trained to perform?
Owners of service animals will indicate that the animal is a working animal and not a pet.
Staff may not ask about the individual’s disability.
NOTE: If a service animal’s behavior or actions pose an unreasonable or direct threat to the health or safety of others, it may not remain in the Library. If a service animal is excluded from the Library, the individual with the disability is welcomed to stay and will be reasonably accommodated by Library staff.
Emotional Support Animals
An emotional support animal (ESA) may be an animal of any species which provides companionship and emotional support for those diagnosed with a psychological disorder. And ESA does not require training to perform a specific task and does not currently qualify as a service animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Library is not required to admit emotional support animals.
Pets
Pets are not permitted in the Library.
Exceptions for Library-Sponsored Programs
The Library may offer or sponsor educational programs for the public that include various animals. These animals are permitted in the Library for the duration of the program and must be accompanied by the owner/handler at all times.
