The Michigan State Police website includes frequently asked questions on firearms and other weapons at http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123-1586_27094-10953--,00.html.  The FAQs are not meant to be legal advice, but it’s a good place to start a discussion either with your library’s attorney or local law enforcement.  Here are some excerpts:

 

3.  I recently purchased a double-edged survival knife. Does Michigan law allow me to carry this in my vehicle? 

MCL 750.227    No. A dagger, dirk, stiletto, or double-edged non-folding stabbing instrument of any length, or any other dangerous weapon, except a hunting knife adapted and carried as such, cannot be carried concealed on or about a person, or whether concealed or otherwise in any vehicle operated or occupied by the person, except in their own home, place of business or on other land possessed by the person. 

4.  Is it illegal to have a knife with a blade over 3 inches in my possession? 

MCL 750.226   No. Michigan law specifies that a person, with intent to use the knife unlawfully against another, shall not go armed with a knife having a blade over 3 inches in length. 

The element of intent in MCL 750.226 seems like it would make it difficult to prohibit someone carrying a knife on his belt from being in the library.  Again, your local police may see this differently, so it would be best to discuss the matter with them.

 

Kim Koscielniak

 

State Law Library

Library of Michigan

Michigan Library and Historical Center

702 W. Kalamazoo

Lansing, MI 48909

 

lmlawlib@michigan.gov

517-373-0630

www.michigan.gov/lawlibrary

 

 

From: michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org] On Behalf Of Nannette Miller
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2015 10:42 AM
To: Joanna Sturgeon <jsturgeon@vicksburglibrary.org>
Cc: michlib-l@mcls.org
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Hunting Knives in the Library

 

If it's okay to come in with guns I can't imagine knives are not also allowed. I hope I'm wrong. Please let me know what you find out.

 

Nannette Miller

Elk Rapids District Library

 

On Thu, Oct 22, 2015 at 6:53 PM, Joanna Sturgeon <jsturgeon@vicksburglibrary.org> wrote:

Hi All,

 

I’m searching the Michigan Penal Code for information on carrying knives in public.  Specifically, a patron entered the library with openly displayed hunting knives on his belt.  Our policy forbids knives, but I was hoping to find a legal reason to forbid them as well.  The only sections that seem to deal with knives are 750.226a and 750.227. 

 

Thanks, 

 

Joanna Sturgeon

Cataloger/Melcat Services

Vicksburg District Library
215. South Michigan Ave.

Vicksburg, Mi 49097

269-649-1648

 


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--

Nannette Miller | Director

Elk Rapids District Library