I found this on the Michigan.gov website about the difference between service animals and emotional support animals. Emotional support animals are NOT covered by ADA law so you can turn emotional support animals away from the library if you choose. I think it can be up to your library to decide how to handle these situations. [ https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdcr/FAQs-4-15-16-Final_521982_7.pdf | https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdcr/FAQs-4-15-16-Final_521982_7.pdf ] Samantha Downes Adult Services Librarian Northville District Library (248) 349-3020 sdownes@northvillelibrary.org From: "Michlib-l" <michlib-l@mcls.org> To: "Rudy Wright" <rwright@parchmentlibrary.org>, "Michlib-l" <michlib-l@mcls.org> Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2018 3:12:14 PM Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Service animals and emotional support animals I guess I would like to speak to the fact that "anyone" can say their "pet" is an emotional support animal. We have the policy that if they have a written statement from their doctor then the animal may be allowed in the building. Service animals with the proper vests are no problem. Otherwise it is a "no pets allowed" rule. Hope this helps. Carol DeBoer Circulation Supervisor Henika District Library 149 S. Main Wayland, MI 49348 269-792-2891 waycd@henikalibrary.org ---------- Original Message ----------- From: Rudy Wright via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> To: "michlib-l@mcls.org" <michlib-l@mcls.org> Sent: Tue, 13 Feb 2018 20:03:07 +0000 Subject: [Michlib-l] Service animals and emotional support animals
We are seeing an increasing number of "emotional support animals" coming into the library. We have always respected and welcomed service animals accompanying our patrons, of course. And, we have been given the relevant laws from Clare. Differentiating between the two groups and understanding our legal obligations aren't the issues.
How do you maintain a welcoming, comforting environment for ALL patrons? Is a strict "No Pets Allowed" policy the best solution? Do you manage things on a case-by-case basis, requiring the same behavior and habits from ESAs and their owners, and deal only with disruptions just as you would with a service dog? What differences might you have between policy and practice?
If you would all please share your point-of-view with me I will, in return, share the findings. Thanks for help with this "hairy" issue.
Rudy C. Wright
Assistant to the Director
Parchment Community Library
401 S. Riverview Dr.
Parchment, MI 49004
269-343-7747
parchmentlibrary.org
"Don't be afraid to go in your library and read every book." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower
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