TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Changes to Leon County library policies were passed unanimously during a Tuesday Leon County commission meeting.
The proposed changes included updates to eligibility requirements for a library card and new guidelines for the library code of conduct. People are now allowed to open carry in the library and the age to obtain a library card independently is now from 16 to 18.
Commissioner David O’Keefe began the discussion on the proposed changes for open carry in the library, which County Attorney Chasity O’Steen said Leon County could face “multiple consequences” if it does not stay in compliance with state law.
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The policy that would change eligibility requirements for 16- and 17-year-olds drew extensive discussion from commissioners. O’Keefe made a motion to accept all of the new policies except the changes in eligibility for 16- and 17-year-olds.
“We should not make it difficult for 16- and 17-year-olds to access the library,” O’Keefe said. County Commissioner Nick Maddox seconded the motion, saying they shouldn’t make it “tough” for students.
O’Keefe confirmed with Leroy Collins Main Library Director Pamela Monroe that of 16- and 17-year-olds, 1,220 have fines on their accounts, totaling $3,500. Monroe said that 16- and 17-year-olds are not physically responsible for those cards or overdue fines, so they cannot collect them, which led to the proposed policy.
O’Keefe’s initial motion failed 3-3 with Commissioner Bill Proctor out of the chamber.
A motion to approve all the proposed policy changes was then voted on unanimously.
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