Library Board approved April 16, 2002. Effective September 24, 2002. Revised November 26, 2019.
The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe and productive work environment. Alcohol and drugs in the workplace, including cannabis, pose a threat to the health and safety of employees and to the security of our collections and facilities. For these reasons, the library is committed to the elimination of drug and/or alcohol use and abuse in the workplace.
I. Prohibited Activity
Alcohol: The possession, consumption, purchase, sale, transfer, or distribution of alcohol on library premises is prohibited, unless an exception is made by the library. No employee shall be under the influence of alcohol while on library premises or while performing library business off library premises except a moderate amount of alcohol may be consumed at approved library events provided such consumption does not adversely affect an employee’s behavior or judgment and, if the employee will drive a motor vehicle following the event, does not adversely affect the employee’s ability to safely and legally drive the vehicle. A violation of this moderate consumption rule will result in discipline up to and including termination of employment.
Legal Drugs: “Legal drugs” are: (1) drugs that are permitted under state or federal law, (2) obtained by an employee with a physician’s prescription or over-the-counter, and (3) used for the purposes for which they were prescribed or sold. Employees using cannabis must be aware of any potential effect such drugs may have on their judgment or ability to perform their duties and may not possess, use, or be under the influence of cannabis while performing their duties, while on library property, or while operating vehicles for the library.
Illegal Drugs: “Illegal drugs” are drugs or controlled substances that are: (1) not legally obtainable under federal or state law, or (2) legally obtainable under federal and state law, but not obtained and/or used in a lawful manner. The use, purchase, sale, transfer, possession, being under the influence, or the presence in one’s system of a detectable amount of an illegal drug by any employee is prohibited: (1) on library premises or (2) where the employee is performing library business off library premises.
A violation of the prohibited activity listed above may subject the employee to be referred to treatment and/or disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
II. Notification of Drug Conviction
Employees must notify the library of any criminal drug conviction no later than five days after such conviction. For the purpose of this notice requirement, a conviction includes a finding of guilt, a no contest plea, and/or an imposition of sentence by any judicial body for any violation of a criminal statute involving the unlawful manufacture, distribution, sale, dispensation, possession or use of any controlled substance or cannabis. Failure to notify the Director of Human Resources may subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
III. Employee Assistance Program
The library will assist and support employees who seek help for alcohol or drug problems. Employees who seek such assistance will be allowed to use accrued paid time off, placed on leaves of absence, where available, referred to treatment providers or otherwise accommodated as required by law.