No animals are allowed in the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library except for service or helper animals and library-owned animals.

In accordance with Title III of the ADA, as a public service entity, we permit the use of a service animal in our facility by a person with a disability.  MRCPL recognizes that some patrons with disabilities may have service animals which are trained to assist, accommodate, or perform tasks for persons with sensory, mental, or physical disabilities.

Owners of the service animal are solely responsible for the supervision and care of the service animal.  A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove his or her service animal unless the presence, behavior, or actions of the service animal constitutes an unreasonable risk of injury or harm to property or other persons. 

Where it is not readily apparent that an animal is a service animal as defined by the ADA, staff may ask if the animal is required because of a disability and what work or task the animal has been trained to perform.  Users of service animals are not required to show papers or to prove disability.  Service animals are not required to be licensed or certified by a state or local government or training program.  Service animals are not required to be identified by a special harness or collar.

In the case of special library-sponsored events, for example, certified therapy dogs for scheduled programs, permission must be received in advance from the Library Director.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, August 21, 2018.