Hedberg Public Library welcomes all service animals!
Access to library use is one of our core values, ensuring that “information, programs, services, technology, and a diverse collection are available to all.” It is also important to us that we take special care in creating a space where diversity and inclusion are a priority. Our Diversity and Inclusion Statement promises that we will strive to “build community and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is the norm, not an initiative.”
SERVICE ANIMAL GUIDELINES
When a patron enters the library with an animal and the service is not obvious, we may ask two questions, per Americans with Disability Act (ADA) guidelines:
- Is the animal a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
Service animals are defined as animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Learn more about the differences between service dogs, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs at avma.org and servicedogcertifications.org.
A service animal must be under the control of its handler while at the library. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
A person with a disability will not be asked to remove their service animal from the library unless: (1) the animal is out of control, and the handler does not take effective action to control it or (2) the animal is not housebroken. When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed, staff must offer the person with a disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence.
OTHER ANIMALS AT THE LIBRARY
Hedberg Public Library will sometimes host other animals in the library as part of a program or service partnership with local organizations.
For example, the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin is at the library on the second Wednesday of each month with their Adopt-a-Pet program. You’ll also find Mary the Comfort Dog reading with kids every week in our Children’s Room.
These programs, and those like them, are coordinated with library staff. While service animals are welcome at the Hedberg Public Library, emotional support animals and therapy dogs are prohibited without prior authorization.
Want to learn more about ADA and Service Animals? Visit the resource page on ADA.gov.
Questions about library policy and procedures? Contact the library director at 608-758-5828.