They are just going to tell you that other patrons' comfort and "safety" are more important than your comfort and safety.
I have received a response to my letter to the head librarian: I wish sometimes I could be this concise...
I think I need a library card...
Dear Mr. Thomas,
Thank you for your comments about the Library’s firearms policy. The Library Board has carefully considered all of the issues and determined that the policy is in the best interests of the Library, its patrons and employees.
Sincerely,
Susan Hildreth
City Librarian
From: john thomas [mailto:johnthomas49@msn.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2010 9:03 AM
To: City Librarian
Subject: Seattle Public Library Rules regarding legally carried firearms
Dear Ms. Hilldreth,
I am writing you regarding a response that was recieved by a friend of mine regarding Seattle library rules from Ms Addison, your communications director...the RCW that she is referencing "authorizes", it does not "require" and its context is in reference to access to resources (also allowing for fee setting for checking out resourses and such), not rule making on legal weapons.
"Greetings from The Seattle Public Library. Thank you for your question about our Rules of Conduct. Under state law, the Library Board is required to enact such reasonable rules and regulations as the trustees find necessary to assure the greatest benefit to the greatest number. Because the Library is a sensitive place, like a school or government building, dedicated principally to reading and education, the Library has long had a policy that possession of firearms is incompatible with the Library's purpose. Sincerely,
Andra Addison
Communications Director"
His question was regarding a violation of rule making (and policy) by the library trustee's regarding the legal carry of of firearms in Seattle Public Library's that is in violation of the state's pre-emption on restrictions of firearms.
"I was deeply disappointed to read tonight of a response you provided which places the Seattle Public Library in direct violation of the State of Washington’s RCW’s.
In your response, quoted above, you represent the library as a sensitive government place. That is factually incorrect per, RCW 9.41.300, which clearly spells out locations which are allowed to prohibit firearms. You will notice that in no such language, libraries are not mentioned. Since the library is not listed as a place where firearms are prohibited, the Seattle Public Library system is creating a “law” or policy which directly violates RCW 9.41.290. State preemption, as linked, allows lawful citizens the right to openly carry a firearm inside the public libraries in this state, without fear of being trespassed or harassed."
Ms Addison is making assumptions (on the status of the library being a "sensitive place, like a school or gov't building" on which she is obviously not qualified to make interpretations of the law, or worse, did not bother to read the citations provided: RCW 9.41.290.
She may also not be aware of the context of
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=27.12.321 in relation to her references that abolish rural school libraries and turn the assets over to your system. This reference clearly differentiates the public library system from "schools" that are subsequently referenced as "sensitive" in RCW 9.41.
The law makes specific exclusions to places that are "sensitive", like schools, courts and certain areas of a jail , but even then, goes so far as to make exceptions to those for dropping off and picking up students.....as well as areas of business' where minors under 21 are excluded (serving alcohol), but allows for carry in a bar that serves food as long as one stays in the service area.
The state code Ms Addison is quoting, is in context to the "Free use of the Library's"....
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=27.12.270 ...and authorizing rule making for the board. It does not authorize rule making by the board in violation of state law and potentially provides a serious liability for the Library and the Board of Trustee's.
Can you imagine, a person legally entitled to own and carry a sidearm (concealed or in "open carry") using one of your facilities. A staff person observes that the person is armed (and thinking they have the library "rule" behind their decision) makes a 911 call to Seattle police for a MWAG (man with a gun). The police, then respond inappropriately as was evidenced by the recent shooting of the native indian wood carver in Seattle....and a library employee puts many people at risk, in their response....
...and it turns out this happened because the Public library had in place an illegal rule and policy regarding firearms and further, trained it's employee's in its application?
The reason that this is important in the situation outlined above, is that there are over 300,000 people in WA that are already legally licensed to carry a weapon for personal protection under the state constitution....if you imagine, that people are not already carrying in the public library and doing this, your kidding yourself. Having a formal rule in place, that is illegal is creating a situation that is ripe for problems....and now that you are formally aware of this, inaction on resolution is inappropriate as a responsible manager to the system.
I am requesting that you remove this policy as the top person in charge, but if it is above your pay grade, then to bring this issue to the board of trustee's, have it reviewed for a legal standing and when found to be illegal, to remove it from your publications, internet sites and implement an HR training bulletin for your employee's to raise awareness.
Here is a link to the standing opionion issued by the State Attny' General, that is specific to this issue:
http://www.atg.wa.gov/AGOOpinions/Opinion.aspx?section=archive&id=21188
I would appreciate your response....
best regards,
JT