On March 4, Santa Cruz County's Library Joint Powers Authority Board voted unanimously to ban sleeping in all branches of the library located in the City and County of Santa Cruz. On the recommendation of staff, the language "Refrain from sleeping in the Library" has been added to the Library rules of conduct.

Workers at Santa Cruz Libraries already had the authority to remove patrons if their behavior was interfering with the ability of others to use Library equipment and or the facilities. Now those caught may have their Library privileges suspended for sleeping, and the rules of conduct also state that violators may be, "photographed to assist in identification."

There are no exceptions for children falling asleep, and at the meeting one community member expressed concerns that the ban on sleep would lead to "selective enforcement" of the new rule, suggesting that someone who looks "a little scruffier" might be singled out unfairly.

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