For many years I have appreciated the resources of the Cranston Public Library. But presently I must comment on a public health problem : chronic coughers- some in need of immediate medical attention . A friend of mine tried to bring this problem to the attention of the staff Saturday, October 5 .
At age 71 his own immune system is challenged and he singled out one chronic cougher in the library - ignorant or lacking in manners . For MONTHS this guy has sounded like a one man 19th century tuberculosis ward . After talking to a " dead pan " Cranston Public Library staff person, my friend Dave says the always pleasant Spanish speaking woman security guard told him that the chronic cougher was that very day SPITTING UP BLOOD ! She must have reported this incident in her log.
Outside the library Dave was thanked by an older women for bring up this public health issue .
Dave later told me the staff person said " we are aware of the problem ". Really now ? Must ACLU be called in ?
There should at least be a sign on the library wall telling chronic coughers to be considerate. Perhaps sanitary face masks can be available to the public at the reference desk - free of charge.
Did the staff fear to do the right thing ? Not politically correct to embarrass the chronic coughers ? This is just routine in hospitals , nursing homes, and doctor offices.
At age 71 his own immune system is challenged and he singled out one chronic cougher in the library - ignorant or lacking in manners . For MONTHS this guy has sounded like a one man 19th century tuberculosis ward . After talking to a " dead pan " Cranston Public Library staff person, my friend Dave says the always pleasant Spanish speaking woman security guard told him that the chronic cougher was that very day SPITTING UP BLOOD ! She must have reported this incident in her log.
Outside the library Dave was thanked by an older women for bring up this public health issue .
Dave later told me the staff person said " we are aware of the problem ". Really now ? Must ACLU be called in ?
There should at least be a sign on the library wall telling chronic coughers to be considerate. Perhaps sanitary face masks can be available to the public at the reference desk - free of charge.
Did the staff fear to do the right thing ? Not politically correct to embarrass the chronic coughers ? This is just routine in hospitals , nursing homes, and doctor offices.
May 9, 2007 - Dear LibraryLaw, A local public librarian is wondering about what the library's legal ... I draw the at being exposed to diseases that could be lethal or could cause serious bodily ... Do we only oust the sneezers and coughers?]
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Ron