Dayton library patrons with CCWs can keep guns in cars, outside

But the library system’s new policy gives patrons with concealed carry permits the same rights as its employees who have the licenses.

“Yesterday, if someone were to have an open weapon, we would have told them to take it off library property,” said Tim Kambitsch, executive director of the Dayton Metro Library. “Today, we should say, ‘If you are a concealed carry permit holder, you can lock it up in your car.’”

On Wednesday, the Dayton Metro Library’s board of trustees approved revising the weapons policy to let patrons with concealed carry weapons licenses (CCWs) lock up their firearms in their vehicles, said Kambitsch.

Last year, Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed a bill banning private and public employers from prohibiting people with valid concealed handgun licenses from keeping firearms and ammunition in their personal vehicles, according to Frost Brown Todd, a law firm with offices in Cincinnati and Columbus.

The library was required to comply with the law law, but its leadership also decided to extend these rights to patrons as well, Kambitsch said.

RELATED: New law allows handguns on workplace property

Firearms and all other weapons are still not allowed inside library buildings, but people with CCWs will be able to possess concealed guns on other library property, according to the policy.

“We can’t say it enough: There are no acceptable weapons in the library — and we’re not just talking about firearms, we’re talking about a machete or whatever,” Kambitsch said. “That’s been consistent for 10 years, and we’ve not changed it.”

Library visitor Ulicia Woods said guns do not belong in libraries because they are a safe environment, with guards and other security.

“I do not think people need to bring those things into a library,” she said.

RELATED: Ohio gun law continues loosening of gun restrictions