Library patrons in Columbus will soon be protected from secondhand smoke on library property, with a policy that goes into effect immediately.

The Columbus Telegram reported Monday that the Columbus Public Library Board unanimously approved a policy protecting smoke-free air on library property.

Library Director Jill Owens told the Columbus Telegram that the new policy is a response to complaints and problems with litter.

"Patrons complained about having to walk through a cloud of smoke to enter the building," she said.

Signs notifying library patrons of the new policy will be posted soon.

More businesses are making policy changes that affect smokers, according to a WOWT.com story.

WOWT reports that Macy's is adding a monthly surcharge of $35 to smokers' health insurance. Pepsico charges its smoking workforce an additional $600 yearly, and Gannett take $60 a month.

Union Pacific annd Scott's Miracle-Gro hire no smokers at all, according to WOWT.

Other news outlets have reported that hospitals in Des Moines, Iowa, and St. Louis and Maryville, Missouri, and health insurer Humana in Arizona also have recently instituted policies forbidding hiring of those who use tobacco products.