Solicitation

All Library facilities are considered limited public forums, and therefore provide access and use of designated Library spaces to the general public. However, that access and use is limited to Library purposes and approved activities. Soliciting and circulating petitions for signatures inside library buildings, including meeting rooms, parking lots, and garden areas, is prohibited regardless of the nature or content of the solicitation, the method of presentation, and the presence of financial remuneration.

Library exterior spaces are public forums. Petitioning and soliciting outside of the Library or on Library property at a distance of 25 feet or more from doorways is considered free speech and protected by the First Amendment. The presence of a petitioner/solicitor outside a library facility does not constitute the Library’s endorsement of the policies, beliefs, or political affiliations of the petitioner/solicitor.

This policy sets forth conditions for petitioners/solicitors on library property to protect both individual rights as well as maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons while visiting the Library:

• Petitioners/solicitors may not block doorways or otherwise impede others’ access to the Library building or book return
• Petitioners/solicitors may offer literature to individuals but are prohibited from placing leaflets on vehicles in the Library parking lots.
• Petitioners/solicitors may not prevent others from getting in or out of cars, use abusive language, or behave in any way which is harassing or intimidating.
• Petitioners/solicitors must stay clear of traffic lanes and vehicular entrances, and may not occupy parking spaces.
• Petitioners/solicitors may not place or erect tables, chairs, or signs on library property.
• Petitioning or campaigning on behalf of candidates for elected office is not permitted in the library building or on library property.
• Distribution of literature or solicitation for the purpose of for-profit activities, such as selling items, merchandise, or tickets, is not permitted in the library building or on library property.
• Not-for-profit fundraising activities are not permitted in library buildings or on library property by any person or organization when the purpose is to benefit a group or organization other than the Library or the Friends of Washington-Centerville Public Library.

The library staff, Friends of Washington-Centerville Public Library, and Library Board of Trustees are exempt from the above constraints when promoting library activities and issues.

Solicitation of Library website visitors is prohibited.