Handouts, Give-Aways, Notices
Handouts, give-aways and notices are those items that announce meetings, programs and on-going or annual events.
Permitted Uses: Limited space is available in the Library for non-profit, non-commercial organizations to request that notices be posted and handouts displayed that are of an educational, cultural or civic nature. Individuals may not post notices or leave handouts in the Library.
Facilities: At the main entrance in the circulation lobby, library related notices only may be posted in the Tower Lobby. Public Information will be posted in the three copy centers – one on each level. Specific authorization from the Community Outreach Department is required for an organization to have a notice posted or a handout displayed in any other location. Nothing may be posted on glass windows, pillars or desks.
Approval process: No notice shall be posted or any handout displayed, without the approval of the Community Outreach Department. Organizations may not post notices or place handouts themselves; this will be done for them by Library staff after the notices or handout has been approved. The Library reserves the right to determine exactly where a notice or handout will be located and how it is to be displayed. Organizations may drop off their handouts and/or notices at the Guest Services Desk. These items can then be routed through interoffice mail to the Community Outreach Department.
Duration: Notices and handouts will be removed and disposed of after they become dated, or earlier if, in the opinion of designated Library staff, they have been displayed for a reasonable period and space is needed for other material.
General
Non-compliance: The library reserves the right to refuse or remove any display, notice or handout which does not comply with these policies and guidelines.
Priorities: Display cases, bulletin boards and areas where handouts may be placed are also needed to publicize:
- Library and Library-related programs, activities, services and materials.
Priority shall be given to these needs, followed by:
- Information related to the city
- Information related to the schools
Prohibited Uses and Practices: Library display facilities may not be used: to promote or advertise, whether directly or indirectly, a commercial product or service; or to urge support of or opposition to any political candidate or issue; or to urge support of or opposition to any religion or religious belief. No material which is obscene, defamatory, invades a particular person’s privacy or directly incites violence may be posted or displayed.
Solicitations: People may not solicit money or donations in the Library; nor may they place any receptacle in the Library soliciting donations. Displays, notices and handouts announcing or promoting fund-raising programs and activities sponsored by not-for-profit non-commercial organizations will be permitted, provided the requirements stipulated in this policy statement are met. The Community Outreach Department may approve other solicitations as they complement the Library mission.
Sales and Promotions: Library-related organizations such as the Friends of the Library may have special sales or promotions in the Library. Any similar activity by another organization or individuals is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Library Board.
Situations Not Covered: Any situation not specifically covered above will be resolved by the Community Outreach Department
