Policy on the Distribution of Free Material/Community Information, Bulletin Boards, Petitions
Statement
of Purpose
1. To
provide a forum for information which addresses community needs
and is responsive to community growth and changing demographics.
2. To define free materials/community information.
3. To ensure that library users are provided with access
to these materials.
4. To provide guidelines for the distribution of these
materials.
Priority is given to Library information and to City of Duluth and other government-related information. Additional handouts, flyers, notices and posters are accepted as space permits. Informational materials will be limited to those of a civic, cultural, recreational or educational nature. Bulletin boards, tables and literature racks may be cleared on a regular basis to conserve space. Clearing schedules shall be determined by Library staff. Distribution or posting of material by the Library does not necessarily indicate the Library's endorsement of the issues or events promoted by those materials.
Flyers/Handouts
and Bulletin Boards
Some space is designated to official government notices, such
as job postings or other legal notices. Due to limited space,
preference is given to Duluth-area organizations and information.
Activities of a civic, cultural, recreational or educational nature
are publicized. In order to give access to as much community information
as possible, most material is displayed for a limited time. Notices
are not displayed earlier than two months in advance of the event.
Display items must be of a reasonable size. All items must be
approved by Community Services staff before posting. The appearance
and content of the material must be suitable for posting in the
Library public service area.
The following items may be posted:
Literature
Related to Campaigns for Public Office
The Library does not accept this material. The Main Library is
a polling place, which may not post campaign materials. Candidates
may rent Library meeting rooms for public forums or press conferences
prior to Election Day. Campaign posters may not be displayed outside
the rental spaces.
The Library does not advocate or endorse the views of groups renting the Library's meeting rooms.
Petitioning
or Distribution of Literature in Libraries
Petitioning, surveying, solicitation, canvassing or similar types
of appeals by members of the public are not allowed inside library
buildings. Rare exceptions under unusual circumstances may be
made for specific library or City projects with the approval of
the Director and the City Attorney. Outside demonstrations may
not block access to the building or interfere with normal library
use. Use of the Library Plaza requires payment of the rental fee.
Publications
Other than Library/City of Duluth materials, the Library reserves
the right to limit multiple copies of publications intended for
free public distribution. Priority will be given to Library and
government publications. Information about events and activities
that benefit the neighborhood, and materials of civic, cultural,
recreational and educational nature will be displayed if space
is available.
Branch Libraries
Neighborhood branch libraries have limited display space. Priority
is given to Library and government notices. Information about
events and activities that benefit the neighborhood, and materials
of civic, cultural, recreational and educational nature will be
displayed if space is available.
Adopted May 9, 2000
Duluth Public Library Board
