Use of Library Grounds Policy on Distributing Material, Canvassing, Performing, or Speaking on Library Property

The Jasper Dubois County Contractual Public Library recognizes and supports the public’s rights to free speech that includes presenting speeches, distributing petitions or other information, and advocating views or positions. However, the Library also has an obligation to provide library services to the public in an environment where access and privacy are maintained and where safe and unobstructed ingress and egress to Library property is provided. Therefore, the Jasper Dubois County Contractual Public Library has established this policy to allow free speech while ensuring that the rights of others to use library facilities are not impeded.

Note: This policy pertains to the use of the Library grounds and not the inside of the Library buildings. Persons wishing to reserve a designated meeting space on Library property should refer to the Meeting Room Policy or speak with the person in charge of the Library facility they would like to use.

Regulations

  • Persons wishing to distribute material, canvass, perform, or speak on Library property must obtain permission, in advance, from the Library Director and/or the Branch Manager at the location.
  • The conduct of the persons speaking, canvassing, performing, or distributing information on Library grounds must be in compliance with Library policies and federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and statutes.
  • Distributing materials, canvassing, performing, or speaking may be done only during the operating hours of the Library location where the activity is taking place.
  • In the Library’s aesthetic interest to maintain the premises free of debris and clutter, materials including, but not limited to, posters, flyers, placards, brochures, banners, or signs of any type may not be left unattended on Library grounds. The Library will remove and dispose of any unattended materials, including political campaign signs. This regulation does not apply to materials (i.e., newspapers) that are distributed through self-disclosing, secure, stand alone dispensers that have been approved to be on Library grounds by the person in charge of the location.

Approved by the Library Boards 2/2/2012