Rationale:  It is the policy of the library, as part of the its information mission, to provide access to free materials/community information through the distribution of free handouts or the public posting of flyers, notices and posters.  Such materials are limited to those of an educational, cultural, civic, intellectual, recreational or charitable nature.

To give access to as much community information as possible, most material is displayed for one month only.  When space is limited, preference is given to Cumberland County organizations.

Handouts and posters should be submitted to the Community Relations Coordinator for approval.  Materials from for-profit groups, companies, organizations or individuals may not necessarily indicate the library's endorsement of the issues or events promoted by these individuals.

Petitioning or Distribution of Literature in Library

In library:  It is the library's policy that petitioning, soliciting, distribution of literature or leaflets, canvassing, or similar types of appeals by members of the public are not allowed in the library.  Exceptions may be made with the approval of the Director for specific library-related, City or County projects.

On library grounds:  Groups or individuals who wish to petition, solicit, canvas, or distribute literature to the public on library parking lots, sidewalks, or other grounds surrounding the library building may do so if they do not impede access by the public to the building, make excessive noise, or otherwise interfere with the use of the library.

September, 1996