Table of Contents

Scope

Key Definitions

First Amendment Considerations

Other Considerations

General Policy Regarding Approval

Liability

Logistics

This Policy is designed to provide guidance regarding public postings at the ACPL.

I. Scope

This policy applies to all members of the general public requesting the posting of public notices in library spaces.

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL or Library) is a public gathering space that is a limited public forum with respect to First Amendment rights. Members of the general public may request permission to post public notices including posters, brochures, flyers, and other printed items on library bulletin boards and/or other designated open, public areas of the library for non-commercial use subject to the terms of this Policy.

The Library also seeks to protect activities that are related to the Library’s purpose under Indiana law and its mission – enriching the community through lifelong learning and discovery. In this regard, the Library seeks to restrict activities that interfere with library functions, operations, federal law, state law, or the ACPL mission. These objectives further support the limitations set forth in this Policy.

In general, postings are permitted in public spaces provided they do not:

• Violate the ACPL Patron Behavior Policy.

• Interfere with patron rights or impact access to Library services or resources.

• Pose a risk to safety.

• Cause a disruption.

• Constitute harassment.

• Hinder a staff member from performing work duties.

• Support or oppose any political candidate, elected official, political party, political ideology, or ballot measure.

• Promote (or suggest) activity that violates federal, state, or local laws, rules or regulations.

II. Key Definitions

Public Posting: used generally to refer to any materials including, but not limited to printed brochures, flyers, posters, materials that promote or oppose activities, events, groups, or gatherings, and the like.

Requestor: an individual or entity NOT affiliated with the ACPL seeking approval to place public postings in ACPL facilities.

III. First Amendment Considerations

Inside the Library, individuals can exercise their First Amendment expression rights to any extent that does not interfere with the Library’s purpose or mission as set forth in ACPL’s Mission Statement and Indiana law (IC § 36-12-1-8):

Public libraries are to be “part of the provision for public education” by meeting “the educational, informational, and recreational interests and needs of the public” through “collecting and organizing books and other library materials” and “providing reference, loan, and related services to library patrons.”

If a public posting impedes the Library from accomplishing these goals, that behavior is not protected by the First Amendment, even if it is a form of expression or communication.

IV. Other Considerations

Commercial Postings: Library spaces may not be used for commercial postings including: solicitations, services for sale/purchase, business cards, third-party job postings (unless part of an ACPL job fair, etc.), retail advertising, notices of items for sale, solicitations for fundraisers (i.e. walkathons, auctions, galas, etc.), and the like.

V. General Policy Regarding Approval

Permission is required for any public postings in ACPL facilities. Approval may be obtained by completing a Public Posting Request online or in person.

VI. Liability

ACPL assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection of materials posted. Approval to post material does not in any way constitute library endorsement or responsibility for a group’s policies, beliefs, actions, activities, or events. Purposes, objectives, or views of groups using the bulletin board space shall not be advertised in any way to suggest that they are endorsed by ACPL.

VII. Logistics

Library staff may remove any public posting that compromises public safety or security of people, buildings, or collections or that violates this Policy.