Petitioning or Soliciting on Library Property Policy
I. POLICY
Soliciting or circulating petitions for signature inside any Scioto County Public Library building including meeting rooms is prohibited. Soliciting or circulating petitions for signature outside of the Library, or on Library property at a distance of twenty-five (25) feet or more from doorways, is considered free speech and protected by the First Amendment.
II. REGULATIONS
- All Library facilities, including branches and the Main Library are considered limited public forums and therefore provide access and use of designated Library spaces to the general public. However, that access and use is limited to Library purposes and approved activities.
- Library exterior spaces are considered public forums and petitioners/solicitors are not restricted from seeking signatures within the guidelines established for this policy.
- Restrictions and prohibitions to petitioners/solicitors apply to all paid and volunteer canvassers for candidates, partisan or non-partisan, and petitions to get issues on the ballot or those simply seeking support for a cause or issue. This policy is content-neutral and applies to all regardless of the candidate, issue or cause.
- Petitioners/solicitors may offer literature to individuals but are prohibited from placing leaflets on vehicles in Library parking lots.
- Patron comfort and safety requires petitioners/solicitors remain a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from Library entrances and exits.
- Petitioners/solicitors may not block doorways, prevent patrons from getting in or out of cars, use abusive language or behave in any way that is harassing or intimidating.
- Petitioners/solicitors must stay clear of traffic lanes and vehicular entrances.
- Petitioners shall provide their own supplies and equipment. The library is unable to supply tables and chairs to petitioners.
- Petition circulating in NO way constitutes the library’s endorsement of a candidate, an issue or an organization’s policies or beliefs.
Anyone who violates this policy, or other library policies such as the Behavior and Conduct on Library Property Policy, or engages in unlawful behavior will be required to leave the premises.
Adopted and Effective 6-27-23
