2.7 Soliciting, Signature-gathering, and the Distribution of Leaflets
2.7 Soliciting, Signature-gathering, and the Distribution of Leaflets
The Wadsworth Public Library has the authority to make and publish reasonable rules for the proper operation and management of the Library and its facilities that are universally applicable regarding the allowed use of library buildings and property, including contentneutral restriction of conduct involving passing out literature. The public sidewalks around the Library property are a traditional public forum subject to reasonable time, place and manner restrictions on those wishing to use them for purposes protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.
The City of Wadsworth controls the use of public sidewalks. All pertinent ordnances from the City of Wadsworth would apply.
Circulating petitions for signatures or leafleting inside the Library is prohibited. It disturbs the orderly operation of the Library and may make some patrons feel harassed. Also, it may give the appearance that the Library is supporting a specific cause or issue. As such, the Library allows people to circulate petitions and distribute leaflets outside library facilities, subject to the following rules and regulations:
Persons circulating petitions for signatures or leafleting may stand on Library property; however, they may not engage in collecting signatures or distributing leaflets inside Library buildings.
Circulation of petitions for signatures and/or leafleting must take place outside Library buildings at least fifteen feet (15) from entrances and exits, due to patron comfort and safety.
Persons circulating petitions for signatures and/or leafleting shall not block, hinder, interfere, or otherwise impede persons and staff wishing to enter or exit Library buildings or to use book returns, nor seek to intimidate patrons or staff into signing a petition or accepting a leaflet.
Persons circulating petitions for signatures and/or leafleting shall not occupy areas designated as fire or emergency lanes, shall not occupy parking spaces, and must stay clear of traffic lanes and vehicular entrances.
Persons circulating petitions or leafleting must supply their own tables and chairs and may not store them on Library property.
Persons circulating petitions for signatures and/or leafleting are not allowed to place leaflets or materials on vehicles in the Library’s parking lot.
Persons circulating petitions for signatures and/or leafleting may not block doorways, prevent patrons from getting in or out of cars, use abusive language, or behave in any way which is harassing or intimidating.
No leafleting or distribution of literature, or solicitation is permitted for the purposes of selling items, merchandise, tickets, or other commercial activities.
Fundraising activities are not permitted in the building or on the property by any person or organization when the purpose is to benefit a group or organization other than the Library or the Friends of Wadsworth Public Library (FOWPL) or the Wadsworth Public Library Foundation (WPLF).
The Library staff, FOWPL, WPLF, and members of the Board are exempt from the above constraints during promotion of Library activities.
Any person or group who does not abide by the conditions stated above or creates a disturbance such that the regular business of the Library is disrupted shall be required to immediately cease all activities relating to solicitation for a petition or leafleting and to leave the Library property. However, another individual may take their place if they are willing to adhere to the guidelines.
The above policies or procedures are to be adhered to at all times, even in inclement weather.
The Library will not assume responsibility for any harm or injury suffered by persons circulating petitions or leaflets, or by those who are signing a petition.
The presence of persons circulating petitions or distributing leaflets outside the Library facility does not constitute the Library’s endorsement of any candidate, nor does it constitute support or opposition of the subject matter of any initiative or referendum. The presence of a person circulating petitions or distributing leaflets outside the Library facility does not constitute the Library’s endorsement of the policies, beliefs, or political affiliations of any person or group circulating petitions or distributing leaflets.