Petitioning and Solicitation Policy

Approved January 15, 2014 by the Troy-Miami County Public Library Board of Trustees

All library facilities 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.

Therefore, circulating petitions for signature in 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.

Library exterior spaces are considered public forums and petitioners are not restricted from seeking signatures within the guidelines established for this policy.

Petitioners may offer literature to individuals; however, petitioners are prohibited from placing leaflets on vehicles in the library's parking lot.

Petitioners 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, or in any way interfere with a library patron’s use of the library for its intended purpose.

Petitioners must stay clear of traffic lanes and vehicular entrances.

Petitioners may be asked to leave the property if these guidelines are not followed.

Exceptions to the policy include:

Activities authorized and directed by the library administration include book/media sales/discounts/rebates in conjunction with programs or summer reading clubs.
Patron surveys/polling.
Fundraising initiatives conducted on behalf of the library or library volunteer groups, such as the Friends of the Library
Solicitation and fundraising initiatives sponsored by the library staff and/or library volunteer groups, including book/food drives and levy campaigns.