Library buildings and grounds are limited public forums for free speech activities under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. These activities include, but are not limited to, petitioning, leafleting, and campaign activities.
Walkways and grounds around library buildings provide appropriate public spaces for free speech activities, provided the activity does not create a dangerous condition, interfere with access and use of the library for its intended purposes, or damage property. The Clearview Library District is authorized to make reasonable rules that are universally applicable and content-neutral concerning use of its property for these purposes.
“Free Speech Zones” appropriate for free speech activities are 35 feet from the midline of the front entrance and 35 feet to the east and west of the midline to the front entrance and do not include the library parking lot or the library patio. Please see the map for more detail.
The following activities are prohibited on Library District owned property:
- Exercising free speech rights under this policy outside of a Free Speech Zone.
- Hindering, impeding, or blocking the passage of library patrons, employees, or visitors.
- Continuing to impose upon, follow, shout at or against, mark for approach by others, or otherwise press an issue after having been advised of the individual’s lack of interest or opposing viewpoint and desire to be left alone.
- Surrounding or making serial approaches to a patron, employee, or visitor.
- Engaging, arguing with or otherwise opposing or inciting others exercising their rights under this policy.
- Inciting or promoting imminent acts of violence.
- Presenting, imposing, or otherwise impressing upon patrons, employees, or visitors obscene materials that would be considered generally offensive with the community.
- Solicitation of funds or sale of goods and services without a copy of written authorization from the Library District Director in the possession of the person acting pursuant to the written authorization.
- Solicitation and petitioning activities inside the Library District facilities.
Adopted August 30, 2018. Reaffirmed February 27, 2020.