7.003 Soliciting or Distributing Materials on Library Property

02/18/2025
Replaces 05/21/2019

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library recognizes the distribution of materials and presentations of petitions by individuals and groups is a fundamental right, protected by the First Amendment. The library also upholds the rights of its customers and employees to enter and leave the library safely, without being impeded or unduly hindered.

I. Solicitation includes activities such as conducting surveys; requesting or collecting signatures; distributing leaflets, posting yard signs or other material by individuals or groups; or selling or fundraising by nonprofit groups or individuals. "Solicitation" as used in this policy does not refer to panhandling. Panhandling is prohibited, as is solicitation for the benefit of a for-profit group.

Solicitation is prohibited:
-    Inside all library buildings;
-    In the entrances to all library buildings;
-    Anywhere that interferes with uninhibited ingress/egress to library buildings;
-    In the library parking lot(s);
-    In or around the library drop-off box and the immediate surrounding area;
-    In areas designated by the Fire Department as fire or emergency lanes; and
-    Anywhere else solicitation, petitioning, leafletting and/or distribution of materials is prohibited by The Village of Arlington Heights.
 

Setting up tables and/or chairs anywhere on library property is prohibited unless approved in advance in writing by library administration. All solicitation activities on library property must comply with Village of Arlington Heights ordinances. Solicitors should consult the Village for ordinances and regulations.

Solicitation, including fundraising or selling of objects, is not permitted anywhere within the library facilities, except in a library meeting room among attendees of a group’s meeting or program with prior approval from library administration.

Solicitation is subject to compliance with the library’s Code of Conduct.

The library reserves the right to deny or limit the time, place and manner of the sale of merchandise and services or solicitation of donations.
 

II. It is prohibited to block, hinder, interfere or otherwise impede customers and staff wishing to exit or enter the building, or seek to intimidate customers or staff into signing a petition or accepting a leaflet anywhere on library property.  

III.  The library provides library-designed display counters and tables for printed materials. Brochures and other print pieces intended for    placement on library-designated display counters or tables are subject Policy 7.0035 Bulletin Board and Posting. In no case will library employees participate in the distribution of anything other than library-related materials.

  IV.      It is recommended that all parties wishing to solicit anywhere on library property notify the library’s business office seventy-two (72) hours in advance.

   V.    By Soliciting anywhere on library property, all solicitors acknowledge and agree that:

a.       The library does not assume responsibility for any harm or injury suffered by persons circulating petitions or distributing leaflets, or by those who are signing a petition.

b.      The presence of persons circulating petitions for signatures or distributing leaflets outside a 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.

c.       The presence of a person circulating petitions or distributing leaflets outside a library facility does not constitute the library’s endorsement of the policies, beliefs or political affiliations of any person or group circulating petitions for signatures or distributing leaflets.