7.003 Soliciting or Distributing Materials on Library Property

Solicitation includes activities such as conducting surveys; requesting or collecting signatures; distributing leaflets by individuals or groups; or selling or fundraising by nonprofit groups. "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.

To engage in selling or fundraising, a nonprofit group is required to notify the library’s business office in advance in order to ensure all interested groups are scheduled equitably.

Solicitation is permitted on library property outside of the building in the designated area at ground level on Dunton Avenue or in other areas as directed by staff. Such activities may not interfere with customers entering or leaving the library or block access to the Dunton Avenue bookdrop. All solicitation activities outside the building 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 within the library building, except in a library meeting room among people attending a group’s meeting or program.

Library-sponsored or co-sponsored programs or events and the Friends of the Library are exempted from this solicitation limitation.  Library employees, however, may not sell items or raise funds on behalf of a program presenter.

Requesting or collecting signatures on petitions is permitted on library property outside the building, in the designated area at ground level on Dunton Avenue or in other areas as directed by staff. Such activities may not interfere with customers entering or leaving the library or block access to the Dunton Avenue bookdrop. In order to ensure all interested parties are treated equitably, advance notification to the library’s business office is required.

Brochures and other print pieces intended for placement on library-designated display counters or tables are subject to the same conditions as set forth in Policy 7.0035 Bulletin Board and Posting.  In no case will library employees participate in the distribution of anything other than library-related materials.