Bulletin Boards & Literature Displays

PURPOSE

The Mahopac Public Library provides bulletin boards and literature racks and shelves for the purpose of disseminating library, government, community, and public service information of educational or cultural interest. These services are in keeping with the Library’s philosophy of providing access to a wide range of information sources.

In providing these services, the Library subscribes to the Library Bill of Rights. Article I states, “Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.” Article II states, “Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.” Article VI maintains that exhibit space should be made available “on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.”

The posting or distribution of such materials does not indicate that the Library advocates or endorses the ideas, viewpoints, or events promoted by those materials.

PRIORITIES AND GUIDELINES

Because space is limited, materials meeting the requirements contained in this policy will be posted and/or distributed in the following order of priority:

· Mahopac Public Library announcements and publications;
· other Putnam County libraries;
· other Mid-Hudson Library System libraries;
· local, county, state, and federal government agencies;
· educational, cultural, civic, and recreational organizations of Putnam, Westchester, and Dutchess counties;
· individual residents of the Mahopac Central School District; and
· all others.

The following types of items will not be accepted:

· materials devoted to the sale, advertising, solicitation, or promotion of commercial products or services for a single profit making business.
· materials aimed primarily at soliciting members, requesting donations, raising funds or selling merchandise. Exceptions may be made for cultural organizations and special events held by local organizations.

· materials that have the primary effect to proselytize for a single point of view.
· petitions for public signature from outside organizations.

PROCEDURES

Before display, all materials for posting or display must be approved by the Library Director or his/her designee. Each approved item for posting will be initialed and given an expiration date by the Library Director or his/her designee. Any materials found on the bulletin boards or in the literature racks and shelves that have not been approved shall be removed and discarded.

Designated members of the Library staff are responsible for the posting of materials on the bulletin boards and the placement of literature in the display racks or shelves.

In order to keep the bulletin boards and literature racks and shelves neat and current, the Library reserves the right to:

· determine where and how the item(s) will be posted or displayed.
· limit the size and quantity of the item(s) to be posted or displayed.
· limit the length of time the item(s) will be posted or displayed.
· dispose of materials that have been posted or displayed when they reach their expiration.

The Library is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen materials that have been posted or displayed.

The Library is not responsible for returning materials that have been posted or displayed.

Policy Adopted: October 24, 2007

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