Distribution of Free Publications and Community Postings Policies

Anoka County Library will provide the public with a variety of attractive and informative postings, exhibits and handouts as a way of enhancing community understanding and knowledge through their educational and cultural content. Some bulletin boards, literature racks, countertops, and tables are reserved for the exclusive use by the Library to post and distribute materials...

• about Library services, programs, and events;
• from the Friends of Anoka County Library; and
• from other governmental entities such as local cities, Anoka County, and the state and federal governments.

Material posted on public bulletin boards must have a general community interest. Space is given to nonprofit organizations on a first-come, first serve basis and items not related to a specific, dated event will be regularly removed to make space for as many groups as possible. Materials larger than 8.5x11 will be posted if space is available.

All posting and placement of materials in distribution areas shall be done by Library staff. Materials left for posting or distribution without authorization from the Library will be discarded. The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection of materials posted or distributed. Materials will not be returned. The following may not be posted or distributed at the Library:

• College and university catalogs
• Sale fliers
• Lost and Found notices
• Free newspapers and similar publications unless the newspaper serves as the official newspaper of a local governmental unit in which the library Branch is situated
• Religious tracts
• Petitions
• Boxes soliciting monetary donations
• Political Party or Candidate promotions
• Other items, which after review by and consent of the Branch Manager, Assistant Library Director and Library Director, are determined to be not in keeping with the character of the library

An application and contract will be provided by Anoka County Library to persons or groups that want to use Library exhibit space.  Library staff will notify applicants within 5 days whether the exhibit is accepted or rejected, and if rejected the reason therefore.  An exhibit contract must be signed by an adult Anoka County resident in advance of the placement of the exhibit.  Exhibits are welcomed from minors when their parent/guardian co-signs the agreement with them.  Approved community exhibits are generally on display 4-6 weeks.

• First: Anoka County Library sponsored exhibit (regardless of other published regulations for time or space).
• Second: Exhibits specifically related to Anoka County.
• Third: Exhibits of a general informative nature that otherwise fit this policy.

Library staff will reject any exhibit regardless of subject content or intent if deemed unsuitable or not in keeping with the character of the Library and its services to all customers regardless of age, culture or religious background.  Library staff may reject exhibits for lack of space in light of the priorities listed above.

The applicant may request reconsideration of the rejection decision.

• Conference with Library Director:  An exhibit applicant who is not satisfied with the rejection reason may schedule a conference with the Library Director to discuss the exhibit in detail.  The Director will summarize the conference, render a written decision with 15 days, and forward such decision to the applicant and the Library Board.
• Library Board hearing:  In the event that the applicant is not satisfied with the decision of the Library Director, the applicant may request to appear before the Library Board at a regularly scheduled meeting.  The Library Board will consider the applicant's request along with the Director's rationale and render its decision.  The applicant will be provided with notification of the decision and the decision will be entered in to the Library Board minutes.  The Library Board decision will be final.

This policy is reviewed every four (4) years, or as needed, by the Library Director (or designee) who makes recommendations to the Library Board Policy Committee.  The Committee reviews and revises as necessary, endorses and advances to the full Library Board for approval.