Warren-Newport Public Library District
Lake County, Illinois
Board of Trustees
Policy 3055
Display and Literature Distribution
Adopted: December 14, 1993
Reviewed/Revised: March 9, 1999; March 11, 2008; August 19, 2008; May 21, 2013;
September 17, 2013; April 21, 2015; March 27, 2018; May 21, 2019;
September 17, 2019; September 19, 2023
ARTICLE 1. LIBRARY BULLETIN BOARDS
The Warren-Newport Public Library District (WNPLD) maintains bulletin boards that are available
in the Warren-Newport Public Library (WNPL) for the display of posters and notices of interest to
the community. Priority will be given to notices of events sponsored by local community groups.
Selected cultural or educational activities in the greater Chicago and Milwaukee areas may also
be exhibited. The size of the poster and the availability of space will also be considered when
determining if an item is placed on the bulletin board. Commercial advertising or sales notices are
prohibited. The Executive Director or their designee will determine the suitability and duration of
all postings.
ARTICLE 2. DISPLAY CASE
Section 2.01 Purpose
WNPL maintains one (1) display case in the front lobby to:
• promote WNPL programs and special events;
• promote the holdings and resources of WNPL; and
• support the mission of WNPLD.
Section 2.02 Availability of Display Case
The display case is not available for public use. It is reserved for use by WNPL and the Friends
of the Library to promote programs, services, resources, and fundraising events.
ARTICLE 3. YOUTH SERVICES COLLECTION CASES
Section 3.01 Guidelines
The Youth Services Department provides two (2) collection cases where children living in WNPLD
may exhibit their collections. Children should sign up at the Youth Services Desk to exhibit
collections on a first-come, first-served basis. Collections must be approved by the Youth Services
Department for age appropriateness. The Library reserves the right to reschedule, postpone, or
remove an exhibit.
The following guidelines apply to exhibits in the Youth Services Department collection cases:
• The usual display period is two (2) weeks.
• Patrons are responsible for setting up and removing displayed materials.
• WNPL will not provide storage for displayed items.
Section 3.02 Collection Case Security and Responsibility for Materials
WNPL Youth Services Collection Cases are equipped with locks. However, patrons using the
collection cases are responsible for insuring all objects and other materials included in the display
case. WNPLD assumes no responsibility for materials lost while on display at WNPL.
ARTICLE 4. POSTING AND DISTRIBUTION OF NON-LIBRARY MATERIALS
Section 4.01 Literature Available in the Library
WNPL will make available to the public free pamphlets and other such matter supplied by civic,
educational, or cultural institutions. Space for such literature is very limited, and preference will
be given to local public bodies such as schools, park districts and other Library partners.
Commercial advertising and sales literature are prohibited. The Executive Director or their
designee will determine what will be accepted based upon these guidelines and the availability of
space.
Section 4.02 Posting Notices
Non-library notices may not be posted on WNPL grounds.
ARTICLE 5. SOLICITING SIGNATURES ON PETITIONS AND DISTRIBUTING LEAFLETS
WNPLD recognizes that the presentation of petitions and the distribution of literature by
individuals and groups is a fundamental right protected by the First Amendment. WNPLD also
upholds the rights of its patrons and employees to enter, use, and leave the Library safely and
without being hindered or harassed. Therefore, the following guidelines apply:
• Persons wishing to solicit signatures on a petition and/or distribute leaflets must notify
WNPL Security that they will be doing so.
• Solicitation for signatures on a petition and distribution of leaflets must be conducted in
the space located south of “Celebration Square,” which is the installation of brick pavers
near the Library entrance.
• The distributor of leaflets is solely responsible for controlling and cleaning up any litter
caused by discarded leaflets and for any damage to WNPLD property resulting from the
activity. The cost for cleanup of litter and/or for repair of property damage attributable to
any distributor of leaflets will be billed to the distributor. Until such costs are paid, the
distributor will not be permitted to distribute leaflets on WNPLD grounds.
• No one may create unsafe traffic patterns on sidewalks or in the parking lot.
• No one may impede a patron’s entry into or exit from the building.
• Distributing leaflets on vehicles is prohibited.
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