Petitions, Surveys and Solicitation
The Fauquier Public Library Board of Trustees recognizes that library buildings and grounds are “limited public forums” that are subject to the reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions of this policy. The board also recognizes its obligation to protect the safety of library users and to ensure that all users can freely access and quietly enjoy the library’s services.
The library board has approved this policy for use of library property as limited public forums.
Persons circulating petitions, conducting surveys, or distributing leaflets may stand outside on library property; however, they may not engage in collecting signatures, surveying or distributing leaflets inside a library building. They may not block, hinder, interfere or otherwise impede patrons and staff wishing to exit or enter the building, nor seek to intimidate patrons or staff into signing a petition, filling out a survey, or accepting a leaflet. The library is not responsible for any harm or injury that may result from circulating or signing petitions, conducting or filling out surveys, or distributing or accepting leaflets.
Handbills, flyers, pamphlets, or any other written materials that advertise, promote, or inform about a person, business, company, or food service establishment may not be distributed or posted on library property, and may not be placed on vehicles in library parking lots. This provision shall not preclude the posting of information about non-profit civic, educational, cultural, or recreational organizations and events to be distributed inside its facilities specifically provided for such purpose and are further discussed in the Distribution of Free Materials Policy.
Persons, groups, and organizations may not sell, solicit, peddle, panhandle, or collect for services or goods on library property.
Signs and banners, including but not limited to, lawn signs and posted leaflets, are not allowed to be displayed or affixed on library property. Signs posted on library buildings and grounds will be removed and disposed of. Renters of library meeting facilities may place signage advertising their event as allowed by the library board policy regarding meeting room use. The sale of services or goods, admissions fees, and/or solicitation of donations or personal information is prohibited in meeting rooms.
As a public institution, the Fauquier Public Library must remain impartial in matters of local or national debate or controversy. The presence of persons circulating petitions, conducting surveys, or distributing leaflets outside the library does not constitute the library’s support of or opposition to any matter, initiative, or referendum.
Virginia Code §24.2-604 governs at such times when library facilities are used as early voting locations. All activity to be conducted on library property other than that which the library board has expressly approved in this policy must receive the approval of library administration in advance of such activity.
Persons or organizations who fail to comply with this policy will be asked to leave the library premises and may be barred from using the library in the future.
The library staff, Friends of the Library, and the library board are exempt from the above.
Adopted: 7/15/93
Revised: 11/19/98, 3/28/2024