Soliciting on Library Premises

Approved September 15, 2020

Solicitation is not allowed inside any of the Greenwich Library (the “Library”) buildings, including the Main Library and the Byram Shubert and Cos Cob branches. Solicitation includes, but is not limited to:

• solicitation of signatures on petitions;
• conducting surveys of any kind;
• distribution of leaflets, flyers, literature or other written material or samples or other items;
• requests for donations (including placing receptacles for donations or other collections on Library property); and
• sales of, offers to sell, or other promotional activities related to the sale of, goods or services.

The foregoing prohibition on solicitation does not prohibit the posting of materials on the Library’s Community Bulletin Boards in accordance with the Library policy entitled “Use of Display Facilities and Community Bulletin Boards”.

Groups or individuals who wish to petition, solicit, canvas, or distribute leaflets, flyers, literature, or other written materials to the public in Library parking lots, on sidewalks, or on other grounds surrounding the Library buildings may do so if they conduct themselves in an orderly and lawful manner, subject to the following additional limitations:

• no such activity shall be conducted within 70 feet of the entrance to any Library building (including on the main entry stair of the Main Library building);
• persons engaged in such activity shall not (i) block, hinder, interfere or otherwise impede Library patrons or staff wishing to enter or exit Library buildings or parking areas or to use book returns or (ii) seek to intimidate any person into signing a petition, taking literature or any other activity;
• persons engaged in such activities may not place or erect tables, chairs, umbrellas, tents, other structures, or signs on Library property;
• no leaflets, flyers, literature, or other materials may be left on vehicles in Library parking areas;
• no such activity is permitted for the purpose of sales or promotion of goods or services or other commercial purposes; and
• no such activity is permitted for the purpose of raising funds or promoting non-profit organizations other than the Library and the Friends of Greenwich Library.

All persons seeking to sell or offer to sell goods or services to the Library must comply with the requirements of the Municipal Code of the Town of Greenwich.

Groups or individuals who do not comply with this Policy may be asked to leave the Library premises (including the Library parking lots or sidewalks or other grounds surrounding the Library buildings). Serious or repeated violations of this Policy may result in suspension or termination of Library privileges or prohibition of access to Library premises, in all cases as determined by Library staff.

The Library staff and the Library Board have the discretion to construe and interpret this Policy, and to make all determinations necessary, appropriate, or advisable for the administration of this Policy, subject to applicable law.

Replaces Soliciting on Library Premises
Adopted March 11, 2003

Replaces Soliciting on Library Premises
Adopted April 20, 1999