Solicitation Policy

Cranston Public Library Solicitation Policy

The Cranston Public Library has an obligation to both protect the safety of library users and to ensure that all users can freely access and quietly enjoy the library’s services. Free and unimpeded access to the library building is a necessary precondition for meeting this obligation.

Active solicitation within the library building and the areas of egress to the library and the library parking lot is not permitted unless it is a library function or an activity related to fund raising for the library and under the general supervision of the library staff. Active solicitation refers to any person-to-person communication for the purposes of (1) obtaining contributions and donations, (2) selling merchandise, coupons, or tickets, (3) collecting signatures, (4) distributing educational or promotional materials, (5) recruiting members or clients and (6) financial solicitations/transactions.

The passive solicitation and collection of donations by community-based, non-profit organizations may be permitted. Notices may be posted to a public bulletin board and bins placed in approved areas to collect items for this purpose. Use of these resources is subject to the approval of the library director or branch manager. The library assumes no responsibility for contents collected or donated. The library does not permit any exchange of monies or funds for this purpose. Space is limited and not all requests can be approved.

Signs and banners, including lawn signs are prohibited on library property unless it is for a library function or an activity related to fund raising for the library and are approved by the Library Director.

Handbills, flyers, leaflets, pamphlets, or other written material that advertises, promotes, or informs persons about a person, business, company, or food service establishment are prohibited from being distributed on library property or being placed on vehicles in library parking lots.

Candidates with nomination papers may canvass for signatures outside of the library building as long as it is done in a reasonable and unobtrusive manner. Canvassing is prohibited inside library buildings.

Nothing in this policy shall be construed as preventing the sale of publications, artwork, or recordings by writers, artists or performers who are engaged by the library for a presentation or performance.

The library director shall make the final determination as to whether a solicitation is active or passive, and if the activity is permitted under this policy.

Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees June 11, 2014

Updated by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees September 13 , 2017

Revised by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees September 14 , 2022