Bulletin Board and Community Information Display Policy

Resolution No.  250519-5

The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library provides space for local nonprofit organizations and community members to share information about civic, educational, cultural, and recreational events. This service supports the Library’s mission to serve as an information hub for the community. Posting of materials does not imply Library endorsement of the content.

Designated Display Areas

  1. Main Atrium Bulletin Board and Rack Holder
    1. Intended Use: For nonprofit organizations to display general community notices and event flyers.
    2. Location: Near the Library’s main entrance.
    3. Includes: The main literature rack for brochures and free handouts.
    4. Content Examples: Literacy programs, concerts, lectures, workshops, cultural events, local services, and free publications from nonprofit organizations.
    5. Posting Process: Materials must be submitted to the Circulation Desk. Designated staff will review and post approved items.
  2. Children's Area Bulletin Board
    1. Intended Use: For nonprofits promoting camps, educational opportunities, parenting programs school-related events, and children’s activities.
    2. Location: In the Children's Department.
    3. No rack holder is present in this area.
    4. Content Examples: Summer camps, tutoring programs, story times, school fundraisers, Parenting programs, Homeschool groups, STEM workshops.
    5. Posting Process: Materials must be submitted to the Children’s Desk. Designated staff will review and post approved items.
  3. Community Bulletin Board
    1. Intended Use: For community members to post their own flyers about nonprofit events and general local interest topics.
    2. Location: On the first floor near the public restrooms.
    3. Content Examples: Support groups, open mic nights, local nonprofit meetings, cultural festivals, local yard sales.
    4. Posting Process: Materials must be submitted to the Circulation Desk. Designated staff will review and post approved items.

General Regulations for All Bulletin Boards and Rack Areas

  1. Eligibility:
    1. Only nonprofit organizations and community-focused events may post.
  2. Prohibited Materials:
    1. Advertisements for businesses or services.
    2. Job postings, petitions, solicitations, for-profit, commercial, political campaigns, personal, or religious materials
    3. Materials endorsing political candidates or positions.
    4. Items larger than 8.5" x 11", unless approved due to content value or space availability.
    5. Poorly formatted or damaged materials.
  3. Submission & Approval:
    1. Library staff reserves the right to decline, remove, or limit postings due to space or content.
  4. Posting Duration:
    1. Flyers will be posted for up to 30 days or until the advertised event occurs.
    2. Materials without a date will be posted for no more than 30 days.
    3. Duplicates or excessive quantities will not be accepted.
  5. Disclaimers:
    1. The Library assumes no responsibility for lost or damaged materials.
    2. Submission does not guarantee posting.
    3. Posted items will not be returned.
    4. The Library Director has final authority over what may be posted or distributed.
  6. Signage Restrictions:
    1. No postings are allowed on Library entrance doors or unauthorized areas.

Appeals Process

Anyone who disagrees with a decision regarding materials may submit a written appeal to the Library Director. Further appeals may be addressed to the Library Board of Trustees.