DISPLAY and distribution OF PRINTED MATERIALS POLICY

Adopted by Spokane Public Library Board of Trustees on September 18, 2018; revised April 21, 2026.

PURPOSE: Spokane Public Library provides limited public space for the display and distribution of printed materials as a community service. This policy establishes clear, consistent guidelines for the posting and availability of materials in Library spaces in a manner that is equitable, viewpoint-neutral, and appropriate to a public library setting.

This policy applies to all printed materials made available to the public, including but not limited to bulletin boards, display surfaces, brochure racks, tables, and free publication distribution areas.

DISPLAY AND DISTRIBUTION AREAS

Each branch will maintain clearly designated areas for:

1. Library Materials
    Reserved for Spokane Public Library notices, programs, services, and Library-sponsored or co-sponsored publications. Only library-produced materials may be displayed at the Library Info desk
2. Community Materials
    Reserved for materials submitted by community members, organizations, or agencies, including both posted items and free publications intended for public pickup.

PRIORITY FOR MATERIALS

First Priority: Library Materials

The following have priority for display or distribution:

• Official Spokane Public Library programs, services, and announcements
• Publications or materials produced or co-sponsored by the Library
• Government agency materials and legally required notices, as defined in Spokane Municipal Code 11.02.0530.F.2.

Second Priority: Community Materials

Community display and distribution areas are community resources intended to support information sharing that invites public participation or engagement.

Appropriate materials may include, but are not limited to:

• Community programs, classes, or events
• Free publications of community interest (e.g., Parks & Recreation guides, family activity guides, community newsletters)
• Meetings or activities sponsored by nonprofit, governmental, or informal community groups
• Personal notices such as lost or found pets, bicycles, or other items
• Informal services or opportunities (e.g., childcare, tutoring, lessons)

Materials do not need to be affiliated with or endorsed by the Library to be eligible.

COMMUNITY MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements apply to all community materials, whether posted or distributed as free publications:

1. Action-Oriented Purpose

• Materials must invite participation, attendance, engagement, or use (e.g., attend, join, register, participate, inquire).
• Materials that are purely informational, ideological, promotional, or expressive without a clear associated action are not permitted.

2. Dating and Weeding

• Posted materials must include a clearly visible posting date.
• Undated posted materials may be removed.
• Distributed publications and posted materials will be weeded regularly to ensure timeliness, relevance, and equitable access to space.
• Materials may be removed after events have passed or when newer materials require space.

3. Space Limitations

• Space is limited; the Library may restrict the size, quantity, placement, or duration of materials.
• Excess quantities of free publications may be reduced or declined.
• Materials may be removed to accommodate new or higher-priority items.

RELIGIOUS MATERIALS

Spokane Public Library remains neutral regarding religion while supporting community engagement.

• Materials related to religious activities are permitted when they invite participation, such as meetings, classes, or discussion groups.
• Materials whose primary purpose is religious advocacy, proselytizing, or promotion of religious doctrine or texts are not permitted.

These guidelines apply equally to posted items and free publications.

POLITICAL MATERIALS

The Library supports civic engagement while maintaining political neutrality.

Permitted:

• Materials promoting meetings, forums, or organized activities of civic or political groups (e.g., discussion groups, youth political organizations)
• Non-party specific voting advocacy (e.g., voting rights, voting registration info)

Not Permitted:

• Campaign materials advocating for or against a specific candidate, ballot measure, or political party
• Petitions, fundraising appeals, or materials urging individuals to vote in a particular way

Political materials must meet the same action-oriented, date-based, and space-related requirements as all other community materials.

ADMINISTRATION AND CONSISTENCY

• Branch Managers or their designees are responsible for administering display and distribution areas in accordance with this policy.
• Decisions must be applied consistently across all branches.
• Materials may not be approved or denied based on viewpoint, personal belief, or identity.
• Staff discretion must be guided by this policy to ensure equitable access and prevent bias.

DISCLAIMER

Spokane Public Library does not review, verify, or endorse the content of community-posted or community-distributed materials. Availability of materials does not imply Library sponsorship or approval.