Policy

Central Library and each neighborhood library provide limited distribution space for multiple copies of community brochures, newspapers and other printed materials. This space may be used for distributing materials about community, cultural, and educational news and activities. Purely commercial materials are not accepted. The availability of this material does not constitute the Library's endorsement of any particular viewpoint.

Rationale

Providing a designated location for free publications about news and events of interest to our communities is an extension of the Library's service role as an information provider and a designated public forum.

Application

Central Library and each neighborhood library have a limited designated area for distributing free publications produced by organizations other than the Library. These materials may be distributed only from this designated location to eliminate the appearance that the Library is endorsing the information. Materials are neither accepted nor rejected on the basis of content, except that purely commercial materials that have no educational, cultural, news or community content are not accepted. The Constitution of Oregon, Article XI, Section 9, precludes a government agency like the library from providing financial aid to private enterprise absent a clear public purpose.

Due to limited space, the Library cannot guarantee that publications will be put out for distribution. The length of time a publication is made available for distribution depends on the space available at each location. Large quantities are accepted at the discretion of assigned library staff.

Guidelines for Distribution

Materials must be given to library staff members for distribution.

• Materials must be delivered by the provider to each library location where the provider would like to make them available to the public. These materials cannot be distributed through the library's delivery system.
• At Central Library, publications are received at the Welcome Desk on the first floor.
• At the neighborhood libraries, publications are received at the circulation desks.
• Publications specific to each library's neighborhood and to the Portland metropolitan area are given priority over regional and out-of-town publications.
• Each designated area must have a disclaimer sign posted. The disclaimer sign states, "The Library is a distribution point for community information. The availability of materials here does not constitute the Library's endorsement of any particular viewpoint." Contact the Library Facilities for a replacement sign if the disclaimer is lost or damaged.
• In each location, the manager or supervisor appoints a library staff member or volunteer to keep the publications current and neat.
• Materials that are not taken by the public will be recycled. The library cannot return them or hold them for pick-up by the provider.

Special displays or requests for distribution out of the scope of this policy should be referred to the Communications Director.