Free Speech and Public Expression Policy

Purpose

• Consistent with our mission, the Rangeview Library District (d.b.a. “Anythink”) offers a limited public forum for free speech and assembly activities.
• This policy is designed to balance constitutional rights with Anythink’s need to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all library customers and staff.

Free Speech Activities on Library Property

By engaging in free speech activities on Anythink property, individuals and organizations agree to the following terms:

1. Permitted Activities and Locations
   • Authorized Activities include, but are not limited to:
     • Assembling
     • Petitioning
     • Leafleting
     • Campaign-related activities
   • Designated Areas:
     • Activities may occur along walkways and library grounds outside library buildings.
     • Election tables or programs may be provided inside Anythink facilities.
   • Approval:
     • All activities are subject to time, place, and manner requirements approved by the Executive Director or their designee.
     • Library managers will determine specific appropriate areas at each location based on site-specific layouts.
   • Free Speech Activities and Anythink Meeting Room Use:
     • Anythink does not endorse or support the ideas, politics, perspectives, viewpoints or opinions of individuals or organizations engaged in free speech activities who reserve or utilize Anythink meeting rooms.
     • Individuals or organizations will comply with Anythink’s Meeting Room Policy and Library Use Policy to balance constitutional rights with Anythink’s need to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for customers and staff.
2. Operational Requirements
   • Distance Requirements: Activities may occur at least 35 feet from all public entrances to library facilities.
   • Capacity Limits:
     • To prevent congestion, the number of individuals exercising free speech rights is limited to two (2) persons per location.
     • Exceptions to capacity limits may be approved by a library manager or their designee.
   • Access:
     • Activities may occur if they do not block, impede or hinder customers, staff or visitors from entering or exiting the library.
     • Activities may occur if they do not create dangerous conditions, damage property, or interfere with the flow of traffic.
3. Standards of ConductThe following conduct is not permitted:
   • Harassment: Continuing to approach, follow, or shout at individuals after they have expressed a lack of interest or a desire to be left alone.
   • Incitement: Promoting arguments or inciting imminent acts of violence.
   • Obscenity: Presenting or imposing materials, photographs, or exhibits that are obscene or generally offensive to the community.
   • Solicitation: Solicitation of funds and the promotion of for-profit and non-profit programs, services, or goods on Anythink property.
4. Electioneering and Signage
   • Ballot Access: Hindering or blocking access to ballot drop boxes is not permitted.
   • Election Day Restrictions: Consistent with Colorado statute, electioneering activities may occur at least 100 feet from a ballot box or polling place.
   • Unsupervised Displays: Unsupervised posters, banners, fixed or mobile signage may not be posted, displayed or left on library property and will be disposed of without notice.
5. Library Endorsement
   • Anythink does not endorse or support the ideas, politics, perspectives, viewpoints or opinions of individuals or organizations engaged in free speech activities on library property.
   • Materials provided at designated election tables are considered public information resources. Anythink is nonpartisan and does not endorse or support political candidates, ballot or tax measures.

Compliance

Failure to abide by these time, place, and manner restrictions may result in a request to leave the premises.