<div>Hello again:</div><div>The majority of the responses shared the opinion of OLC, which was basically that petitioners were allowed "outside" the library as long as they did not block the entrance, harrass the patrons, or impede library service. This was what many sent:</div>
<div> </div><div>From OLC...<br>Petitioners on Library Property. Some library directors have reported that petitioners have been on library property seeking signatures for upcoming ballot initiatives. As a reminder, an individual or groups of individuals requesting signatures on petitions that are in the interest of the general public or for initiatives intended for the ballot in a general election are permitted on the sidewalks and other outdoor public areas around the library as long as the activity does not interfere with patrons accessing the library entrances or library services. Petitioners are not permitted to block patron access to the library or harass patrons in an effort to obtain signatures. Petitioners are not allowed to gather signatures inside the library. See Guidelines Pertaining to Library Imposed Bans on Petitioning provided by OLC's legal counsel.</div>
<div> </div><div>Some libraries sent policies which basically said the same thing. Petitioners were allowed to request signatures as long as they were "outside" the library and not interfering with patrons access to the building, etc. Petitioners WERE NOT allowed to conduct political activities, including gathering of signatures, "inside" the library building.</div>
<div> </div><div>Thanks again,</div><div>Susan<br clear="all"></div><div>*****************************</div>
<div>Susan Hill Pieper, M.S.L.S.</div>
<div>Director/Editor<br>Paulding County Carnegie Library<br>Rural Library Services Newsletter<br>205 S Main St, Paulding, Ohio 45879<br>419-399-2032 voice 419-399-2114 fax<br><a href="http://www.pauldingcountylibrary.org/" target="_blank">www.pauldingcountylibrary.org</a><br>
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