POLICIES

The Ayer Library connects the community to diverse educational, cultural, informational, and recreational opportunities that support lifelong learning. In support of this mission, the Library provides limited public space for individuals and groups in the community to display civic, cultural, and educational information and announce events and services that are of general and current interest. These types of materials are different from the Library’s collection of print and non-print materials and are not selected by library staff. (See our Collection Development Policy for more information on materials selection practices.)

The Library does not accept responsibility for these materials, for the preservation or protection of materials posted, nor for the accuracy of the statements made in materials. The Library reserves the right to dispose of any material at any time and to make rules ensuring fair access. Acceptance of materials for display does not imply the Library’s endorsement of any organization, product, service, business, individual, policy, or belief.

Community Bulletin Board

The following items may be posted on the community bulletin board in the Ground Floor lobby as space allows:

• Postings of forthcoming or continuing educational, social, civic, charitable, cultural, or recreational activities sponsored by nonprofit organizations from Ayer and surrounding communities.

• Flyers, brochures, announcements, or schedules by nonprofit organizations of predictable interest to the residents of Ayer and surrounding communities, or by any federal, state, or local government agency pertaining to services provided by the government to residents of Ayer and surrounding communities.

• Materials announcing free services and volunteer opportunities for residents of Ayer and surrounding communities.

These materials may be posted under the following conditions:

• Materials must be appropriate for all ages.

• Materials must be approved, dated, and initialed by a staff member.

• Preference will be given to notices about events in Ayer and surrounding communities.

• Small notices under 8.5” x 11” are encouraged. Oversized posters may be rejected.

• Notices posted for longer than one month are subject to removal.

• Due to space restrictions, Library staff give priority to those materials most consistent with the mission of the Ayer Library, and reserve the right to prioritize notices with the widest appeal.

• Once notices are removed, they are discarded.

Items that in the staff’s judgment may give the appearance of using public funds to support or oppose any political candidate or ballot measure will not be posted.

“Give Away” Materials

The Library accepts flyers, pamphlets, newspapers, college and university class offerings and schedules, etc. for the community table located underneath the bulletin board. These materials must meet all bulletin board requirements with the exception of document size. Since space is limited, priority will be given to materials from local organizations. These materials should be referred to the Library Director for distribution.

Nomination Papers & Petitions

The Library allows the collection of signatures for nomination papers, petitions, etc. in the Library building, subject to conditions set by the Library Director or their designee, as long as the collectors do not violate MGL Ch 272 Sec 41, which prohibits disturbing people in a public library "by making noise or in any other manner." To this end, the Library Director designates the lobby and walkways as areas in which signatures may be collected, and requires that the person(s) collecting signatures may neither interfere with the ongoing activities of the Library, nor prevent library users from freely entering or leaving the building. Nomination papers, petitions, etc. may not be left unattended at the Library or in any public building as it could be construed as using public funds to support a candidate or issue. 

Lawn Signage

Thanks in part to its location on Main Street, the Ayer Library receives requests to display signage on the Library’s building and grounds. In order to maintain a welcoming environment for all, only Library, Library affiliate (Friends of the Ayer Library), or Town of Ayer notifications are allowed to be advertised on Library property. This policy applies to banners, yard signs, sandwich boards, and other similar formats. Signs placed without the explicit permission of the Library will be removed.

Donation Boxes

The Library occasionally allows local groups to leave donation boxes for charitable causes of predictable interest to the residents of Ayer as space permits with the approval of the Board of Trustees and subject to conditions set by the Library Director.

Other Display Areas

All other display areas including the front doors, windows, walls, etc. are reserved for Library, Library affiliate (Friends of the Ayer Library), and Town of Ayer notifications.

Interpretation & Appeal

Any questionable posting will be brought to the attention of the Library Director who will make the final determination of appropriateness within the policy. A decision by the Library Director to remove or refuse materials for display may be appealed in writing to the Library Board of Trustees, stating the grounds for the appeal.

Adapted from policies of Cary Memorial Library, Wayland Public Library, Cambridge Public Library, and Billerica Public Library

Approved by the Ayer Library Board of Trustees on September 8, 2022