The Pitkin County Library (Library) supports the rights of citizens to lawfully and peacefully assemble for the purpose of public demonstration or seeking petition signatures; this behavior is permitted on the grounds outside the Library building. In keeping with the intention of Pitkin County Library to create welcoming spaces that serve as public commons, no activity disruptive to patrons, employees, or citizens of Pitkin County is permitted at the Library. Solicitation, petitioning, peddling, and other interactions in pursuit of selling goods or services or entreating library patrons or staff are prohibited within the Library, except for postings in designated spaces.
The presence of groups or individuals publicly demonstrating or seeking signatures for petitions at the Library does not imply an endorsement of support of the activity or its subject matter by the Library Board of Trustees or employees. Employees of the Library wishing to participate in such activities are not prohibited from doing so, except that such activities must not take place during the employee’s work hours.
The Library Director is authorized to permit posting information related to community events, current events, government, recreation, and similar topics. However, such postings do not imply the Library's endorsement or support.
Organizations may reserve a meeting room to schedule private political programs or debates to help inform voters about issues or candidates in an election, provided that the meeting room reservation complies with the Library’s Meeting Room Use Policy.
All petitioners and demonstrators must abide by the following restrictions while on Library property:
- People may gather in groups for the purpose of public discourse no closer than 25 feet from a Library entrance during the Library’s hours of operation.
- All behavior policies of Pitkin County Library must be upheld.
- Any gathering shall not impede motor vehicle or pedestrian traffic or disrupt any regularly conducted library activities or programs.
- Building entrances and exits must not be blocked.
- Signage may not be attached to the Library building, structures, or landscaping.
- Petitioners and demonstrators must not interfere with the rights of others to peaceably assemble or to exercise their right to free speech.
- The normal functions of Pitkin County Library must not be disrupted. Demonstrating must not damage property or endanger the health and safety of others.
- All trash, litter, and debris associated with the demonstration or petitioning effort must be removed.
This policy was last reviewed on March 12, 2025, by the Pitkin County Library Board of Trustees.