5-50 Solicitation of Donations

Active solicitation within the Library building and on Library grounds is not permitted unless it is a Library function or activity related to fundraising for the Library or Friends or Foundation of the Chatham Area Public Library and under the general supervision of Library staff or Friends/Foundation volunteers. Active solicitation refers to:

• Any person-to-person communication for the purposes of obtaining contributions or donations
• Selling merchandise, coupons, or tickets
• Distributing educational or promotional materials
• Financial solicitations/transactions

Non-Cash Donations

Non-cash donation boxes may be placed in approved areas to collect items for non-profit organizations. Use of these resources is subject to the prior approval of the Library Director or designee.

To avoid overcrowding of Library spaces, the number of concurrent solicitation drives may be limited. Donation drives sponsored by the Library or Friends of the Library will be given priority.

The Library assumes no responsibility for any contents collected or donated. The Library does not permit any exchange of monies or funds for this purpose. Should donations exceed their allotted space, the Library may be forced to discontinue collections until the organization can collect the donations or additional storage can be found. Boxes may be removed without notice by the Library.

The Library Director shall make the final determination as to whether a solicitation is active or passive, and if the solicitation activity is permitted under the policy.

ADOPTED: MARCH 20, 2000

AMENDED: JANUARY 16, 2023