As a service to the public, the Akron-Summit County Public Library allows printed materials from non-library organizations for distribution and posting throughout the library system. The Library maintains designated areas in each location for the passive distribution of information.
To request this free service, please review the guidelines accompanied in this policy and complete the Distribution of Non-Library Materials Request Form.
Terms for Use
All materials posted or distributed must comply with this policy and any other applicable Library regulations or guidelines. No other materials may be posted or distributed. The material must be related to a single event of a local nature and be of civic, cultural, educational, or informational interest or value. The event must be sponsored or presented by non-profit organization located in Summit County, educational institution, or governmental entity of, in, or having jurisdiction over Summit County and be non-partisan in nature.
At its discretion, the Library may distribute other materials which are provided free of charge to the Library. The Library reserves the right to make exceptions for information based on regional interest.
The primary function of display areas at all Akron-Summit County Public Library locations is to promote the Library’s resources and programs. Consequently, priority will be given to:
- Library services, programs, and events
- Friends of the Library associations
- Dated materials related to events within each branch or Main Library’s immediate community
- Units of Government
Materials for non-library organizations will be displayed up to and including the day of the event.
Non-library organizations must receive authorization from the Library’s Marketing and Communications Department prior to delivering materials. In order to receive authorization, an individual representing the non-library organization must submit the appropriate application through the Akron-Summit County Public Library website. Materials and applications submitted in another manner will be discarded.
The Marketing and Communications Department is responsible for the administration of the policy on a system-wide basis. Branch managers are responsible for the administration of this policy within their facility.
All distribution will be done by Akron-Summit County Public Library staff. Individuals requesting posting or distribution shall not themselves post or leave materials in the distribution area. Unauthorized materials will be discarded.
Distribution of materials is not an endorsement by the Akron-Summit County Public Library.
General Prohibitions:
The following materials will not be accepted:
- Materials that appeal to prurient interests or have been deemed to be obscene or harmful to juveniles by a court of appropriate jurisdiction
- Posters or flyers larger than 8.5 inches x 11 inches
- Handwritten materials
- Campaign literature for or against a political candidate
- Campaign literature concerning political issues unless authorized by the Board of Trustees (non-partisan election information, such as voter guides, is allowed)
- Materials asking Library visitors to sign a petition or letter
- Any materials that are prohibited by other Library policies
Approved by the Board of Trustees on August 31, 2023
Procedure
After reviewing the Distribution of Non-Library Materials Policy above, please submit the Distribution of Non-Library Materials Request Form if you have materials you would like distributed at Main Library or to more than one Library location.
To request approval to distribute materials at an individual branch location, the requestor may contact the branch directly.
Once you have submitted the request form, the Library Marketing & Communications Department will notify you of the status of your request. Requests must be approved before materials are dropped off at the Library. Materials dropped off at the Library without prior approval will be discarded. Materials that do not conform with the Distribution of Non-Library Materials Policy will be discarded.
Please allow 1-2 weeks for distribution of materials.
All Non-Library Materials to be distributed at Main Library or to more than one Library location must be delivered to the Shipping & Receiving Department at Main Library. The Shipping & Receiving entrance is located on E. Mill St. (between S. High and S. Main streets) in downtown Akron. Please attach a printed copy of the approval email to your materials before delivering them. Approved materials may be delivered Monday through Friday between 8 am and 4 pm.
A maximum of ten (10) flyers and one (1) poster not exceeding 8.5 inches x 11 inches may be delivered per location selected. Materials must be securely pre-bundled to ensure accurate delivery.
For more information regarding this free service, please call the Library’s Marketing & Communications Department at 330.643.9091.
