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.

Requests should be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the event date. 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.

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 or mailed to Attn: Marketing & Communications, Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High St., Akron, Ohio 44326. The Shipping & Receiving entrance is located on E. Mill St. (between S. High and S. Main streets) in downtown Akron. Approved materials may be delivered Monday through Friday between 8 am and 4 pm.

Please allow 1-2 weeks for distribution of materials.

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.

The Akron-Summit County Public Library is committed to serving everyone with equity, respect, and kindness. Please help us ensure a welcoming, inclusive, and safe place for all by respecting others and their belongings, and Library spaces, staff, and property.

The Library welcomes customers of all abilities. All ASCPL staff members are trained in inclusive practices. We know some of our visitors might:

• Make noises
• Speak very loudly or repeat what they hear others say
• Not make eye contact or respond to questions
• Make rapid and repetitive movements or wander in continuous patterns

Prohibited Conduct

Customers are not allowed to engage in conduct that violates federal, state, or local law or that causes, threatens, or unduly risks harm to Library staff, property, operations, or customers. Harms to other Library customers include endangerment of their physical safety, invasion of their privacy, harms to their dignity, and interference with their use and enjoyment of the Library.

In accordance with the procedures prescribed below, customers who engage in prohibited conduct defined above are subject to sanctions ranging from a warning to immediate expulsion and banishment from the Library.  Violations of criminal laws may result in referrals to law enforcement authorities.

The following are examples of prohibited conduct:

1. Physically assaulting another customer or a member of the Library staff
2. Verbally abusing, menacing, threatening or sexually or racially harassing another person by words or gestures, either in person or by use of the Library’s wireless network, devices, or media platforms
3. Taunting or provoking another person to fight
4. Unlawfully possessing weapons, including concealed firearms
5. Destroying, mutilating, or damaging Library property or the property of Library customers or staff members
6. Possessing alcohol, marijuana, or illegal drugs
7. Trespassing in a non-public area of a Library facility
8. Engaging in sexual conduct or indecent exposure
9. Bringing animals into a Library facility, except for animals brought in for Library programs and service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act
10. Purposely impeding or hindering another person’s movement into, about, or out of a Library facility or vehicle
11. Occupying multiple chairs or excessive table space
12. Violating the Library’s Policy on Internet and Computer Use
13. Soliciting money, donations, or signatures in Library facilities
14. Failing to abide by any physical distancing requirements that are in effect
15. Failing to abide by any safety face-covering requirement that is in effect
16. Persistently and uninvitedly following another person
17. Failing to wear appropriate attire, including a shirt and shoes
18. Making noise that unreasonably interferes with others’ use of the Library or with the work of Library staff members, including loud talking, laughter, playing of music or video recordings, or telephone conversations
19. Selling, purchasing, or offering to sell or purchase a product or service while on Library property or in a Library vehicle, except when authorized at a Library-sponsored event
20. Photographing or making an audio or video recording that invades the privacy of Library customers or rises to the level of harassment or interferes with Library operations
21. An adult photographing or making an audio or video recording of minors who did not accompany the adult taking the photograph or making the recording unless the minor’s parent, guardian, or accompanying adult grants permission
22. Using Library restrooms or other Library facilities for bathing or washing clothing or other personal items
23. Failing to provide proper supervision of children for whom one is responsible
24. Running or engaging in horseplay
25. Smoking or vaping
26. Eating or drinking, except where permitted
27. Littering
28. Sleeping
29. Camping on Library property
30. Leaving personal items such as backpacks, suitcases, two-wheeled or folding carts, purses, bags, study supplies, cell phones, computers, or clothing unattended inside or on library property or in the custody of Library staff
31. Using skates, skateboards, or folding scooters inside Library buildings
32. Bringing into the Library wheeled recreational devices (such as wagons, bicycles, tricycles, or scooters), shopping (grocery) carts, and similar wheeled vehicles that are not used as ADA assistance or mobility devices

Public Health and Safety

It is the responsibility of the Library to maintain a healthy and clean environment for all customers and to protect the community’s investment in Library collections, equipment, and property from pests and other threats to health and cleanliness. The Library may charge a customer for damage to materials or restrict a customer’s ability to borrow materials or to visit Library property when such use may jeopardize the health of others or the cleanliness of Library facilities, collections, equipment, or furniture. The Library also may require proof that a customer’s residence has been successfully treated for and eradicated of pests by a licensed and accredited pest control company in order to restore Library privileges. Customers who return materials that cannot be used or salvaged will be charged for the damaged items.

Expulsions

Customers who violate this policy may be required by staff members or security officers to leave the Library for the rest of the day. Longer expulsions may be imposed by the Security Manager. The length and terms of such longer expulsions will be based on the type and degree of harm caused, threatened, or risked; the willfulness of the violation; the persistence of the violation; whether warnings were ignored or defied; and any history of previous violations by the customer. If possible, the Security Manager will inform the customer of the length and terms of the expulsion. When practicable, the Library will provide alternative means by which expelled customers may use Library materials and services (e.g., drive-up service, outside pickup service).

Reconsideration of Expulsions

Customers upon whom such longer expulsions are imposed may request reconsideration of the expulsion by contacting the Security Manager by telephone at 330-643-9172 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. In that event, the Security Manager will discuss the incident with the customer and with other affected parties, including any staff members and security officers who were involved, and gather pertinent information. The Security Manager has discretion to alter the length and terms of the expulsion as a result of the reconsideration.

Appeals of Expulsions Exceeding 30 Days

After reconsideration by the Security Manager, a customer who has been expelled for longer than 30 days may appeal the expulsion to the Executive Director of the Library or the Executive Director’s designee. A customer may request an in-person hearing or may submit a written statement and any other documentation to the Executive Director. Requests must be made within five (5) working days of the conclusion of the Security Manager’s reconsideration. If the customer submits a written statement, the Executive Director or the Executive Director’s designee will make a decision based upon that statement any attached documents. If the customer requests an in-person hearing, the customer will be notified of the date, time, and place of the hearing by mail. The customer will be informed of the outcome of the appeal in writing as soon as practicable.

In-person appeal hearings must be requested in writing. Such requests and any statements or other documentation must be sent either by electronic mail sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by mail addressed to

Executive Director
Akron-Summit County Public Library
60 S High Street
Akron, OH 44326

Adopted by the ASCPL Board of Trustees on October 31, 2024.

The Akron-Summit County Public Library utilizes numerous online platforms — including social networking websites and apps, blogs, and other social media tools — for informational, promotional, educational, cultural, civic, and recreational purposes. Library social media accounts provide a limited (or designated) public forum to facilitate the sharing of ideas, opinions, and information about library-related subjects and issues.

Library social media is intended to create a welcoming and inviting online space where library users will find useful and entertaining information and can interact with library staff and other library users. The Library welcomes comments, posts, and messages from the community and recognizes and respects differences in opinion. Library staff regularly review comments, however, and the Library reserves the right to remove comments as described below. Violation of the Social Media Policy may result in warnings or restrictions on interactions with Library social media. Those who violate the Social Media Policy may also be subject to provisions of the Customer Behavior Policy.

Herein, “social media” is defined as any web application, site, or account offered by the Library that facilitates the sharing of opinions and information about Library-related subjects and issues. Social media formats include, but are not limited to, social networking websites and apps (such as Facebook and Instagram), blogs, and patron ratings of library materials.

Posts or comments on Library social media accounts or platforms containing the following are against Library rules and may be hidden or removed by Library staff:

1. Harassing speech, oral or written, that, if severe and pervasive, would violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or language that is vulgar, obscene, harassing, or libelous
2. Attacks on any individuals or groups based on gender, disability, sexual orientation or identity, age, ethnicity, race, religion, or socio-economic status
3. Specific threats of imminent violence or other unlawful acts
4. Statements supporting or opposing a candidate for public office
5. Solicitation of funds, except by the Library and ASCPL Friends of the Library groups
6. Private or personal information, including phone numbers and addresses or requests for personal information
7. Copyright violations
8. Commercial material
9. Off-topic comments
10. Spam, such as duplicated posts from the same individual or links to unrelated, third-party websites

Adopted by the ASCPL Board of Trustees on January 25, 2024.

The Akron-Summit County Public Library is pleased to offer a wide range of materials for borrowing. Here you will find information related to borrowing library material, library cards, and necessary rules.

Registering For A Library Card

Adults who live, work, or attend school may obtain a FREE library card by registering online or at any ASCPL location. Children may obtain a library card with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. We require verification of adult applicant’s identity, Ohio residency, and age. Contact any ASCPL location for more information on accepted verification documents.

Adults who can verify their identity but do not have proof of address qualify for an Opportunity Card. Opportunity Card holders may borrow up to 3 physical books, DVDs, or CDs and have access to ASCPL’s digital collection, databases, and public computers

Item Limits & Loan Periods

Hoopla Digital Media

Hoopla Limit Items

There is no limit as to how many items you can have out at a time, but you may only have 25 checkouts total per month. To learn more about borrowing Hoopla media items, visit our streaming media page.

Kanopy

Kanopy Limit Items

Cardholders have 30 tickets per month to borrow films and episodic content. Each film or show will list the number of tickets required and the loan period. Unused tickets do not roll over into the next month Learn how tickets work.

To learn more about borrowing Kanopy media items, visit our streaming media page.

Libby

Reserving Library Materials

• Customers may place holds on most library materials except Reference materials, Lucky Day, Books in Boxes, and Book Club to Go sets.
• Holds may be placed in person, by telephone, via the Library Catalog, or through the Akron Library Mobile App.
• Customers may have a maximum of 100 holds at any time.
• Books-in-Boxes must be reserved in person or by calling the Children's Library at 330-643-9050.
• Book Club to Go sets must be reserved in person or by calling Culture & AV at 330-643-9035.

Renewing Library Materials

• Most items can be renewed up to five times.
• Items that are on hold for another customer cannot be renewed. Learn about all of the renewal options available for patrons.
• Lucky Day, hotspots, Community Passes, and items that have received a second (final) overdue notice cannot be renewed.
• Customers may choose to receive hold and overdue library notices by telephone or email. Text messaging is also available by opting in to the service (see below).
• Two notices will be sent to borrowers with long overdue items.
• The second (and final) notice will be mailed.
• Courtesy notices are sent to those who receive their notices via email or text. These reminder notices are sent three days before an item is due.
• Learn more about notice options and opting in to the text messaging service.

Claimed Returned

• Customers are allowed only two claimed returned items. If the item claimed to be returned is not found by the Library and the item reaches "billed" status, the customer will be responsible for paying to replace it.

Damaged Materials

• Customers are responsible for returning Library materials in the same condition in which it was checked out. Fees will be charged for material that is returned damaged beyond normal wear.