Petitions in the Library Policy

1. Purpose

To establish clear guidelines for the acceptance, handling, and display of petitions within the Fort Erie Public Library system, ensuring that only authorized petitions are distributed or posted while maintaining neutrality of library staff.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all library branches, staff members, volunteers, and patrons of the Fort Erie Public Library who submit, receive, or manage petitions for public display or distribution.

3. Definitions

Petition - A written request, typically signed by individuals or groups, seeking action or a decision from an authority.

Board Approval - Formal authorization granted by the Library Board to allow a petition’s distribution or display.

Town Council Petition - A petition originating from the Fort Erie Town Council, which may be displayed after Board approval.

4. Policy Statement

4.1 Acceptance of Petitions

• No petitions by individuals or groups will be considered for distribution or display in any branch of the Fort Erie Public Library, except those originating from the Library itself or Fort Erie Town Council.
• Any petition from the Library or Town Council must obtain Library Board approval before it can be posted or distributed.

4.2 Guidelines for Dealing with Petitions

• When a patron or organization presents a petition for posting in the Library, the staff member receiving the request must inform the person that the Board’s policy only permits Town and Library petitions.
• If the requester requires further information, or presses for an exception, the staff member should forward the request to the CEO.
• Once a petition has received Library Board approval, the CEO’s office will forward it to the appropriate branches in the required format and quantity, along with any specific instructions for posting or public access.
• Library management and staff must remain neutral: they shall not speak for or against any petition. Their role is limited to posting or displaying the petition and any accompanying background material, adhering strictly to the instructions regarding copy numbers, display dates, and the destination for signatures and other materials at the conclusion of the petition period.
• All petitions must include contact‑point information for patrons seeking further details.

5. Responsibilities

Library Staff

• Communicate the petition policy to requesters.
• Forward unsatisfactory requests to the CEO.
• Post/display approved petitions exactly as instructed.

CEO

• Receive petitions forwarded by staff.
• Submit petitions to the Library Board for approval.
• Distribute approved petitions to branches per the Board’s directions.

Library Board

• Review and approve petitions originating from the Library or Town Council.
• Provide clear instructions for posting, distribution, and handling of petition materials.

6. Compliance

Non‑compliance with this policy may result in:

• Removal of the petition from display.
• Referral of the incident to library administration for corrective action.
• Staff who violate the terms, particularly the neutrality provision, may be subject to disciplinary action.

7. Communication

This policy will be distributed to all applicable parties via Rise. An updated copy of the Policy Manual will be located in Sharepoint and at the circulation desk.

8. Related Documents

Fort Erie Public Library Board Governance Manual

9. Review Date

This policy shall be reviewed every four years, with the next scheduled review in January 2030.