The purpose of this policy is to define what the library’s community bulletin boards may and may not be used to advertise. It applies to both the library’s virtual community events page as well as our in-house bulletin boards.
Posting Guidelines
All items must be reviewed and posted by library staff. Notices posted without authorization will be removed. The Library Director or designee has final say on postings.
All activities and events noted in the materials for distribution and display must be open to all.
Due to limited space, the library reserves the right to prioritize items that are posted based on community interest and timeliness. The library reserves the right to remove postings early or delay approval of an item based on space limitations.
Postings will be date stamped and removed after the event has passed, or after four weeks. The library cannot hold or return materials to any group or individual after the posting expires.
Posting of materials does not imply library endorsement nor consent; nor will the library accept responsibility for the accuracy of the statements made in such materials.
Postings may not be any larger than 8 ½” x 11”.
Postings with tear off tabs are strongly discouraged. Such fliers may be removed by library staff before the removal date if they become a nuisance.
The library will not edit postings, whether printed or online, for content, spelling, or formatting.
Community bulletin boards MAY be used for the following:
Postings of forthcoming or continuing educational, social, civic, charitable, cultural or recreational events and activities in Northborough. Events occurring in towns immediately surrounding, and of interest to, Northborough may be approved, provided that there is sufficient space available on the board.
Flyers, brochures, or schedules of local nonprofit organizations, groups or agencies.
Postings by any federal, state, or local government agencies providing services to citizens.
Postings announcing community services and volunteer opportunities.
Postings containing unbiased, neutral information about a Northborough warrant article or ballot measure, or that include information about all of the candidates running for a Northborough board or committee. Postings advertising candidate forums or information sessions are also permitted.
Community bulletin boards MAY NOT be used for the following:
Postings that discriminate, or promote hate, against any individual(s) or group(s) of individuals by race, religion, creed, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, physical or mental challenges or conditions, military or veteran service, citizenship, housing status, or any other factor.
Postings that encourage, promote, incite, or in any way condone any illegal activity or any kind of violence, harassment, physical harm, etc. against any individuals or groups of individuals.
Commercial materials (solicitations, business cards, job postings, retail advertising, etc.) from individuals or for-profit groups, companies, or organizations (including - but not limited to - for-profit nursery schools, job announcements, and personal notices of items for sale).
Postings - personal or otherwise - for the solicitation of members, requesting donations, raising funds, or selling merchandise, with some exceptions at the discretion of the library.
Materials that support or oppose any political candidate or ballot measure. Materials on individual candidates can not be distributed or displayed in the library.
Postings that seek to persuade politically or religiously.
Materials that support or oppose a specific religious conviction.
Postings that reduce or interfere with others’ equitable access to Library materials, services, and spaces.
Postings that contain obscene content, as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Last update: August 9, 2023
Approved by the Library Trustees on September 12, 2023