5. POLICIES GOVERNING THE FACILITY

5.1 OPEN HOURS

Newport Public Library is open to the public during these hours:

The Library will be closed on the following City holidays:

5.2 USE OF BUILDING BY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

The Library is a City of Newport facility intended primarily for the provision of library materials, services, and programs. While Newport Public Library seeks to work cooperatively with other community organizations and may sponsor or endorse cooperative activities, the building and grounds are not generally available for non-library-related programs, meetings, or events, except as noted below.

5.3 PETITIONS

The Library allows petitioning by members of the public in the outside public area under the building overhang that is just to the north of the eastern front door.

The person soliciting signatures should check in at the circulation desk and fill out an information sheet giving name, address and phone number.

Use of this area by petitioners does not indicate the Library's endorsement of the issue that is the subject of the petition, and the Library will not assist the petitioners.

Petitioners may not hinder either foot or automobile traffic, or disrupt use of the library in any way. Building users may not be harassed, threatened, or interfered with. The entrances to the building may not be blocked.

5.4 DISPLAYS OF ART

When considering the acquisition or exhibition of artwork, the Library Board shall appoint a committee to recommend appropriate action. The committee shall include at least a member of the Board and a member of the Library staff with a suitable academic or professional background. In the event that a staff member is unavailable, the Board will appoint a member of the community with similar qualifications. All artwork will be submitted to the committee, which will make its evaluation based on criteria of professionalism and suitability for the building. The Board reserves the right to dispose of any purchases or donations as it sees fit.

5.5 BULLETIN BOARDS

The Library provides bulletin boards for library announcements and local general interest items. The bulletin board is not intended as a forum or for items of a personal or commercial nature. In accord with the Library Bill of Rights, the Library will post materials appropriate to the bulletin board's purpose in a timely fashion and "on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting [the posting]". However, because space is limited, the Library cannot guarantee that all materials will be posted, and all postings are subject to the judgment of Library staff. No material will be posted for more than thirty days.