The City of Santa Clara recognizes that the public may wish to use the Library grounds for various purposes. This wish must be balanced with the needs of the City and the users of the Library. Thus, the Library is considered to be a limited public forum subject to certain time, place and manner restrictions. Any individual or group wishing to use the Library grounds by speaking or distributing petitions, surveys, or other written information of a public, noncommercial, or religious nature may do so under the conditions set forth below.

1. All activities covered by this policy must be carried out outside and at least 20 feet away from any Library entrance
2. Person(s) conducting activities covered by this policy must comply with all requests of Library staff and shall not:
   1. harass or intimidate others;
   2. touch or handle any individual in any manner;
   3. block, hinder or impede travel to or from the Library or any entrance or exit;
   4. set up or use tables, easels, free-standing displays, signboards, signs, chairs or furniture of any type (permittees will be allowed to bring a chair to accommodate a disability);
   5. disrupt the orderly operation of the Library (this provision includes, but shall not be limited to, raised voices);
   6. violate any law of the United States, the State of California or any ordinance of the City of Santa Clara.
3. In order to ensure safe ingress and egress of Library customers the Library reserves the right to:
   1. limit participation during any given time period
   2. limit the size of a group
4. All materials and trash must be removed from Library grounds.
5. No public address, voice enhancement, light display or other electronic devices may be used on Library grounds.
6. Those who fail to comply with the terms of this policy may be asked to leave Library grounds and may be denied subsequent ability to use space on Library grounds for similar purposes.
7. Commercial advertising, vending, selling or soliciting of any type, as well as any other commercial or for-profit activities, are strictly prohibited on Library grounds.

Downloadable policy document: Policy for the Use of Library Grounds

Revised & Approved by Board of Library Trustees, November 4, 2024