Charity Collection Containers Policy

The Cook Memorial Public Library District (“Library”) provides designated areas for charity collection containers (“Containers”) sponsored by, or designed to benefit, not-for-profit community organizations to serve the needs of the Library and the Library District community. The Library Director has the discretion to determine appropriate use of these spaces in the Library’s best interest and may take necessary action, including denying the use of Containers by individuals or groups whose activities disrupt Library operations, compromise safety, or create disturbances. Charitable organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation that are directly involved with fund raising efforts for the Library, as determined by the Library Director, are not subject to this policy and instead shall follow the directives of the Library Director for the placement of collection containers.

Article I: Limits of Use.

1. Approval shall be granted on a first come first served basis. Organizations based in the Library District will be given priority.
2. The Library will provide and monitor all Containers. Organizations may not supply their own containers.
3. The Library reserves the right to limit the number of simultaneous Containers.
4. Each organization may receive approval no more than one time within a 12-month period.
5. Collection containers are limited to a maximum period of 30 days.
6. Items that do not fit or overflow any container will not be accepted, and the Library reserves the right to remove any such items.
7. The Library is not responsible for managing collected items. Organizations are responsible for monitoring their designated Container and ensuring it is emptied as needed. If a Container becomes full or is not maintained, the Library reserves the right to remove or discontinue the collection.
8. Containers may not be used for the following purposes:
   1. Selling items or promoting paid services.
   2. Advertising or selling personal or commercial items or services (autos, used furniture, day care, house cleaning, tutoring, etc.) or for personal or commercial solicitation, fundraising, or recruitment. Promotions of fundraising by area non-profit organizations based in the District may be permitted.
   3. Promoting political parties or candidates, or those advocating any other issue on the election ballot.
   4. Advocating a position on a public issue.
   5. Collecting items that violate any local, state, or federal law, including, but not limited to, those concerning copyright, fraud, privacy, or obscenity.
   6. Collecting items that are not suitable for viewing by minors.
   7. Collecting items that incite violence or promote hatred toward or discrimination against any individuals or groups of individuals.

Article II: Procedures.

1. Organizations must submit an online application for Library approval when requesting the use of a Container. Any unauthorized collection efforts or outside Containers will be removed.
2. Applications must include the following information: the name of the organization submitting the request; a list of acceptable donation items; and an explanation of how the donated goods will be used.
3. The sponsoring organization must pick up collected items when contacted by the Library. All items must be retrieved within one business day of notification.
4. Any items left uncollected will be disposed of if not picked up within five business days after the collection period ends.

Article III: Endorsement.

Providing a Container for any organization does not imply endorsement by Library staff or the Board of Trustees of any product, service, activity, event, or viewpoint.

Article IV: Failure to Comply.

Violation of the Charity Collection Containers Policy may result in the removal of the Container and/or loss of future hosting privileges.

Article V: Damages and Liability.

The Library is not responsible for arranging the return of donated items and assumes no liability for the loss or damage of items placed in any charity collection container.

Any individual, group, or organization using Library space for a collection container is responsible for any willful or accidental damage to Library property.

Article VI: Appeal.

Appeals or requests for exceptions may be submitted in writing to the Library Director for review and response.

Adopted: 05/20/25