Policy Statement

The City of Phoenix and Phoenix Public Library (Library) (collectively referred to as The City) uphold and support the constitutional right to free speech. Members of the public are welcome to engage in free speech activities in a safe exterior area in accordance with City regulations outlining the time, place and manner of such activities. Library visitors should be able to enjoy the Library’s facilities, programs, services, and activities without fear of disruptive behavior, harassment, intimidation, or threats to their safety and well-being.

Scope

This Policy is applicable to all Library properties. The South Mountain Community Library, however, is situated on the South Mountain Community College campus and the College's speech policies may take priority. Persons engaging in any free speech activities as outlined in this policy are referred to as “Speakers.”

Regulations

These regulations are designed to enable those wishing to exercise their freedom of speech,

while protecting the public’s right to the use and enjoyment of the library without interfering with the Library and City’s ability to conduct necessary business activities.

The activities of Speakers are not a reflection of the policies, opinions, or views of the City, their officials, employees, and representatives; the City takes a content neutral position as to the message of any Speaker. The City reserves the right to take action against those whose behavior does not comply with this Policy or the Maintaining a Safe and Appropriate Library Environment Policy. If Speakers choose not to follow these standards, they will be asked to leave. Police may be called if Speakers refuse to leave the Library or if the behavior itself is illegal. Illegal activity, as well as any willful or repeated violations of these policies, may result in a suspension of access to some library services.

Free Speech Activities may include, but are not limited to:

a. "Demonstrating” – speaking,

holding

or carrying signs, or using expressive

attempting

personal contact with library customers.

b.“Pamphleteering” – distributing literature, or

attempting

to engage customers in

Commercial activities such as offering products or services for sale, soliciting tips for services, or soliciting donations are prohibited on all Library properties regardless of any City of Phoenix permits. Additional policies may apply to Library parking lots which may be controlled by other City Departments or other entities.
Listed acceptable activities must be contained within the areas designated by the Library for such activities. These areas abut ingress and egress areas and are intended to keep the sidewalks clear and safe for Library customers. Consult www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org for maps showing the designated areas.
Access to and use of the areas will be on a first ome, first served basis and if more than one Speaker wishes to use the area, it must be shared equitably. Areas may only be used during Library operating hours.
Speakers’ volume that interferes with the use and intended purpose of the Library is prohibited. Speakers are asked to control the level of any noise resulting from their activities so that it does not disturb library customers or library staff. The City reserves the right to define volume levels that are considered disruptive.
Speakers must provide their own supplies, equipment, and personal furniture; the Library will not provide or store any such property.
The Library reserves the right to remove any items that may be deemed hazardous, unsafe, are interfering with ingress/egress to the facility and/or are otherwise interfering with the use and intended purpose of the Library.
Speakers exercising their free speech are utilizing the area by choice and are responsible for any injury to self, others, and/or property.
All printed information, such as posters, pamphlets, cards, door hangers, etc. must be hand-held or hand-distributed unless attached to Speakers’ personal furniture or belongings. No such materials may be placed on or attached to the buildings, walls, columns, lights, or other structural/ornamental features of the Library, and/or vehicles in Library parking areas, bike racks or on bicycles.
Unattended signs, posters, notes, pamphlets, personal furniture, or belongings of Speakers are not permitted and, if found, will be removed and discarded by the City.

Library users who wish to request a reasonable accommodation regarding this Policy may contact 602-262-4636, TTY 711, or submit your request in person or through Ask Us at phoenixpubliclibrary.org at least 14 business days before the event.

Approved by the Library Advisory Board on April 15, 2026