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Community Information Policy

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General Purpose

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In alignment with our mission to empower our community by supporting literacy, fostering connections, and providing services that enrich lives, the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield (hence known as “PLJCS”) provides designated space for the distribution of community information. This policy outlines guidelines for the use of the Library’s information table and bulletin board to ensure they remain valuable resources for educational, cultural, and civic engagement. 

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  • Eligibility: Priority is given to notices and materials of government, non-profit, educational, and charitable organizations. Commercial or for-profit business advertisements will not be allowed unless they are specifically employment-related or community service-oriented. 

  • Approval Process: All materials must be submitted to Library staff for approval before being posted or displayed. Staff will handle all posting, placement, and removal of materials.

  • Duration: Materials will be displayed as space permits, typically for 30 days or until the event date has passed. 

  • Content Restrictions: To ensure the spaces remain focused on community enrichment and civic connection, the following materials will be prohibited:

    • Commercial or for-profit advertisements for products or services.

    • Personal notices (e.g., items for sale, lost pets, or job seeking).

    • Postings by specific political candidates or parties, or religious proselytizing. 

  • Space Limitations: Due to limited space, the Library reserves the right to restrict the size and number of materials from any single organization.

  • Responsibility: The Library is not responsible for returning materials or the damage or theft of any materials submitted for display. Materials that are on the bulletin board or information tables do not constitute an endorsement by the Library.

 

Free Publications

 

The Library will consider being a point of distribution for select free publications and brochures within the following criteria:

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  • Furnish reliable information of wide appeal to the community.

  • Focus on local interests/events in Johnston County and adjacent communities.

  • Relate to the needs of current and incoming residents of Johnston County.

  • Provide available space for the distribution of publications or brochures.

  • Remove out-of-date materials in a timely manner while delivering current materials consistently.

 

Selection/Approval

 

The Library Director must approve all postings and information and may prohibit postings/information that do not meet Library policy. Either the Library Director or Library staff will date and initial the back of each posting and place it on the community bulletin board. Removal of expired postings will be prompt. Library and governmental notices will receive priority.

 

Failure to meet the criteria will result in the loss of distribution privileges and the potential discarding of materials.

 

​                     Approved by the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield Board of Trustees on 09/21/2026

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