Both the United States and Massachusetts Constitutions protect the public’s right to solicit signatures on nomination papers and ballot question petitions in a reasonable and unobtrusive manner in open public areas, including the Memorial Hall Library. The right to solicit signatures includes distribution of related printed material in the common areas subject to reasonable regulations.
Accordingly, Memorial Hall Library allows the collection of signatures for nomination papers and petitions, as well campaign activities, in the library building, subject to conditions set by the Library Director or their designee, as long as the collectors do not violate Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 272, Section 41, which prohibits disturbing people in a public library “by making noise or in any other manner.” Regulations of these activities at Memorial Hall Library including the following:
- solicitation and distribution may only be made for nomination papers, ballot questions, and similar political activities; commercial solicitation is not permitted;
- solicitation is limited to the front and rear patios;
- the person(s) collecting signatures or distributing campaign materials may neither interfere with the ongoing activities of the library, nor prevent library users from freely entering or leaving the building;
- for the safety of all, the parking lot may not be used for collecting signatures or distributing campaign materials; nomination papers and campaign materials may not be left unattended; and
- Fundraising (soliciting or receiving) in is not permitted per Massachusetts General Law c. 55 section 14.
Approved by Board of Trustees 1/14/2026