Public Space

Public spaces: areas that are generally open to all; where people can freely engage in individual or group activities, and which may or may not be limited by library opening hours.

Exterior spaces: outdoor areas immediately surrounding or adjacent to library buildings.

Interior spaces: areas within library buildings, both inside and outside of the security gates, where public access is normally allowed during library hours. The Library prioritizes delivery of Library programs and services within these spaces.

Vancouver Public Library respectfully acknowledges that all of the Library’s public spaces are located on the traditional, unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Indigenous Peoples have been excluded from their own lands, and the Library is committed to creating public spaces that include the Nations on their own territory and recognize the history and culture of Indigenous Peoples of these lands, and to doing so in conjunction with, and under the guidance of, the Nations.

1.General

1.1 The Library’s public space is an important part of our overall vision for an informed, engaged, and connected city.
1.2 The Library believes that it has a responsibility to support a society that respects diversity, fosters social inclusion and is guided by democratic values.
1.3 Our public space contributes to community building by providing an opportunity for diverse cultures and socio-economic groups to express opinions and perspectives through personal interaction, planned assemblies and celebrations. It is an expression of our commitment to collective values, free and open access and public deliberations. It also provides opportunities for solitude and reflection.
1.4 Active use of our public space places the Library at the centre of public life and supports life-long learning. The Library encourages the general public and community organizations to make use of its space for activities compatible with the Library’s goals and objectives.
1.5 The Library recognizes the right of citizens to free assembly and protest and will not unduly restrict access to exterior public spaces for these purposes, as long as access to library services and the safety of the public and staff is maintained.

2.Exterior spaces
 
2.1 Petitions, in-person solicitation of donations and leafleting
a) Registered charities are permitted to petition, solicit donations in-person, and leaflet in exterior spaces as long as pedestrians are not harassed and the petitioners are not present more than seven consecutive days.

2.2 Demonstrations, Events & Performances
a) Prior notification is required for all organized group activity on Library public spaces.
b) Events in exterior spaces must take into consideration sound volume and duration as well as adjacent residences and hotels, and whether permits may be required by the City of Vancouver.

2.3 Commercial Activity & Displays
a) Distribution of commercial information and materials in Library public spaces is prohibited unless in conjunction with rentals and approved within a rental agreement, in accordance with the Public Meeting Rooms and Facilities Use Policy.
b) Vendor kiosks on Library exterior spaces require a permit from the City of Vancouver.
c) Displays are not permitted unless in conjunction with a rental and approved within a rental agreement.
d) Given the role of the South Plaza at the Central library as a public gathering place, the Library reserves the right to limit its availability for display, rental or commercial activity.

3.Interior spaces

3.1 Petitions, in-person solicitation of donations and leafleting
a) Petitions, in-person solicitation of donations or support, and leafleting are not permitted in Library interior spaces unless in conjunction with a rental and approved within a rental agreement, or within the terms of the Political Use of Library Space policy.
b) The Chief Librarian & CEO has the authority to approve petitions, in-person solicitation of donations and leafleting which originate with the Library, the Friends of Vancouver Public Library, the Vancouver Public Library Foundation, the City of Vancouver or Public Library InterLINK.

3.2 Demonstrations
a) Demonstrations are not permitted in Library interior spaces.

3.3 Commercial activity
a) Distribution of commercial information and materials in Library interior spaces is prohibited unless in conjunction with rentals and approved within a rental agreement, in accordance with the Public Meeting Rooms and Facilities Use Policy.

3.4 Displays
a) Displays are not permitted unless in conjunction with a rental and approved within a rental agreement.

For staff: Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

For the public: Members of the public who violate this policy will be asked to cease the activity causing the disturbance or to leave the premises.

• Meeting Rooms and Facilities Use Regulation (Board Policy)
• Photography and Video in Library Spaces (Board Policy)
• Political Use of Library Space (Board Policy)
• Public Meeting Rooms and Facilities Use (Board Policy)
• Research Participation (Board Policy)
• Roof Access - Library Square - Central Library (Administrative Policy)