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Ohio Library Sued for Ousting PetitionersTwo men who were asked to stop soliciting signatures on Avon Lake (Ohio) Public Library property for a petition opposing a tax abatement for a luxury condominium development filed a federal lawsuit December 30 claiming that library officials had violated their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Named as defendants are board President Donald R. Arnold, Director Mary P. Crehore, and Assistant Director Linda L. Chopra.The library’s guidelines on patron conduct advises that: “Members of the public may not circulate petitions . . . or otherwise make solicitations of library staff or library patrons, except as may be approved by the Board of Trustees.” The policy also cautions that staff may call the police “in the event of serious disorderly conduct on the part of any patron.” Plaintiffs Keith Davey and Gerald W. Phillips first brought their petition campaign to the library December 28 and left after staff “asked them to cease and desist,” Crehore told American Libraries. An attorney she subsequently consulted advised calling the police if there was another incident. Staff did so the following day, when Davey and Phillips returned and refused to leave voluntarily until a squad car arrived. “They could have asked the board for permission,” Crehore noted. “But they didn’t.” Posted January 7, 2005. |
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