[Michlib-l] Library Grounds and non-library programs

Fri Aug 22 13:09:43 EDT 2025

Hello Jocelyn:

I hope you are well!

For your question:

You absolutely want a policy! You also want to consider:

  *   If you own the parking lot, check with your insurance company and evaluate your risk if someone gets hurt, etc. Depending on your policy the coverage may be different for the parking lot than the building.
  *   Public entities must be way of “endorsing” specific groups- especially if the library is rejecting some groups and allowing others. The library CAN have criteria but it is important – like the meeting room, to have objective criteria/rules that are enforced equitably. The library as a government public entity also cannot use library funds or assets for the benefit of other entities, so be wary of  how you are “promoting.”
  *   Work with law enforcement of another local government agency to ensure that appropriate barriers and traffic direction signage is placed if the parking lot will be blocked off.
  *   Consider issues such as restroom usage for people taking advantage of the services in the parking lot. Will this be a problem?
  *   Unless the event is considered a library program, the library should carefully consider the use of library staff for these events – library staff can’t work for non-library entities (a little help is ok – but a staff member should not be allotted to work a significant amount of time with the event, or perform duties that are hazardous or require special training– if there are any problems, there could be workers comp and other issues.)

I strongly encourage you to consult your attorney before implementing this.

I hope that is helpful!
Sincerely,
Clare

Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D.
Library Law Consultant
Library of Michigan
MembielaC at michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC at michigan.gov>
517-335-8132

The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

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From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org> On Behalf Of Jocelyn Levin via Michlib-l
Sent: Friday, August 22, 2025 12:29 PM
To: Tracy Logan <logant at cadillaclibrary.org>
Cc: michlib-l <michlib-l at mcls.org>
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Library Grounds and non-library programs

CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse at michigan.gov<mailto:abuse at michigan.gov>

Hi Tracy!

We would require them to "book" the parking lot the same way local non-profit organizations are allowed to reserve our meeting room space. Same policies as we have for using the meeting room I would think.

~Jocelyn

Jocelyn Levin, MLIS
Youth Services Librarian
jlevin at ltpl.org<mailto:jlevin at ltpl.org>
*Please note new email address*
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org<http://www.mypronouns.org/> to learn more.
Lyon Township Public Library
27005 S. Milford Rd, South Lyon, MI 48178
248.437.8800
www.LTPL.org<http://www.ltpl.org/>

On Fri, Aug 22, 2025 at 10:14 AM Tracy Logan via Michlib-l <michlib-l at mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l at mcls.org>> wrote:
Hello Lovely Library People!

I am experiencing a new phenomenon for us this summer. Outside organizations have approached the library (or just shown up) to provide or promote some kind of service to the public and want to set up in the library parking lot. They are not businesses but rather things like the local mobile health clinic or council on aging. I can recognize that these are positive acts that we want to encourage but I don't have any kind of policy that addresses this beyond "Random people can't set up tables on library grounds" etc. When it was just one organization, I got wind of it in time to run it past my library board. But now we're up to four organizations, all of whom have asked at the last minute without giving me time to approach my board. I think I need a policy. Do you have something that addresses this, you would be willing to share? I don't even know what to call it. Parking Lot Policy?

Thanks!

--
Tracy Logan
Library Director
Cadillac Wexford Public Library
411 S. Lake Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
231-775-6541
logant at cadillaclibrary.org<mailto:logant at cadillaclibrary.org>
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